Aquaphor for cracked lips: Does it help?

Which Aquaphor should you use?

The US Aquaphor Lip Repair tube is specifically formulated for sensitive lips and is fragrance and preservative free. Aquaphor Lip Repair is made for chapped lips, so the product name is doing unusually little hiding. If you mean a jar of Aquaphor ointment rather than the Lip Repair tube, check that product's own ingredient list instead of treating the two as interchangeable.1

For chapped lips, avoid products containing lanolin, fragrance, menthol, camphor, eucalyptus or mint and citrus flavorings. Check the packaging before buying: Aquaphor updates ingredients, and the package can differ from the website. A sensitive lip formula still needs to feel comfortable when you apply it.123

How to use Aquaphor on cracked lips

1. 1Wash your hands before applying the lip balm. Keep your balm to yourself rather than sharing it.
2. 2Apply Lip Repair to your lips when they feel dry. General lip care guidance is to apply balm several times throughout the day, including when you wake up.
3. 3Reapply after eating or drinking, and apply again before bed. An ointment is useful at night because it keeps lips hydrated longer.
4. 4Before going outdoors, use a separate lip balm with SPF 30 or higher, preferably containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide. Reapply the sunscreen balm every two hours while outside.

If your lips are very dry and split, plain white petroleum jelly is another option. A thick ointment seals in water longer than waxes or oils. A dedicated lip product is an option, not a requirement for an elaborate lip care department.2

Do not lick, bite or pick your lips: saliva leaves them drier as it evaporates, and picking interferes with healing. Apply balm instead when you catch yourself licking. A humidifier can help in a dry bedroom, particularly if you breathe through your mouth at night. In cold weather, cover your lips with a scarf.24

How long does it take?

Lip Repair is intended to relieve dryness immediately, but relief is not the same as healed cracks. Regular lip care should produce noticeable improvement within two to three weeks. Severely chapped lips can take longer to heal. Keep using a comfortable balm once your lips improve, especially in dry conditions.123

When should you get medical help?

See a doctor if your lips are hot, painful and swollen, which can indicate infection. Get persistent sores checked, and seek care if bleeding keeps recurring despite home treatment. If your lips worsen or have not improved after two to three weeks, see a dermatologist. Allergies, infection and reactions to medicines such as retinoids can cause lip inflammation and need more than moisture.2345

Aquaphor for dry skin around the mouth

Plain petroleum jelly can help ordinary dry skin around the mouth; apply it while the skin is damp. Avoid using petroleum jelly on facial skin prone to acne because it can cause breakouts in some people. A dry, flaky rash with clusters of small bumps around the mouth needs a different approach. Perioral dermatitis is an inflammatory rash around the mouth, and heavy creams and ointments can worsen it. Have the rash assessed rather than repeatedly covering it with ointment.67