11 Smart Ways Dermatologists Suggest You Use Aquaphor

Although it may not come in the most glamorous packaging for your high-end beauty shelf, one thing we can guarantee about Aquaphor is its effectiveness. This small jar of moisturizer is a staple in dermatologists' routines and is found in the bathrooms of skincare enthusiasts. Even better, it’s a versatile product that works wonders on everything from rough feet and cuticles to blisters and more. Keep reading to discover the top dermatologist-approved uses for Aquaphor.

What Is Aquaphor?

So, what makes Aquaphor stand out among the sea of moisturizers? Its charm likely lies in its simplicity and proven effectiveness, plus its affordable price tag only adds to its appeal. The key ingredient is petroleum jelly, which teams up with glycerin, lanolin, and mineral oil to form a protective layer on the skin.

“Aquaphor can help soften and smooth the skin, as well as minimize transepidermal water loss,” says dermatologist and surgeon Kristina Collins, MD, FAAD. “Its thick ointment formula creates a protective barrier over the skin, which is beneficial for a range of skin conditions, particularly eczema and dermatitis, where the skin is dry, cracked, or irritated.”

How to Use Aquaphor

Aquaphor’s popularity also comes from its incredible versatility. However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind—don’t use it on acne-prone skin due to its occlusive nature, and avoid it if you're allergic to lanolin. Otherwise, feel free to enjoy its many benefits. Here are some of the top ways to make the most of Aquaphor.

1. Use as a Hand Mask

The cold winter months can leave your skin extremely dry, and if you're frequently working with hot water or chemicals, your hands are particularly vulnerable. Collins suggests that Aquaphor can provide the relief you need.

Her recommendation is to apply a layer of Aquaphor on freshly washed hands at night, then cover them with cotton gloves while you sleep. “An overnight treatment allows the product to deeply nourish and seal in moisture,” she explains.

2. Relieve Dry and Cracked Feet

What works for your hands can also be used on your feet! Dry, cracked feet can be easily healed with a generous application of Aquaphor. Coat your feet with a thick layer of the ointment, then wear thick socks and leave them on overnight. You can even wrap them in plastic for less mess.

3. Use to Remove Makeup

Aquaphor, much like cold cream or a cleansing balm, is a surprisingly effective makeup remover. Family nurse practitioner Jodi Logerfo, DNP, FNP, shares that when traveling, she’s forgotten her usual makeup remover and turned to Aquaphor. "When I have been traveling and realize I have forgotten my traditional makeup remover, I have used Aquaphor, and it is surprisingly effective," she says. "You can apply Aquaphor to a gauze pad and wipe it over your face and eyes to remove makeup. Then, I use my regular cleanser to wash it off. It works unexpectedly well," she adds.

4. Moisturize Your Dry Lips

For dry or cracked lips, Aquaphor is a great option. Collins explains, "Aquaphor makes an excellent and non-irritating lip moisturizer." It hydrates, softens, and shields lips from harsh elements like cold, sun, and wind. Just apply a small amount to your lips and gently rub it in.

5. Prevent Chafing and Blisters

To prevent chafing, Aquaphor can be applied wherever friction occurs. It’s a great solution for reducing chafing between your thighs or any areas where skin rubs together, and it can also help prevent blisters when you’re breaking in new shoes.

6. Hydrate Your Nails and Cuticles

A small amount of Aquaphor applied to your cuticles can help soften them and keep your nail beds from looking ragged. When your nails and cuticles are nourished, they are also less likely to snag or develop hangnails.

For those dealing with nail damage caused by gel polish or acrylics, nail slugging, which involves coating your nails with a thick ointment like Aquaphor, can help rehydrate and repair them.

7. Control Your Eyebrows

"Aquaphor is excellent for taming unruly eyebrows," says Logerfo. "Just use a lash brush to apply the ointment and comb your eyebrows into place. It’s a budget-friendly way to keep your eyebrows in check without splurging on pricey eyebrow products."

8. Extend the Scent of Your Perfume

Aquaphor can make your perfume last longer and enhance its scent. Simply apply a small amount to areas where you spray your fragrance—like your wrists or neck—let it sit for a few minutes, and then apply your perfume. This technique allows the scent to cling to the moisturizer rather than your skin, helping to extend its wear.

9. Support the Healing of Wounds

Aquaphor can aid in the healing of cuts, scrapes, or small surgical wounds by protecting the area and promoting recovery. Collins, a dermatologic and Mohs Micrographic Surgeon, shares, "I send my patients home with Aquaphor to apply to their surgical sites to encourage healing." She adds, "A twice-daily application of Aquaphor can help the skin recover from both minor injuries and surgical wounds."

10. Control Frizz and Flyaways

If you're in a bind, just use a tiny amount of Aquaphor to tame frizz and flyaways. It works by sealing the hair cuticle and smoothing down stray strands. Be cautious with the amount you use, as too much can make your hair greasy. Afterward, comb through to distribute any excess along the hair shaft.

11. Soothe Your Pet’s Dry, Irritated Skin

Aquaphor is a great solution for treating your dog’s dry, cracked paws or nose. It’s a safe and effective at-home remedy for all pets. Aquaphor helps relieve your pet's dry, irritated, and inflamed skin. Just apply a small amount to the affected area and gently rub it in.

You can also use Aquaphor to help heal minor wounds on your pet. While it’s not toxic to dogs, too much ingestion can lead to an upset stomach, so be sure to prevent your dog from licking the ointment.