Aquaphor

Aquaphor is an over-the-counter (OTC) ointment used as a protective barrier to seal in skin's natural moisture and seal out irritants. Although it is approved for various uses, it is commonly used to treat and prevent diaper rash. The product can be applied as often as necessary to heal and soothe the skin.

What Is Aquaphor?

Aquaphor® Healing Ointment is a nonprescription skin product that is useful for a variety of different purposes. It is fragrance-free and preservative-free, and is frequently recommended for people with sensitive skin.
 
(Click Aquaphor Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Available Products

There is no difference between Aquaphor Healing Ointment and Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment, other than the packaging. Also, there is no difference between the products in the jars or in the tubes.
 
There is a difference between Aquaphor Healing Ointment and Aquaphor Original Ointment, a product that is no longer available. The currently available formulation (Healing Ointment) has additional moisturizing ingredients, compared to the original formula.
 

Who Makes Aquaphor?

This product is made by Beiersdorf, Inc.
 

What Ingredients Are in It?

Aquaphor contains the following ingredients:
 
  • Petrolatum (41.1 percent)
  • Mineral oil
  • Ceresin
  • Lanolin alcohol
  • Panthenol
  • Glycerin
  • Bisabolol.
     
Aquaphor works as a protective barrier to seal in skin's natural moisture and to seal out irritants. It also helps to soothe and heal the skin.
 

When and How to Use the Medication

General considerations for when and how to use Aquaphor include the following:
 
  • This product should be applied as often as necessary.
     
  • For treating and preventing diaper rash, the ointment should be applied after each diaper change, after allowing the skin to dry. You do not have to completely remove the previous application of Aquaphor when changing a diaper. Simply make sure the area is thoroughly (but gently) cleaned.
     
  • When used for other purposes, simply apply the ointment to clean skin as often as necessary.
     
  • Consult your healthcare provider if the problem does not improve within seven days, or if it goes away but returns quickly.
     

Dosing Information

This product is applied as often as needed (see Aquaphor Dosage for more information).
 

Side Effects of Aquaphor

Aquaphor is unlikely to cause side effects when used properly. However, it is possible that some individuals could develop skin irritation or allergic reactions when using this product.
 
(Click Aquaphor Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

This product is not known to interact with other medications (see Aquaphor Drug Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using Aquaphor if you have:
 
  • A persistent, frequent, or severe skin condition
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines your child is taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Aquaphor Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not use the ointment.)
 

Overdose Information

An overdose with Aquaphor could potentially cause problems, especially if it is taken by mouth. If your child accidentally eats some of the ointment, seek medical attention right away.
 
(Click Aquaphor Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Aquaphor Be Stored?

Aquaphor should be stored at room temperature. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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