Aquaphor

Aquaphor is a semi-occlusive ointment whose main ingredient is petrolatum, blended in most markets with ingredients such as mineral oil, lanolin alcohol, panthenol and glycerin. The petrolatum forms a film that slows transepidermal water loss, giving the skin barrier a more favourable environment while it recovers.

People use it on chapped lips, cracked hands and heels, dry patches, over tattoos, after in-office procedures when a professional has advised an ointment, and as the final sealing step in slugging. It does not add active repair ingredients — it mostly holds moisture in and keeps friction and irritants out.

Because it is heavy and occlusive, some people find it uncomfortable or congesting on the full face, particularly acne-prone skin. Lanolin alcohol is a known allergen for a minority of users, so patch test. An ointment is not a treatment for infection or a rash that is spreading — that needs a doctor.