Aquaphor ointment vs cream: Which should you use?

What is the difference?

Which one should you pick?

Pick the cream if you want a moisturizer that spreads easily and feels less greasy during the day. Pick the ointment if your main concern is very dry or thickened skin, or small areas needing extra protection. The US Healing Ointment also protects and soothes minor cuts, scrapes and burns. You can use a cream during the day and an ointment at night, so "versus" is doing unnecessary overtime.35

How do you use them together?

1. 1Cleanse your face gently in the evening, then dry it.
2. 2Apply your moisturizer, such as Aquaphor Moisturizing Cream.
3. 3Smooth a thin, even layer of Healing Ointment over areas that feel dry. Keep the ointment out of your eyes.
4. 4Leave the ointment on overnight and cleanse as usual in the morning.

For ordinary dry skin care, reapply moisturizer when skin feels dry and after washing or bathing. For hands, apply cream or ointment while the skin is still slightly damp, including fingertips and around nails. After hand sanitizer has dried, apply moisturizer. An overnight ointment layer can be occasional or a few times a week, depending on dryness and comfort.256

What should you expect?

The ointment forms a protective surface layer that helps reduce water loss. Aquaphor describes the cream as instantly soothing and nourishing, with 48 hours of moisture. That duration is a hydration claim, not a deadline for cracked skin to heal. Reapply when dryness returns rather than treating the stated duration as a waiting period.2

Who should be careful?

A rich ointment layer can feel too heavy on oily or breakout prone skin. Introduce it gradually rather than covering your whole face immediately. General ointment guidance advises against use on weeping eczema. Stop using a moisturizer that makes your skin itchy or sore, and ask a pharmacist or doctor about persistent burning, stinging, inflamed hair follicles or worsening facial breakouts.125

If you use a topical steroid, leave at least 30 minutes between it and your moisturizer. For other prescribed skin treatments, ask which product goes first and leave the advised gap. Use a clean spoon or spatula for tubs. Keep clothing and bedding carrying moisturizer residue away from flames and cigarettes.15

See a dermatologist if dry skin persists despite regular moisturizing. If you have diabetes, seek immediate medical care for a wound that worsens or fails to heal, or signs of infection such as swelling, pain or leaking fluid. Changing moisturizer is not enough for those problems.67

In Canada, Health Canada lists Healing Ointment with 52.74% mineral oil as its active ingredient, rather than the US product's 41% petrolatum. Read the ingredients on your own package: Aquaphor updates formulas, and packaging can differ from its website.34