What are the active ingredients in Aquaphor?

Which Aquaphor do you have?

Check the full product name and the country where it was sold before comparing ingredients. Aquaphor is a brand name, not an ingredient list, so the large lettering on the front has not finished the job.34

What does the petrolatum version do?

Aquaphor Original is a skin protectant ointment. It temporarily protects minor cuts, scrapes and burns, helps relieve chapped or cracked skin and lips, and protects against the drying effects of wind and cold weather. Its directions are to apply as needed, rather than on a fixed daily schedule.1

For the US Healing Ointment for Minor Wound Care, Aquaphor tells you to gently clean the wound before applying the ointment. The product protects skin to support the natural healing process and help keep external irritants from reaching the wound. This version is free of antibiotics, preservatives and fragrances. Its role is protection, not an antibiotic treatment.2

US Children's Healing Ointment also has petrolatum 41% as its active ingredient. It contains panthenol and glycerin for moisturizing, and is intended for children's dry, chapped skin, chapped cheeks, teething and drool rash, minor scrapes and diaper rash. The children's name does not mean a stronger petrolatum concentration. Keep this product distinct from Children's Itch Relief, which contains hydrocortisone and has different directions.36

What about the other ingredients?

US Aquaphor Original lists mineral oil, ceresin and lanolin alcohol as inactive ingredients. US Itch Relief lists petrolatum, mineral oil, ceresin, lanolin alcohol, panthenol, glycerin, bisabolol and menthoxypropanediol as inactive ingredients. Petrolatum is therefore the active ingredient in Original but an inactive ingredient in Itch Relief; the ingredient's category belongs to the particular product.13

Check the ingredients on your own container, because the website and the jar do not always keep their calendars in sync. Aquaphor updates ingredients regularly and directs customers to check the packaging when website and package lists differ. If you are checking for a particular ingredient, use the full list on that exact product, not just its active ingredient percentage.26

Is Aquaphor Itch Relief the same thing?

No. Hydrocortisone 1% makes Itch Relief an ointment for temporary relief of itching associated with minor irritation, inflammation and rashes, including eczema and insect bites. Adults and children aged 2 or older can apply it to the affected area no more than 3 to 4 times daily. For children under 2, do not use it without consulting a doctor. Do not use Itch Relief to treat diaper rash.3

When should you stop or get medical help?

Original and Itch Relief are for external use only; keep them out of your eyes. Do not use Original on deep or puncture wounds, animal bites or serious burns. For either product, stop and ask a doctor if the condition worsens, symptoms last longer than 7 days, or symptoms clear and return within a few days. After stopping Itch Relief for these reasons, ask a doctor before starting another hydrocortisone product.13