What are Aquaphor Healing Ointment's ingredients?

The complete US ingredient list

• Petrolatum 41% is the active skin protectant.
• Mineral oil is an inactive ingredient.
• Ceresin is an inactive ingredient.
• Lanolin alcohol is an inactive ingredient.
• Panthenol is an inactive ingredient.
• Glycerin is an inactive ingredient.
• Bisabolol is an inactive ingredient.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment is not pure petrolatum. The US formula combines its skin protectant with six other ingredients and is fragrance free and preservative free.13

Are the US and Canadian ingredients the same?

For the Canadian ointment, the full ingredient list needs to come from your package. The Canadian active ingredient listing alone does not settle whether the ointment contains petrolatum or lanolin alcohol.2

Does Aquaphor Healing Ointment contain lanolin?

The US ointment contains lanolin alcohol, a lanolin derivative, rather than an ingredient simply named lanolin. Lanolin comes from sheep's fleece. If you need to avoid lanolin or its derivatives, the US ointment is not a suitable choice.14

Lanolin can cause contact hypersensitivity, an allergic skin reaction, particularly on damaged or inflamed skin. Tolerance can depend on the condition of the skin: using a lanolin product comfortably on intact skin does not settle how damaged skin will react.4

If you have atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema, lanolin is an ingredient to be careful with because it can act as an irritant. Fragrance free skincare can still cause contact dermatitis, a rash caused by irritation or allergy. An allergic rash can take hours or days to appear; see a dermatologist if a rash persists.56

What is the ointment used for?

The US ointment temporarily protects minor cuts, scrapes and burns, helps relieve chapped skin and lips, and protects against drying wind and cold. Apply as needed.1

For dry, cracked hands, Aquaphor advises using a protective cream or ointment multiple times a day. Keep a tube beside the sink or at your workspace, rather than giving it a permanent residence in a cupboard. Moisturize after hand sanitizer, and use warm water and mild cleansers when washing. Wear gloves for washing dishes to reduce contact with irritating cleaners.3

How to use it overnight on dry hands

1. 1Soak your hands in lukewarm water for about five minutes.
2. 2Gently pat them dry with a clean towel.
3. 3Apply Aquaphor Healing Ointment.
4. 4Cover your hands with 100% cotton gloves overnight to help retain moisture.

This overnight routine helps hydrate and condition dry hands, with softer skin expected in the morning. Persistent cracking needs more than repeated applications: speak to a healthcare professional if your skin does not improve.3

Can you use Healing Ointment on lips?

Yes, Aquaphor Healing Ointment can be used on dry, chapped or cracked lips, including before bed. Aquaphor Healing Ointment and Aquaphor Lip Repair are separate products, despite the shared name doing its best to merge the shopping decision. Lip Repair contains ingredients such as shea butter, so do not use its ingredient description for Healing Ointment. For outdoor sun protection, choose a lip balm with SPF.7

When should you stop using it?

Keep the US ointment out of your eyes. Do not use it on deep or puncture wounds, animal bites or serious burns. Stop and ask a doctor if the condition worsens, lasts more than seven days, or clears and returns within a few days.1