Aquaphor has been a household staple for more than a century, which makes it a perfect fit for Vintage Vanity, my series where I explore beauty products that have lived on bathroom counters and shelves for decades, that you can still get today.
The brand’s story starts in 1924 with the original Aquaphor ointment. By 1936, it was being sold exclusively to doctors, pharmacists, and hospitals in hefty 5‑lb tubs. It wouldn’t reach consumers directly until 1982.
In 1991, the brand introduced Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment, which is the formula most of us know and love. They added Lip Repair in 2011, the mini jar in 2014, Ointment Body Spray in 2017, and the Healing Balm Stick in 2022 to their lineup. There is also the Baby line, which formulas are identical to their non‑Baby counterparts (which is good to know if the product you want is sold out).
Original vs. Advanced Therapy
The Original Formula still exists, but the version you’ll see almost everywhere today is Advanced Therapy. The difference comes down to purpose: Advanced Therapy is designed to actively support healing, thanks to the addition of glycerin, panthenol, and bisabolol. It’s my personal go‑to, especially in the mini tub, which is perfect for tossing into any bag.
Aquaphor Advanced Therapy
This is the formula most people picture when they think of Aquaphor. It comes in tubes and tubs of all sizes. I keep a tube in my bathroom to protect my skin when I colour my hair, and a tiny tub at my desk for cuticles, rough patches on my skin, as well as my lips.
Unlike plain petrolatum jelly, Aquaphor Advanced Therapy is 41% petrolatum, with the remaining ingredients chosen to soften skin and support healing.
Unlike plain petrolatum jelly, Aquaphor Advanced Therapy is 41% petrolatum, with the remaining ingredients chosen to soften skin and support healing.
Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick
This is the mess‑free version of Aquaphor. It is fantastic for elbows, lips, and any dry spots that need quick moisture. It is also great for on the go, no risk of it oozing out and into your bag. I also use it when colouring my hair because the stick format gives me more control (I usually apply the stick first and then add a layer of the Advanced Therapy).
This formula contains 30% petrolatum, plus shea butter and avocado oil for extra nourishment.
Aquaphor Ointment Body Spray
This is one of the newer additions and possibly my favourite. It sprays out as a light, foamy texture that feels almost like a dry body oil when applied to damp skin. It absorbs quickly and does not feel greasy on me.
It uses the same ingredients found in Advanced Therapy, just in a different ratio. I have no idea how they made it work this well, but I am glad they did.
After trying so many Aquaphor products over the years, I genuinely appreciate how well they do what they are meant to do: lock in moisture and help skin heal. It is impressive that after 102 years, the brand is still innovating while staying true to what made it iconic in the first place, healing skin.
Aquaphor can be found at most drugstores and mass market retailers.
*Products were sent for review purposes. All views and opinions are my own.
