Disclosure: BeautyFN may earn a commission when you buy through the Amazon links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
TL;DR
- Aquaphor Healing Ointment is a skin protectant with 41% petrolatum (Stop & Shop, 2026).
- It also contains mineral oil, ceresin, lanolin alcohol, panthenol, glycerin and bisabolol (Stop & Shop, 2026).
- It is fragrance free and preservative free, and helps protect dry, cracked skin, chapped lips and minor cuts and burns (Stop & Shop, 2026).
- It contains lanolin alcohol, so people with a lanolin allergy should avoid it.
- Bottom line: a low-cost, multi-use balm that belongs in most bathroom cabinets.
Check the current price of Aquaphor Healing Ointment on Amazon
What Is Aquaphor Healing Ointment?
Aquaphor Healing Ointment is a thick, clear to light-yellow ointment made by Beiersdorf (Stop & Shop, 2026). It is sold as a skin protectant, which is a product that forms a barrier to protect skin while it recovers. The active ingredient is 41% petrolatum.
Unlike a lotion or cream, it contains no water. The brand says it creates a protective barrier that still allows oxygen and excess fluid to pass, while holding in the skin's own moisture (Publix, 2026).
Main Details at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Skin protectant ointment |
| Active ingredient | Petrolatum 41% |
| Inactive ingredients | Mineral oil, ceresin, lanolin alcohol, panthenol, glycerin, bisabolol |
| Fragrance | Fragrance free |
| Preservatives | Preservative free |
| Common sizes | 1.75 oz tube, 3 oz tube, 7 oz tub |
Details come from the product label as shown by retailers (Stop & Shop, 2026; Giant Food Stores, 2026).
What Stands Out
Many uses in one tube
The label says it temporarily protects minor cuts, scrapes and burns, helps relieve chapped or cracked skin and lips, and protects from the drying effects of wind and cold weather (Stop & Shop, 2026). Retailers add uses such as cracked cuticles, dry heels and help with chafing (Stop & Shop, 2026).
Gentle formula
The ointment is fragrance free and preservative free, and it is described as hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic (Stop & Shop, 2026). Panthenol and glycerin help soothe and moisturize, while bisabolol is a calming ingredient from chamomile.
Dermatologist recommended
Aquaphor says it is the number one dermatologist-recommended brand for dry, cracked skin and minor wound care (Stop & Shop, 2026). This is the brand's own claim.
Important Warnings
The label lists clear limits. Do not use it on deep or puncture wounds, animal bites or serious burns. Stop use and ask a doctor if the condition gets worse, or if symptoms last more than 7 days or return within a few days. It is for external use only and should be kept away from the eyes (Stop & Shop, 2026).
It contains lanolin alcohol, which comes from sheep's wool. People with a lanolin allergy should choose a pure petrolatum product instead.
Who Should Buy It and Who Should Skip It
Good fit: very dry or cracked hands, heels and lips; skin exposed to wind and cold; people using drying acne or retinoid treatments who need a barrier on dry patches.
Maybe skip: anyone with a lanolin allergy, and people who dislike thick, shiny textures on the face during the day.
How to Use It
- Clean the area gently first, especially if there is a small cut (Publix, 2026).
- Apply a thin layer to the affected skin as needed.
- For dry hands or feet, apply at night and wear cotton gloves or socks.
- For lips, apply a small amount whenever they feel dry.
The brand suggests using it overnight to support healing and restore moisture (Publix, 2026). A thin layer is enough; too much feels greasy.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Many uses: lips, hands, heels, minor cuts
- Fragrance and preservative free
- Low price, long-lasting tube
- Works well overnight
Cons
- Thick and shiny on the skin
- Contains lanolin alcohol
- Not for deep wounds or serious burns
How It Compares
Pure petroleum jelly seals moisture in a similar way and is cheaper, but it lacks the panthenol, glycerin and bisabolol in Aquaphor.
Thick moisturizing creams feel lighter and absorb better, but they do not form as strong a barrier as an ointment.
Buying Tips
- The 1.75 oz tube is handy for bags; the 7 oz tub suits family use.
- The 3 oz touch-free applicator tube is more hygienic for minor cuts (Giant Food Stores, 2026).
- Check you are buying the Healing Ointment, not the lighter Aquaphor lotion.
Our Verdict
Aquaphor Healing Ointment is a simple, reliable balm for dry, cracked skin and lips. It is thick and not for everyone's face during the day, and people with a lanolin allergy should avoid it. For most people, it is a low-cost product with many uses.
Practical Ways to Use It
- Dry hands: apply a thin layer at night and wear cotton gloves.
- Cracked heels: apply after a shower, then wear clean cotton socks to bed.
- Chapped lips: use a small amount through the day and a thicker layer at night.
- Cuticles: rub a little into the nail edges to soften dry, cracked skin.
- Cold and wind: apply a thin layer on exposed skin before going outside.
For any skin problem that does not improve within a week, or gets worse, ask a doctor or pharmacist.
Ointment, Cream or Lotion?
Ointments like Aquaphor contain little or no water. They form the strongest barrier and are best for very dry or cracked skin, but they feel greasy. Creams mix oil and water, so they feel lighter while still giving good moisture. Lotions contain the most water and spread easily over large areas, but they protect less. Many people use a cream or lotion during the day and an ointment like Aquaphor at night on the driest spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the active ingredient in Aquaphor Healing Ointment?
Petrolatum at 41%, which acts as a skin protectant (Stop & Shop, 2026).
Can I use Aquaphor on my lips?
Yes. The label says it helps relieve chapped or cracked lips (Stop & Shop, 2026).
Is Aquaphor fragrance free?
Yes. It is fragrance free and preservative free (Stop & Shop, 2026).
Can I use it on cuts?
It can protect minor cuts and scrapes. Do not use it on deep or puncture wounds, animal bites or serious burns (Stop & Shop, 2026).
Does Aquaphor contain lanolin?
It contains lanolin alcohol (Stop & Shop, 2026). Avoid it if you have a lanolin allergy.
Is it non-comedogenic?
The brand describes it as non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic (Stop & Shop, 2026).