Does Aquaphor contain petroleum?

Is Aquaphor just petroleum jelly?

No. Petrolatum is the active skin protectant, but both ointments also contain other ingredients. A 41% concentration means 41 grams of petrolatum in every 100 grams of ointment, not that the entire jar is petrolatum. Healing Ointment adds panthenol, glycerin and bisabolol to the ingredients also found in Original Ointment.23

If you want to avoid petroleum jelly, neither of these two ointments fits that requirement. Look for 'petrolatum' in the active ingredient section rather than expecting the word 'petroleum', which is where petroleum jelly switches to its paperwork name. Use the ingredient list on your own package to confirm the formula, because the front of the jar is not where the ingredients report for duty. Aquaphor updates its ingredients, and packaging can differ from the website, which gives ingredient checking the administrative charm of comparing document versions.13

What does the ointment do?

Aquaphor Healing Ointment forms a protective barrier that helps skin retain moisture. Its formula also attracts water to the skin and helps soften dry skin. The barrier helps skin hold on to moisture, which is a modest job description for something called Healing Ointment. The ointment is intended to relieve chapped, dry or cracked skin and lips, including commonly dry areas such as hands, feet and heels.14

Healing Ointment is free of fragrance, preservatives and dyes and is suitable for sensitive skin. It still contains lanolin alcohol, along with the other ingredients listed above. If you are avoiding a particular ingredient, check the whole formula rather than stopping at the petrolatum percentage.34

How should you use Aquaphor?

Apply either ointment as needed to the affected area. Healing Ointment can be used externally on dry areas of the face and body, including chapped lips. Both ointments temporarily protect minor cuts, scrapes and burns and help protect skin from the drying effects of wind and cold weather. For dry skin, the directions are based on need rather than a fixed morning or evening schedule.234

When should you stop or get help?

Keep Aquaphor out of your eyes. Do not use either ointment on deep or puncture wounds, animal bites or serious burns. Do not apply Healing Ointment to open, bleeding or wet wounds. Ask a doctor about a wound that seems infected or is taking too long to heal. Stop use and ask a doctor if the condition worsens, symptoms last more than seven days, or symptoms clear up and return within a few days. Keep the ointment out of children's reach; if swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.234