I have yet to find a decent alternative. I found and tried Medline’s Z-Guard Paste because it’s primary ingredient—like Ilex— is white petrolatum. But does not dry like Ilex. I finally asked my doc for a 90-day prescription of Ilex even though not covered by insurance. However through CVS I got the price for 6 tubes (90-day for me) below $18 per tube. Still expensive but $4 less than amazon.