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There are a lot of flashy new skincare products on the market, but sometimes you just need to go back to the basics.
Aquaphor healing ointment is over 100 years old, but it remains a dermatologist favorite still today. In fact, it’s even seen a boost in recent years due to the “slugging” skincare trend. That’s where people put a layer of Aquaphor over their usual nighttime skincare products to provide a barrier that seals the hydration in overnight.
We spoke with three dermatologists about the continued prevalence of the product, and why they think it’s had such an enduring run in the skincare space.
The three experts Parade consulted are Dr. Danny Guo, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Sejal Shah, a board-certified dermatologist with a private practice in Manhattan and Dr. Kavita Mariwalla, a double board-certified dermatologist and the 2026 President of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
If you haven’t yet added this classic skincare item into your routine, these experts will likely convince you. Dr. Mariwalla says that she loves recommending Aquaphor to her patients “for its proven track record of safety.” And Dr. Guo adds that he appreciates that it’s a “no-frills” product that helps protect your skin barrier. Keep reading to learn more about all the benefits of using this popular moisturizing cream.
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Shop It at AmazonWhat Is Aquaphor—and Why Is the 100-Year-Old Formula Still Unmatched?
According to the brand’s website, what we now know as Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment ($13) was originally trademarked in 1924. It was initially sold to doctors, pharmacists and hospitals before becoming widely available to the public in 1982.
As Dr. Shah explains, the product is a “petrolatum-based skin protectant” that “forms a protective barrier that helps reduce water loss.” Other ingredients like glycerin, mineral oil and more “provide additional moisturizing and soothing benefits,” says Dr. Shah.
She adds, “Although the formula is relatively simple, I believe Aquaphor has stood the test of time because it effectively creates a protective barrier that supports and protects damaged or excessively dry skin.”
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Why Dermatologists Swear By Aquaphor Over Ordinary Petroleum Jelly
According to Dr. Shah, “Aquaphor provides the occlusive benefits of petrolatum while also incorporating additional moisturizing and soothing ingredients.”
“It also has a slightly different texture and spreadability compared with plain petroleum jelly, making it easier to apply and distribute over the skin,” she continues.
Dr. Guo adds that Aquaphor is particularly useful for hydrating lips, because “for many people, Aquaphor has a better textural experience than traditional 100% petrolatum.”
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How To Use Aquaphor in Your Modern Skincare Routine
There are many ways to incorporate Aquaphor into a skincare routine—some of which you may not even have considered.
“I think of Aquaphor as the final protective layer rather than the moisturizer itself, so I typically recommend applying a very thin layer after your moisturizer in areas needing extra protection,” says Dr. Shah.
She suggests focusing on areas that lose moisture quickly “such as around the lips, the sides of the nose … hands, feet, elbows, cuticles and areas prone to friction or chafing.”
Dr. Mariwalla adds that you can also use the product to style your hair.
“A very thin amount rubbed and warmed between the hands is excellent for flyaways on your hair,” she says, sharing that you can massage some onto split ends as well.
And, as the “healing” part of its name suggests, Aquaphor can also be spread over “superficial scratches or injuries,” says Dr. Guo.
Related: We Asked 3 Dermatologists About the 1 Sunscreen They’d Never Use and They All Said the Same Thing
Aquaphor vs. Vaseline: What’s the Real Difference?
“Vaseline is pure petroleum, whereas Aquaphor contains additional ingredients,” Dr. Shah tells Parade. “They both function as skin protectants and barriers but they aren’t identical products.”
How can you decide which one is best for you?
“If you want the simplest possible formula and maximum occlusion, plain petroleum jelly is hard to beat,” she continues. “If you want something that feels more like a multifunctional skincare ointment, Aquaphor has the advantage.”
Is Aquaphor Safe for Sensitive or Acne-Prone Skin?
Dr. Mariwalla says that Aquaphor, which is fragrance-free and preservative-free, is generally safe for sensitive skin, but you should be cautious if you struggle with acne, “because acne can flare for a number of reasons.”
Dr. Shah elaborates, explaining, “Because it forms a thick, occlusive barrier, it can trap dirt, sweat and sebum if applied to unclean skin or used excessively on acne-prone areas. People who are particularly prone to acne or congestion may find that it contributes to breakouts.”
She adds that if you’re acne-prone, start with a “small area rather than applying it over your entire face.”
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Sources:
Dr. Danny Guo, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Sejal Shah, a board-certified dermatologist with a private practice in Manhattan Dr. Kavita Mariwalla, a double board-certified dermatologist and the 2026 President of the American Society for Dermatologic SurgeryHence then, the article about the iconic 1924 skincare product that dermatologists still swear by was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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