One important "tweak" I would add to the positive reviews of Crisco is this: buy the store brand. Yes, Crisco itself is a very cheap (and good) moisturizer, but the store brand is exactly the same except for the price. I buy the Walmart store brand (Great Value) and can't tell any difference in the quality of the product. If the ingredients are any different, I can't tell. I use this on my face, neck, hands, and the rough patches on my knees and elbows. One caveat: it is slightly irritating if I get it in my eyes, so I use another moisturizer (Pond's Dry Skin) around them.

My brother in law told me about Crisco for my chronic itchy skin.... I didn't believe him so I put it off... well today I could stand the itching anymore and slathered the Crisco on and the itching stopped!!! It didn't really feel gross because when it melted into my skin it was light. I'm in love because my cetaphil moisturizer was just sitting on top of my skin and making it worse... I even found a recipe for homemade flavored lip gloss made with Crisco and kool-aid it's awesome!!!!

I was actually aiming for shea butter, but the shipping cost to my place was twice the actual product price. So after i've done some research, i tried crisco. It's available everywhere,very cheap, and shea butter look alike. I melt it, mix with olive, coconut, and vit e oil, whipped it. It works wonders on my skin!!! It does take a while to absorb, around 3 hours in room temp and 30 mnt in aircon room. But no matter what, it leaves my skin smooth. I love the way it works on my skin. And it also unscented so i can mixed it with my favourite perfumes.
i also uses it as lip balm after i mixed it with honey. I swear it's better than TBS lip balm! TBS lip balm still leave my lips dry the next morning no matter how thick i use it.
i also try it on my hair but i didn't like it, way toooooo greasy. I wash 3 times already, skip my conditioner but my hair still limpy.
didn't dare to try it on my face yet as my face very prone to acnes. But overall, for price as low as this, the result

OMG!! Great as a heat protectant on natural hair. I got great results when I used a small amount when flat ironing my hair. My hair was left very smooth, bouncy and luscious. Crisco has no scent.

I once read that Helen Gurley Brown (former editor of Cosmopolitan magazine) was advised by her plastic surgeon to put Crisco (yes, the shortening for baking!!) on her face to speed healing and keep skin dewy and elastic.
I figured if Helen Gurley Brown was doing it, it can't be all bad.
I tried it and have continued to use it regularly with excellent results.
BUT, I don't think this product would be for everyone...I have normal to slightly dry middle-aged skin that has never been prone to blemishes. I fear that someone who has really active oil glands might break out using Crisco. But if your skin is like mine, read on:
Crisco is my night cream. I like a really rich cream overnight and Crisco fits the bill. I put it on damp skin and it goes on very, very greasy. However, it seems to absorb into my skin overnight. I wake up looking dewy and refreshed, not greasy.
I understand the hydrogenated oils contain a lot of Vitamin E, which promotes healing and even skin tone. If nothing else, the cream locks in moisture to allow your skin to stay supple.
I think that "locking in of moisture" is important. Many of the miracle, scientifically researched cosmeceutical-type night creams I have used have not performed any better.
Obviously, this is not a daytime moisturizer. And if you enjoy the fancier lotions/creams with miracle ingredients for daytime use, go ahead and enjoy. But as far as locking in moisture, and allowing gentle healing from environmental stresses for the overnight hours, dollar for dollar, Crisco cannot be beat.

So I was alternating using Eucerin products and another product on my sensitive, mature skin. Suddenly I had a flare-up, and my whole face got red, tight, and dry. I guessed the irritating product was the non-Eucerin one, so I stopped using it and looked for a replacement. Then I remembered I had this tub of store-brand Crisco in my kitchen cabinet, and decided to give it a try. So glad I did! It really moisturizes and soothes my face, and I certainly don't have to worry about problematic ingredients. I also sometimes use it to remove makeup (even mascara). I now alternate this with my Eucerin night cream and am super happy with the results. Crisco would be a great desert island product--you can safely and effectively use it on your whole body; it's great for dry or chapped hands, lips, anything. The longer I use it, the more things I find myself using it for. The only downside is it's probably too greasy to use on your face during the day, and it has a very slightly unpleasant scent. Ladies who think using Crisco on your skin is gross, ask yourself this: could you safely eat that expensive skin cream you're using???

Smells disgusting despite the claims that it is unscented. Tried to mask with some Chanel No19 and to no avail. I used this on my dry legs and it would not soak in, too hydrogenated.
I would like to try some non-hydrogenated Virgin Red Palm oil just to see how the it would do in it's natural state.
Anyway I swear by Coconut oil now. In the hair and on the skin and also internally (made me lose a bunch of weight without even trying). I use Olive oil too and it is another amazing and cheap product.
Spend the extra two bucks and get some Coconut or Olive oil.

This makes a nice foot moisturizer. Takes a lot of time to massage it in and could do with a few drops of essential oils to make the smell more pleasant. It doesn't smell bad, but very plain and oily (it is just semi-solid oils after all!).
I wouldn't use this on my combination facial skin as I'm prone to blackheads, but it is definitely worth having this around for moisturizing the feet. I've used this on my legs and hands in the winter, helps cracking knuckles and ashy calves, but is too greasy for me during the summer.
The packaging is okay. It isn't originally intended for skincare but for kitchen use. You can easily put a large pat into an empty cosmetic jar.
Not an essential item for me, I could easily live without it, BUT for the price you may as well give it a try! If it doesn't work Crisco does help make a wonderfully flakey biscuit ;)      

Crisco...Oh how I love thee...
My face is soft,
My feet are smooth,
My hands look like a babies.
My elbows no longer have that gross sandpaper feeling.
Another big plus is the lack of perfume smell...I don't like anything scented on my face at night. It gives me a headache.
Seriously, this stuff is the miracle, all-in-one product I've been looking for.
Just for the record, I'm 48 with acne prone skin. I only use the Crisco at night, I feel its too heavy for day wear. I have not had one breakout since using it...almost a year now.
A friend at work just had surgery to remove a small spot of skin cancer on her face. After she was healed, her surgeon told her to use Crisco to help with scarring...hey, if a plastic surgeon recommends it, it must be pretty good stuff!

Please forgive me for posting this, since I have not tried Crisco for skincare (yet), but I wanted to share some interesting info:
Here are the ingredients of Crisco:
SOYBEAN OIL, FULLY HYDROGENATED PALM OIL, PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED PALM AND SOYBEAN OILS, MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES, TBHQ AND CITRIC ACID (ANTIOXIDANTS).
Well, I read that TBHQ is a derivative of hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is used in many skincare products for a whitening/brightening effect.
So, I wonder if this is part of why people like it's effect. (Although, many are warning that we should not be using Hydroquinone on our skin since it's somewhat toxic - in higher doses - and can cause DNA damage.
For brightening, I've had great results with the whitening cream from the Derma-E line...all natural too. Even if Crisco worked miracles, I'd still always have the 'toxic thing' in the back of my mind, since I'm a purist)
Okay, back to Criso.
The MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES are emulsifiers derived from fatty acids. Fatty acids are also good for our skin. So, that's a plus for Crisco.
CITRIC ACID: Anti-oxidant used for collagen building, and skin bleaching
Hmmm..this is getting more interesting.
SOYBEAN OIL: This is a light oil, contains linoleic acid, good for all skin types and is easily absorbed.

Yes, great, but is it organic, cold pressed and naturally extracted soybean oil? The processing makes all the difference with the oils quality.
Lastly, HYDROGENATED PALM OIL:
You can read the possible hazards of contaminants in this type of oil here>>>>>
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=702939

So, I can see why this might create a cosmetic benefit to the skin - but I'd be concerned about long term absorption of certain ingredients.
If you want plumping effect, go check out all the rave reviews for Vitamin E Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, and one of my favorite ingredients to add to carrier oils: Essential Oil of Sandalwood.
Not only do all of these plump and refine, but you can feel good about the nutrients you are receiving also.
Just my two cents. :)

continued >>

I'm so glad I finally tried crisco as a moisturizer. Years ago I had heard that it made a great moisturizer, but I didn't try it until discovering it on here. It's very moisturizing. It doesn't sink in quickly and is greasy till it does sink in, but it isn't sticky feeling like vaseline usually is. The feel of it makes me think of a smooth and creamy version of vaseline. And the best part is how cheap it is! I got a 3 pound tub of it for less than $4. I definitely suggest this for dry skin.

My gyn recommended Crisco for preimenopausal vaginal dryness. At first I thought she had to be kidding. However, after many attempts to stop the itching, Crisco is the best so far. I've used A&D ointment, Vaseline, CeraVe (worked second best to Crisco), hydrocordone cream, coconut oil, etc. and the Crisco is the best so far. I use a small Pampered Chef glass container with lid to store about a 1/4 cup This way I don't have a tub of Crisco in my bathroom or bedroom. It's working great on my hands and feet too. Makes them soft and suprisingly not greasy. Haven't tried on my face yet, I think I may. continued >>

I have chronically dry cuticles and hands- working with paperwork all day. I also have KP on my arms and have tried everything from Nivea to Hope In A Jar- which caused some strange reaction on my palms.. ew. Lately my face has been flaking badly and I had to retire my beloved Bare Minerals. I tried Eucerin shower oil, Aveeno shower oil, Olive oil, Vaseline everything on my dry bumpy skin and flaky (and early little crease appearing center on my eyebrows) face. Then I heard about Crisco. I am a self admitted snob but I am also a self admitted frugal tip lover- if it works! This melts into your skin like butter! I exfoliate now with a regular puff and the L'oreal 360 which I just bought (probably won't use that everyday) and then slather myself up. Press into skin with finger tips on face. I even use it over makeup if I need a touch up during the day and I see a scaly patch. I am expecting great results with this stuff. I know my skin feels alot better without all that heavy, sticky lotion on top of it. Thanks Crisco!

I started using this a couple of years ago as a body moisturizer in the winter when my skin is very dry. I thought it worked wonders and it's practically free! Much better than spending tons of money on expensive creams and lotioins that don't work as well. My husband thought I was crazy. Then, about two weeks ago, I saw a dermatologist on a newsshow recommending that people use Crisco on their kid's skin during the winter months. She didn't think it would work for older kids or adults due to the "yuck" factor. I guess I'm just a stupid kid because I'm must fine with it an so it my wallet!
I recently started using it for removing eye make-up and after reading these reviews, may start using it on my face. My dermatologist recommended using Vaseline over night creams on my face and that also works very well.

I used Crisco on the heels of my feet and it made a dramatic difference in their appearance. My feet are so neglected:( I got a brand new container specifically for this purpose after reading some reviews here. In the past I have used Bliss Labs, DDF and B&BW among others to smooth my feet. Even without prepping by smoothing my skin with a pumice stone I got impressive results. This melted on contact!

I am going to try this after giving my feet a through sloughing before bed.

Unlike other reviewers I haven't used this on my face. I may try it in the future but I have tons of skincare I am trying to use up.
UPDATE: After using this on my feet for a while I can honestly say that nothing has improved the look of my feet quite like Crisco! I have applied every night before bed after a through cleaning and donned socks for as long as I could stand it (they always come off at some time during the night). My heels feel so soft. I tried to use Crisco on my legs after I shave and that worked out nice as well. Most lotions / cremes absorb too quick and in the a.m. I have to reapply which I hate doing because I already have stubly feeling regrowth! This leaves me soft 24/7. You have got to try this if you have hard water issues and dry skin - I am so relieved I don't have to spend $$$ on expensive stuff anymore. continued >>

I have been using crisco off and on for years. Many of the fancy soy based creams use crisco in them for the oils. I love to whip some honey, crisco, olive oil, and glycerine until it is light and like frosting and put into jars. I scent this with some lavender essential oil and I am good to go. I use this on my face, by body and under my eyes. I have very dry skin naturally and this is a cheap alternative to very expensive creams. I like to alternate oils. Sometimes I will use sesame oil, olive oil, safflower oil, cocoa butter, unrefined shea butter, almond oil, etc. I think the key here is just putting these oils on top of moist wet skin to trap the moisture into your skin. Isn't that basically what lotion is? It is an emulsion of water and oil with an emulsifying wax and other ingredients for label appeal and to adjust the fragrance or thickness of the lotion or cream. I have made my own homemade lotion and while it is nice, in the winter I find I need a heavier amount of oils on my skin. Crisco does the job. I usually use the Crisco more on my body and reserve the extra virgin olive oil on my face with some lavender essential oil added. I have a cute cut glass crystal jar with a silver lid that is very elegant. I keep it filled with the whipped crisco and keep in my bathroom. It looks very elegant and guests have no idea that I am using Crisco. I have friends that go to the spa on a regular basis and spend a lot of money on product. Their skin is no better than my skin. If you have super dry skin like me, try Crisco (or any straight oil) out on top of wet skin. It works and it keeps it simple and is kind on your pocketbook. Plus, the less ingredients you use, the less chance for irritation.

Update Nov 2009: Crisco is still my fav cleansing product when my skin is in a bad shape. And hollywood brand safflower oil (drops) as a moisturizer, my skin is really really better. After a big breakout episode post olay microdermabrasion, i took an oath to myself not to abuse my skin with anything harsh..if something has worked, i will continue to use it. Crisco, vaseline, saflower oil, aspirin, honey,yogurt..wow life is good with simple ingredients.
I do see comments like greasy, "it didnt do anything"...the fact is it is not crisco's fault as it is not a cosmetic product. However someone eons back tried it and now there is a big following to it. So please keep in mind if you dont like crisco, it is just not for you, but there are so many things out there to check before spending a full paycheck.

Update : Crisco is my lifesaver, period. After a real tough time using olay microdermabrasion kit (face was reddish yellow with bumps,oh my), the only thing which soothed my face was crisco.

Read somewhere about palm oil beneifts on skin..i dont care but crisco has palm oil in the recent version of theirs..btw, am talking about the small blue can.
Thanks.
Crisco has changed the ingredients..i am not sure if cottonseed oil (in the earlier version) is the same as palm oil (latest one). However I personally think it is the vit E content of the soybean oil which gives crisco a status of a face/ body cream.
Why 4 as rating: I want to keep trying this atleast for a year encompassing all 4 seasons. if this works, great!
Very dull acne prone combination skin is mine. However with crisco and Vaseline alone in the night and Colonial dames vit E cream and sunscreen in the morning, i am now a proud bearer of a bright glowing skin and my blemishes are fading slow by steady.
I cleanse my face and neck with crisco, gently, then take a bathroom tissue (more milk than the paper towel) and take off the dirt. Then i squeeze a wash cloth like 4-5 times in real hot water and keep on face for some seconds and wipe off, Doing this clears off the greasiness.
Then i take crisco (wee bit) again, add some water and start to apply evenly on face and neck, it is not greasy. Mask with vaseline. My skin has never been this great.
Now why this review..Having spent so much of money and time and agony on my really scarred face, i realized may be i need to look into basics of what our mothers and grandmas did. Apart from the lifestyle the one thing common with most older generation is crisco, vaseline, ponds cold cream, nivea (in blue tin), baking soda, yogurt mask, vinegar, chickpea flour, cornmeal and rice flour (scrub). So going back to basics, i realized how effective these are, but absolutely not fancy and luxurious.
Anyway, if crisco suits your skin, pretty sure you dont need any other antiaging cream. Yes lots are coming in..peptides this and that...well my argument is these were not there 60 years back and ladies had and sill seem to have lovely skin.
Thanks!

I suffered from eczema for years. Different body parts but a few years ago my inner elbows were itchy, dry, flaky, red, cracked bleeding painful and embarrassing.
I saw a segment on the Tyra show about wacky diy beauty. They suggested slathering Crisco on your elbows, cutting the leg off tube socks and sleeping with them over the Crisco. I thought it sounded crazy but I happened to have it in the fridge and nothing else worked...so I had nothing else to lose.
I woke up the next morning and my arms looked NORMAL. Healthy! Not just better, but like I never had eczema! So this is a totally crazy idea, but don't knock it til you try it. I am soo glad to be rid of eczema. I don't think I'll use it as a regular moisturizer due to questionable ingredients, but if I ever get eczema I definitely will.

I had to laugh when I saw Crisco on the front page of MUA. Growing up my sister had skin allergies/breakouts of all kinds since everything seemed to give her a rash. My poor mom had to try and figure out what she'd gotten into when we'd been out playing. They'd tried all sorts of creams, and tests, on her to find out her problems and then heal her skin up. She also often had reactions to the chemicals and ingredients in the creams. A doctor suggested Crisco and we all thought that was nuts. But guess what? The Crisco worked in healing up and moisturizing my poor sister's skin! Cheapest treatment ever and a bargain size container to boot! Still though if you look at the label all it really is is vegetable oil. And, as another poster pointed out, there are pesticides involved so I'd take some caution if you choose to slather this stuff on. I'm giving this a 5 due to it helping out my sister's skin other than that I,personally, wouldn't use it unless I was in the same predicament she was in when we were younger.

I tried this after seeing it on here and seeing the great reviews. I am always looking for a miracle product, and kinda love when it's not a typical $200 cream, so my curiosity peaked. I have very dry skin and this is not at all moisturizing. Also, I tried using it on top of my usual face cream in attempts to possibly seal in the moisture. This sucked at that as well. I just do not believe this has positive, if any at all, affects on the skin, but then again, this is grease we're talking about. Silly.