Is Aquaphor Good for Eczema? Benefits, Usage, and Limitations

Keeping your skin hydrated is an essential component of everyday eczema care. Frequent and sufficient moisturizing can also help to keep flare-ups at bay. 

Aquaphor is a petroleum jelly-based skin protectant and moisturizer that can help manage eczema. However, although rare, some people may have an allergic reaction to one of the product’s ingredients. 

Understanding the benefits and risks of using Aquaphor for eczema can help you determine whether it’s right for your symptoms. 

Read on to learn more about how Aquaphor works for eczema and how it compares to other treatments. 

What Is Aquaphor?

Aquaphor is an over-the-counter (OTC) skin protectant and occlusive moisturizer. There are several versions of Aquaphor available, but for the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on the most popular of the brand’s products: Aquaphor Healing Ointment.

Ingredients in Aquaphor

Aquaphor Healing Ointment has one active ingredient: 41% petrolatum. 

Additionally, inactive ingredients in Aquaphor include:

• Mineral oil.
• Ceresin, a naturally-occurring wax.
• Lanolin alcohol, extracted from sheep’s wool.
• Panthenol, made from vitamin B5.
• Glycerin, a natural compound derived from vegetable oils or animal fats.
• Bisabolol, a product of the chamomile plant.

How Aquaphor Works for the Skin

Aquaphor is a skin protectant and occlusive moisturizer, which means it works by creating a physical barrier to prevent moisture from evaporating from the skin.

Occlusive moisturizers are recommended for people with mild-to-moderate eczema to help prevent water loss in the skin. Other occlusive formulations, such as ointments with little-to-no water content, are often used in more severe cases of eczema. 

Though the principal ingredient in Aquaphor, petrolatum, is an occlusive agent, additional ingredients in the product serve other functions. 

Panthenol works to promote wound healing, relieve itching, and reduce inflammation of the skin.

Glycerin acts as a humectant, which means it draws water from the middle of the skin toward the skin’s surface to improve moisture-retention on the outer layers of the skin. One dermatological journal suggests that glycerin is the most effective humectant agent in skincare. 

Bisabolol is an anti-inflammatory agent that some research shows can help to reduce itching and inflammation as well as overall symptom severity in people with eczema. 

Common Uses 

There are several common uses for Aquaphor Healing Ointment, including:

• Protects and relieves chapped, dry, or cracked skin and lips.
• Protects and soothes minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.
• Protects from the drying effects of wind and cold weather. 
• Creates a protective barrier to help prevent and soothe diaper rash.

Can Aquaphor Help with Eczema?

Yes, Aquaphor can help manage common eczema symptoms, including dry and irritated skin and itchiness. 

Benefits of Aquaphor for Eczema

Aquaphor’s occlusive and humectant properties can help to retain skin’s moisture and protect against severe dryness, which can be a chief complaint among those with eczema.  

Aquaphor can also help to relieve itching and inflammation associated with eczema.

Does Aquaphor Reduce Eczema Symptoms?

According to the National Eczema Association (NEA), petroleum jelly and mineral oil-based ointments like Aquaphor are the first choice for eczema treatment. These types of ointments have the highest oil content to help seal in moisture in the skin. 

Risks of Using Aquaphor for Eczema

Although rare, some people can develop an allergic reaction to other ingredients in Aquaphor, like lanolin alcohol.  

Patch testing is an effective way to determine whether or not your skin will react to Aquaphor. To conduct a patch test, apply a small amount of Aquaphor on a patch of skin that isn’t affected by eczema. If you notice any redness, itchiness, swelling, or blistering, wipe the product off and stop use. 

If you suspect you may be allergic to Aquaphor, reach out to a dermatology expert to discuss safe alternatives. 

How to Use Aquaphor for Eczema Relief

Regularly applying Aquaphor or another fragrance and preservative-free moisturizer can be an effective way to soothe common eczema symptoms, like dry and chapped skin.

Below is the “Soak and Seal” strategy for applying Aquaphor or another approved moisturizer for eczema, according to the NEA:  

• Bathe or shower using lukewarm water for 5-10 minutes.
• Do not use any abrasive scrubbing instruments, like a washcloth or loofah. 
• Wash your skin with an unscented, dye-free, and fragrance-free soap or cleanser.
• After exiting the bath or shower, pat your skin gently to lightly dry off. Leave your skin damp before applying a moisturizer or ointment. 
• Apply any prescription ointments or creams first, if prescribed by your skincare provider.
• Apply a generous amount of fragrance-free moisturizer or protectant to the skin. Aim to moisturize your skin within three minutes of exiting the bath or shower. 

Aquaphor vs. Other Eczema Treatments

Though Aquaphor can help some people manage their eczema symptoms, it may not be right for you. Different people can respond differently to the same product, even when managing the same chronic skin condition like eczema.

When searching for the right moisturizer or ointment for your eczema symptoms, be sure to keep an open mind about what works right for your skin. When in doubt, reach out to a dermatology expert for guidance.  

Aquaphor vs. Vaseline for Eczema

Aquaphor and Vaseline are both OTC skin protectants that contain the same active ingredient, petrolatum. For this reason, both products can be used in managing and treating eczema symptoms.

However, because Aquaphor contains additional ingredients while Vaseline only contains petrolatum, some people may prefer to use Vaseline if they have a reaction to one of the other ingredients in Aquaphor. 

On the other hand, Vaseline is more likely to trap existing oils and dirt on the skin which can trigger acne, especially when used on the face. If you’re experiencing an eczema flare-up on your face and don’t have a known reaction to the ingredients in Aquaphor, you may prefer to use Aquaphor over Vaseline.

Aquaphor vs. Prescription Eczema Creams

In most cases, Aquaphor can be used alongside prescription eczema creams. As noted above, the NEA recommends applying any topical prescription medications before applying a moisturizer like Aquaphor.   

Working with a dermatology expert is the best way to know whether or not your eczema will benefit best from prescription topical treatment, OTC treatment, or both.  

Combining Aquaphor with Other Skincare Products

Aquaphor is a generally safe product to use and is dermatologist-recommended for dry and cracked skin. 

However, when looking for skincare products for eczema, it’s important to consider fragrance-free, dye-free, and preservative-free options. Many people with eczema have sensitive skin that can be prone to reactions from perfumes, dyes, and other additives. 

The NEA has a helpful guide of recommended skincare products for people with eczema.

Dermatologist Insights on Aquaphor for Eczema

According to Rachel Day, MD, "Aquaphor is a favorite for many with eczema because it does a great job of locking in moisture and protecting the skin.” 

But the Chief Medical Officer of Zest Health advises that, “Since every person's skin and product-feel preference is different, it’s not always a one-size-fits-all solution. If Aquaphor works for you, it can really help keep flare-ups in check. But if it’s not quite right, work with your dermatology expert to help find what works best for your skin.”