What is the difference between Aquaphor and regular healing ointment?

Author: Johanna Yundt I  |  Last update: Friday, April 25, 2025

A: There's no difference between these two products. We made Aquaphor Healing Ointment available in a baby package to better help moms locate it in the store."

What is the difference between Aquaphor original and healing ointment?

It's the same product, but it goes by soothing skin balm in the UK (and maybe other places?), repairing ointment internationally, and healing ointment in the US. The soothing skin balm/repairing ointment lists cera microcristallina and paraffinum liquidum, while the healing ointment lists petrolatum and mineral oil.

What are the downsides of Aquaphor?

Stinging, burning, irritation, dryness, or redness at the application site may occur. Acne, unusual hair growth, small red bumps on the skin (folliculitis), skin thinning/discoloration, or stretch marks may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Why do dermatologists like Aquaphor?

Water from your skin evaporates into the air through a process known as transepidermal water loss, which causes dry skin. To prevent that from happening, you need to block that evaporation. "Occlusive ointments like Aquaphor do just that," she says.

Is Aquaphor the best healing ointment?

Aquaphor is a safe and effective treatment that exhibited faster and better healing of wounds than did antibiotic-based topical treatments, which can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Antibiotic ointments are not necessary and may be unwarranted for minor clinical wounds.

CERAVE VS AQUAPHOR 🤔 WHICH ONE IS BETTER? DERMATOLOGIST @DrDrayzday

When should you not use Aquaphor?

Eucerin Aquaphor Repairing Ointment should only be used on re-epithelialized skin (i.e. once new tissue has formed) and not on open, wet or bleeding wounds. Ask your Dermatologist for advice on how long you should wait after treatment before using the product.

What is the best wound healing ointment?

Bacitracin/Neosporin/Polysporin:

These antibiotic ointments are effective against various types of bacteria and are commonly used to prevent infection in minor cuts and abrasions.

Do you put Aquaphor on wet or dry skin?

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Most moisturizers need water to work well. Apply the product after bathing/showering while the skin is still damp. For very dry skin, your doctor may instruct you to soak the area before using the product.

Is Aquaphor just Vaseline?

But the formulations are a bit different: Vaseline is pure petroleum jelly while Aquaphor contains petroleum jelly plus some other ingredients like lanolin, glycerin, bisabolol, mineral oil, and panthenol. In terms of feel, Vaseline is a bit heavier and greasier, whereas Aquaphor is a bit lighter and easier to spread.

Why do tattoo artists not like Aquaphor?

Conclusion: While Vaseline and Aquaphor are commonly used for tattoo aftercare, they may not be the best choice for the healing process of your tattoo. Their occlusive nature can lead to clogged pores and hinder oxygenation, which can slow down healing and potentially lead to complications.

Can I use Aquaphor on my face?

Aquaphor, because it can be used on many different areas and the skin, can also be used to ease dry skin or your lips and eyelids as well as the rest of the face.

Does Aquaphor hold bacteria?

And though you can use both for wound care, neither Vaseline nor Aquaphor is a substitute for a visit to the doctor. “Both can trap bacteria if used on broken or infected skin,” Dr. Paul warns.

What happens if you put too much Aquaphor on?

Irritation: Though rare, petrolatum can cause skin irritation in some individuals. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. Clogged pores: The thick ointment can lead to clogged pores and acne in acne-prone skin. Maceration: Applying too much Aquaphor can make skin overly moist, causing tissue damage.

What's better than Aquaphor?

11 Best Alternatives to Aquaphor and Petroleum Jelly
  • Vegaline.
  • 365 Whole Foods Multi-purpose Jelly.
  • Erin's Faces Tamanu Balm Barrier Salve.
  • Doctor Rogers' Restore Healing Balm.
  • Pipette Baby Balm.
  • Earth Mama Organics' Nose & Cheek Balm.

Is Aquaphor the same as Cerave healing ointment?

Yes, they are completely different. CereVe cream is a thick, creamy, white moisturizer more akin to a heavy lotion whereas Aquaphor ointment is clear and slick due to its petrolatum and mineral oil base.

Why is Aquaphor so healing?

It is uniquely formulated to restore smooth, healthy skin. By creating a semi-occlusive barrier on the skin that allows the outflow of excess fluid and the inflow of oxygen, it creates an ideal healing environment.

Is Neosporin better than Aquaphor?

But, says Macrene, it's worth considering making the switch to Aquaphor: "A study showed that using bacitracin or neomycin [both present in Neosporin] as compared to Aquaphor caused resistant bacteria in wounds." Aquaphor. Both derms agree: This is your best bet for wound care treatment.

Do dermatologists recommend Vaseline or Aquaphor?

Aquaphor benefits

Aquaphor can be used for the same uses as Vaseline. However, "it tends to be a better choice for moisturizing wounds that need to breathe to some extent, as it does not block air to the same extent that Vaseline does," says Dr. Hetz.

Is Aquaphor good for crepey skin?

I cannot praise this product to much. It was like a miracle I had crepey skin on the bottom and side of my feet. I had to consult a dermatologist, as well as a podiatrist, they both had favorable comments concerning the use of Aquaphor.

Why do dermatologists love Aquaphor?

Aquaphor, which is "a mix of petroleum jelly, mineral oil, glycerin, and lanolin," acts as an emollient to "help soften and smooth the skin and create an occlusive protective barrier on the surface to seal in moisture," says Shari Marchbein, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of ...

Do you rub Aquaphor all the way in?

We recommend Aquaphor as the healing ointment for your tattoo. Apply a small amount to the tattoo, and rub it in thoroughly, as if you were applying lotion. It should not shine or feel sticky! If it does, you are using too much ointment!

Should I put Aquaphor under my eyes?

Cortes notes that it is important to keep the skin under the eyes well protected. “Using occlusives, such as aquaphor or vaseline, throughout the day can help protect your skin from irritants that cause darkness or bags,” he adds.

What heals wounds really fast?

Most small wounds heal naturally with time, but home remedies — such as aloe vera, antibacterial ointment, or honey — may speed up the healing process. A wound leaves the body's internal tissues exposed to the external environment.

Why is Neosporin no longer recommended?

Neomycin frequently causes allergic reactions of the skin called contact dermatitis. It can cause the skin to become red, scaly, and itchy. The more Neosporin you use, the worse the skin reaction gets.

What is the yellowish fluid that oozes from the wound?

A wound that's healing can produce a clear or pink fluid. An infected wound can produce a yellowish, bad-smelling fluid called pus. When fluid seeps from a wound, it is called wound drainage.

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