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Lacri-Lube is a popular nighttime lubricating eye ointment for dry eyes, but supply gaps and personal preference send many people looking for substitutes. The good news: several over-the-counter ointments offer very similar petrolatum/mineral-oil formulas. Here are the closest alternatives. Note: these are OTC lubricants for comfort — if you have a specific eye condition or use them after surgery, check with your eye doctor first.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Refresh P.M. Lubricant Eye Ointment | $10–$16 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | Systane Nighttime Lubricant Eye Ointment | $10–$15 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | GenTeal Tears Lubricant Eye Ointment (PM) | $10–$16 | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | HYLO NIGHT (VitA-POS) Eye Ointment | $12–$20 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
Refresh P.M. Lubricant Eye Ointment
The most direct like-for-like swap — from the same Refresh family as Lacri-Lube, with a comparable white petrolatum/mineral oil base.
- Petrolatum + mineral oil ointment
- Nighttime/long-lasting relief
- Preservative-free
- Same brand family as Lacri-Lube
- Closest match to Lacri-Lube
- Preservative-free formula
- Widely stocked
- Blurs vision (use at bedtime)
- Greasy feel like all ointments
Systane Nighttime Lubricant Eye Ointment
A widely available nighttime ointment with a rich petrolatum base for long-lasting overnight protection.
- High petrolatum content (~94%)
- Overnight lubrication
- Mineral oil blend
- From the trusted Systane line
- Very protective overnight
- Easy to find
- Soothing for severe dryness
- Heavier/greasier feel
- Significant blurring on application
GenTeal Tears Lubricant Eye Ointment (PM)
Another close petrolatum-based substitute, often recommended alongside Refresh PM for nighttime dry-eye relief.
- Petrolatum/mineral oil base (~93%)
- Nighttime ointment
- Long-lasting film
- Drugstore staple
- Comparable formula to Lacri-Lube
- Reliable overnight comfort
- Easy to source
- Blurs vision
- Ointment greasiness
HYLO NIGHT (VitA-POS) Eye Ointment
A vitamin-A–based nighttime ointment that ophthalmology bodies list as a Lacri-Lube alternative — preservative-free and lanolin-containing.
- Vitamin A (retinol palmitate) ointment
- Preservative-free
- Nighttime use
- Recommended by eye-care bodies
- Preservative-free
- A recognized clinical alternative
- Smooth overnight film
- Contains lanolin (avoid if sensitive)
- Availability varies by region
Buying tips
- Use lubricating ointments at bedtime — they blur vision, so they’re not for daytime wear.
- For the closest match to Lacri-Lube, start with Refresh P.M. (same brand family, similar base).
- Choose preservative-free options (Refresh PM, HYLO Night) if you use ointment nightly or have sensitive eyes.
- Lanolin-sensitive? Skip lanolin-containing formulas and pick a plain petrolatum/mineral-oil ointment.
- If dryness is severe, post-surgical, or not improving, see an eye-care professional rather than self-treating indefinitely.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.