Brand

Vanicream

Best known for its fragrance-free Moisturizing Cream for sensitive and eczema-prone skin, which carries the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.

Vanicream is a sensitive-skin brand made by Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc. in Rochester, Minnesota. It grew out of collaboration with dermatologists who wanted cleaner options for reactive skin, and its signature thick, fragrance-free white cream remains its best known product. The line is made to drug-quality standards and is now sold at national mass and drug retailers.

Founded

1975 (Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc.); the Vanicream cream was introduced around 1980

Founder

Conrad Thompson and Ed Mansfield, pharmacists who worked alongside dermatologists

Headquarters

Rochester, Minnesota, USA

Ownership

Owned by Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc. (PSI), a private, independently held Minnesota company. No acquisition is on record.

Ownership and scale

PSI remains privately held and moved into its current Rochester facility, the former Telex plant, in 2003. No public revenue figures are disclosed.

Brand timeline

1974
Founders begin working with dermatologists at a local hospital
1975
Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc. is founded
1980
The Vanicream Moisturizing Cream is introduced (approximate)
2003
PSI moves into its current Rochester facility, the former Telex plant
2005
Brian Leary and Rick Sandwick join as partners

Where to buy

Brand siteAmazonTargetWalmartWalgreensCVSUlta

Where to get the best offers

This is a pharmacy-priced brand, so the best value usually comes from larger pump-jar sizes and multipacks on Amazon plus everyday pricing at Target, Walmart, and CVS.

Vanicream products we have reviewed

budget

Moisturizing Cream

Vanicream

Key Ingredient

Petrolatum

Helps restore and maintain the skin's moistureSoothes dry, itchy skin without common irritantsFragrance-free and non-comedogenic for sensitive skin

$13.59/ 16 oz (453 g)($0.03/ml)

Review Product

budget

Daily Facial Moisturizer

Vanicream

Key Ingredient

Squalane

Lightweight daily hydration for day or nightSupports the skin barrier with ceramides and hyaluronic acidAbsorbs quickly and layers well under makeup

$13.99/ 3 fl oz (89 mL)($0.16/ml)

Review Product

budget

Gentle Facial Cleanser

Vanicream

Key Ingredient

Glycerin

Removes makeup and excess oil without over-dryingSoap-free and pH-balanced for delicate skinLeaves skin feeling clean and soft

$9.99/ 8 fl oz (237 mL)($0.04/ml)

Review Product

Brand background is compiled from public sources. Ownership and valuation figures are reported acquisitions or valuations where disclosed; private brands are marked as not publicly disclosed. Prices and retailers change, so confirm on the brand's official page.