TL;DR
Get kitchen staples and gadgets delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
A Good Housekeeping report highlights 13 long-running beauty products that dermatologists say still have practical uses, including cold cream, petrolatum and gentle cleansers. The recommendations are product-specific: some suit dry or sensitive skin, while mentholated Noxzema may irritate sensitive users.
A Good Housekeeping report identifies 13 long-established beauty products that dermatologists say still serve practical purposes, from removing makeup to moisturizing dry skin. The list includes familiar brands such as Pond’s, Vaseline, Cetaphil and Noxzema, but the experts’ comments also stress that an older product is not automatically suitable for every skin type.
Among the most broadly useful products in the report are Vaseline and Pond’s Cold Cream. Board-certified dermatologist Whitney Hovenic describes petrolatum as an effective occlusive moisturizer that can seal in moisture and protect irritated skin. She says cold cream combines cleansing and moisturizing: its beeswax and mineral oil help dissolve makeup and impurities while leaving skin soft. Dermatologist Kormeili also describes the formula as heavy, making it a better fit for dry skin than for everyone.
The list also includes Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, which the report says was created in 1947 and has a soap-free, unscented formula intended to cleanse without stripping skin. Hovenic praises Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, part of its three-step system, and says it has been a dermatologist favorite since the 1960s. Gold Bond Powder is cited for its long-running role in addressing sweat, chafing and irritation; dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky says the brand focuses on common skin concerns at affordable prices.
Other entries span body care and makeup: Nivea Creme and Jergens Original Cherry Almond Lotion for moisturizing; Maybelline Great Lash Mascara for defined lashes; and Clinique Chubby Stick for low-fuss lip color. The report also names Pears Glycerin Soap and Noxzema Cleansing Cream. Hovenic cautions that Noxzema’s menthol and eucalyptus may irritate sensitive skin, and says it is better suited to oily skin types or occasional use.
Classic Formulas, Different Skin Needs
The report’s practical message is that simple, familiar formulas can still meet everyday needs, without requiring elaborate routines. Petrolatum can reduce moisture loss, gentle cleansers can be useful for people seeking a less stripping wash, and cold cream offers an alternative for removing makeup. That can matter to shoppers weighing affordable, widely available staples against newer products marketed around trends.
But dermatologists’ comments do not amount to a universal endorsement of all 13 items. Skin type and ingredients matter: a rich cream may feel too heavy for some users, while mentholated products can irritate sensitive skin. The value of the list is its combination of longevity and specific use cases, rather than a claim that these products work equally well for everyone.
Products Worth Considering

Instant Pot InstantChill Ice Cream Maker with Rolled Ice Cream, No Pre-Freezing, 2-Pint

KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, Almond Cream

KitchenAid 8-Cup Grain and Rice Cooker with Integrated Scale, Porcelain White
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
From Medicine Cabinets to Modern Routines
The products span decades of beauty and personal-care marketing. The report dates Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser to 1947, says Clinique’s three-step system built around cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing has been familiar for generations, and notes that Great Lash has been in makeup bags for more than 50 years. Jergens Original Cherry Almond Lotion is described as having been introduced in the early 1900s.
That history helps explain the “old-school” framing, but age alone does not establish effectiveness or safety for every person. The report draws on comments from dermatologists including Whitney Hovenic, Lindsey Zubritsky and Kormeili. It is a product roundup, not a clinical trial or a comparison testing all 13 products against current alternatives.
““Vaseline is a true multitasker and still one of the most effective occlusive moisturizers.””
— Whitney Hovenic, board-certified dermatologist, on Vaseline
Who Should Use Each Product
The supplied report does not provide clinical test results, comparative data, or detailed ingredient lists for every item. It also does not establish that each product is appropriate for particular diagnoses or for all ages and skin types. Individual tolerance can vary, and the article’s dermatologist comments are not a substitute for personalized medical advice. The report specifically flags possible irritation from Noxzema’s menthol and eucalyptus, but gives no broader safety assessment covering every product.
Choosing a Staple With Care
The report offers no announced follow-up study or product-testing milestone. For readers considering one of these staples, the next step is to match the product to its intended use and check its current packaging and ingredients, since formulations can change. People with sensitive or reactive skin can exercise caution with fragranced or mentholated products and stop using a product if irritation occurs; persistent skin concerns are best discussed with a dermatologist.
Key Questions
Which products did the report say dermatologists still find useful?
The roundup names Pond’s Cold Cream, Gold Bond Powder, Nivea Creme, Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, Vaseline, Clinique’s 3-Step Skincare System, Clinique Chubby Stick, Noxzema, Pears Glycerin Soap, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and Jergens Original Cherry Almond Lotion, among its 13 products. The supplied source excerpt does not include descriptions for all 13 entries.
Is Noxzema suitable for sensitive skin?
Hovenic says Noxzema’s eucalyptus and menthol can irritate sensitive skin. She describes it as better suited to oily skin types or occasional use.
What does the report say Vaseline is useful for?
Hovenic describes Vaseline as an occlusive moisturizer that seals in moisture and can protect against irritation. The report also notes its use for removing makeup.
Does the report prove these products work for everyone?
No. It is a dermatologist-informed product roundup, not a clinical trial. The comments describe potential uses and cautions; they do not establish that every product suits every person.
Source: goodhousekeeping.com
