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Aquaphor Healing Ointment Review: Would Users Buy It Again?

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this product in person. This verdict is based on our analysis of retailer ratings, dermatologist comments in published articles and ingredient information, all listed at the end of this article. Our method.

Repeat

A reliable multi-use barrier for dry skin, if you can live with the grease

Walmart shoppers rate the 14 oz jar 4.8 out of 5 across about 8,800 ratings, with roughly 94% of ratings at four or five stars. Dermatologists quoted by Healthline and US Dermatology Partners describe it as a good fit for very dry, cracked or eczema-prone skin, thanks to petrolatum plus glycerin and panthenol. The trade-offs are consistent: it feels thick and greasy, it is not a good match for oily or acne-prone skin, and it contains lanolin, so anyone with a lanolin allergy should pick plain petroleum jelly instead.

Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.

Buy it again if you…

  • have very dry, rough or cracked skin on hands, feet, elbows or lips
  • want one fragrance-free ointment for many small jobs
  • use a large jar often enough to make the 14 oz size worthwhile

Skip it if you…

  • have a lanolin allergy
  • have oily or acne-prone facial skin
  • dislike a heavy, greasy feel during the day

This review summarizes user experiences and published expert comments and is not medical advice. For deep, infected or serious wounds, burns, or a skin condition such as eczema, talk to a doctor or dermatologist. Reactions to skincare vary from person to person.

Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment is a water-free skin protectant. According to Healthline, it is about 41% petrolatum, with mineral oil, ceresin, a lanolin-derived ingredient, panthenol (provitamin B5), glycerin and bisabolol. The 14 oz tub is the large, stay-at-home size.

We looked at retailer ratings, dermatologist comments and ingredient comparisons to see why people keep restocking it, and where it falls short.

What owners say, at a glance

4.8 / 5Walmart average across about 8,800 ratingsRetailer listing
~41%petrolatum, plus glycerin and panthenolHealthline
94%of Walmart ratings are 4 or 5 starsWalmart star breakdown
Relief for dry, cracked skin
Strong praise
Versatility
Strong praise
Fragrance-free and gentle
Mostly positive
Greasy, heavy feel
Common complaint
Fit for oily or acne-prone skin
Experts advise caution

Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.

The key details

Size14 oz jar
TypeWater-free ointment, skin protectant
Main ingredientsAbout 41% petrolatum, mineral oil, ceresin, lanolin-derived ingredient, panthenol, glycerin, bisabolol
FragranceFragrance-free
Listed usesDry, cracked skin, lips, hands, cuticles, feet and minor skin irritations

What users love

It rescues very dry skin.Dermatologist Hadley King told Healthline that Aquaphor tends to be a better moisturizer than plain petroleum jelly, because glycerin draws water into the skin while petrolatum seals it in.
One jar, many jobs.TODAY lists uses from chapped lips and rough elbows to cuticles, chafing and tattoo aftercare. ShopSavvy notes people apply it to feet under socks overnight.
Gentle and scent-free.The retailer listing describes it as fragrance-free and preservative-free, and Skinsort marks it fragrance-free.
The big jar lasts.ShopSavvy estimates a 14 oz jar can last several months to a year, depending on use.

What users complain about

It is greasy.ShopSavvy says it has a greasy, thick feel, and some users find it sticky during the day and save it for bedtime.
Not for oily or acne-prone skin.Dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, quoted by TODAY, suggests avoiding occlusive ointments like Aquaphor if you are prone to breakouts. Skinsort also flags its main ingredients for oily skin.
Lanolin is a deal-breaker for some.Healthline, TODAY and US Dermatology Partners all note that people with a lanolin allergy should avoid it and can use plain petroleum jelly instead.
Not always the first pick for wounds.US Dermatology Partners says plain petrolatum is often preferred after procedures, and Healthline cites a survey where more dermatologists recommended Vaseline than Aquaphor after surgery.

How it holds up over time

An ointment like this does not wear out, and the high retailer ratings point to people who keep a tub around for years. Satisfaction depends on how you use it. People who apply it to hands, feet, lips and rough patches, often at night, are the happiest. People who try it as an all-over facial moisturizer on oily skin are the most likely to stop.

Tips from users

  • Apply at night if the greasy feel bothers you during the day.
  • Put it on damp skin to seal in moisture.
  • Wear cotton socks or gloves over it for cracked heels or hands.
  • Use clean fingers or a spatula with the open jar.
  • Patch-test first if you have ever reacted to lanolin or wool-derived products.

Pros and cons

What owners love

  • Very well rated by retailer shoppers
  • Petrolatum plus glycerin and panthenol for very dry skin
  • Fragrance-free
  • Many uses, from lips to heels
  • Large jar lasts a long time

What owners complain about

  • Thick and greasy
  • Can contribute to breakouts on oily or acne-prone skin
  • Contains lanolin, so not for people with that allergy
  • Jar format is less hygienic and not travel-friendly

Other options users compare

These are the ointments most often compared with Aquaphor.

ProductKnown forConsider it if…
Aquaphor Healing Ointment (this review)Petrolatum plus glycerin and panthenolYou want a moisturizing barrier for very dry skinSee on Amazon
Vaseline Jelly Original100% petroleum jellyYou have a lanolin allergy or want the simplest occlusiveSee on Amazon
CeraVe Healing OintmentPetrolatum with ceramides, no lanolinYou want a lanolin-free ointment with ceramidesSee on Amazon

Want one jar for dry, cracked skin and lips?

Check current sizes and prices on Amazon.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Aquaphor just Vaseline?

No. Vaseline is 100% petroleum jelly. Aquaphor is about 41% petrolatum plus mineral oil, ceresin, a lanolin-derived ingredient, panthenol, glycerin and bisabolol.

Can I use Aquaphor on my face?

Many people use it on dry patches and lips. Dermatologists quoted by TODAY suggest avoiding it on oily or acne-prone skin.

Who should avoid Aquaphor?

Anyone with a lanolin allergy. Plain petroleum jelly is the usual swap.

Is it good for cuts and scrapes?

It can protect minor scrapes on clean skin. For deep, infected or serious wounds, see a medical professional first.

Sources we analyzed

Figures reflect each source as of October 11, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.