Meet the Drugstore Staple Dermatologists Swear By

Shopping for skin care can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. With so many cutting-edge ingredients, innovative products, and high-tech gadgets on the market, you might feel like building an effective routine requires a serious investment. But in reality, skin care doesn’t need to be flashy (or pricey) to be effective. In fact, some of the best products are the decidedly un-fancy staples lining the shelves of your local drugstore. Case in point: Aquaphor Healing Ointment (which Billie Eilish once famously called the “love of [her] life”). This simple ointment is a cult favorite for moisturizing, soothing, and protecting the skin — and its benefits rival that of even the priciest luxury formulas. Keep reading to learn why and discover eight ways to use it in your routine. 

What Is Aquaphor Healing Ointment?

Aquaphor Healing Ointment — which we’ll refer to simply as “Aquaphor” from here on out — is a thick, rich hydrator designed to help nourish and protect the skin. The no-frills formula contains just seven ingredients, including petrolatum, glycerin, and provitamin B5 (also known as panthenol). It was first developed in 1924 and sold exclusively to doctors and hospitals in giant 5-pound containers. It wasn’t until 1982 that the product became available for consumers to purchase — but once it hit drugstore shelves, it became an instant classic.  

What Does Aquaphor Do?

Aquaphor forms a “protective barrier on the skin's surface, which helps to lock in moisture and prevent water loss,” says Hallie Font, director of esthetics at Hi, Skin. “The petrolatum acts as an occlusive agent, sealing the skin's surface and preventing dehydration. The additional emollients, [including] glycerin and panthenol, attract moisture to the skin and help to keep it hydrated.” 

The occlusive ointment also helps protect the skin from external stressors. Stanford University dermatology resident Dr. James Kilgour, M.D., hails the simple salve as a must-have for “rescuing the skin from irritation, burns, and wounds.” He adds that it’s “safe to use anywhere on the body, including the eye area,” and is generally suitable for most skin types (though those with acne-prone skin may find it too heavy for regular use). 

8 Expert-Approved Ways To Use Aquaphor

One reason experts swear by Aquaphor? It's incredibly versatile. There are countless ways to use it in your routine. Here are eight we love.

1. To Nourish Dry, Chapped Skin

Arguably the most well-known use of Aquaphor is as a moisturizer. You can use it anywhere — elbows, knees, hands — but one of our favorite ways to use it is as an overnight foot mask. Slather a thick layer onto dry, cracked heels, pull on your favorite socks, and wake up with softer, smoother feet come sunrise. 

2. For Slugging

Slugging is a K-beauty method that involves smoothing an occlusive moisturizer, such as Aquaphor, onto your face as the final step in your nighttime skin care routine. The thick ointment will help “reduce the amount of water that your skin is losing to the environment,” according to U.K.-based dermatologist Dr. Aamna Adel. Note that a little goes a long way — you need only a pea-sized amount to help lock in moisture. 

3. As a Lip Balm

Keep chapped lips at bay by applying a thin layer of Aquaphor anytime your lips feel dry.

4. To Shield Your Skin From Hair Dye

“I love [using] Aquaphor when dyeing hair to prevent staining the skin,” Dr. Kilgour says. He recommends applying “a liberal layer around the frontal hairline, [on] the tops of your ears, and [on] the back of your neck,” to help protect your skin from coming into contact with the dye. 

5. As a Cuticle Treatment

Dry cuticles are practically unavoidable in the colder months. To help prevent painful cracking and peeling, use Aquaphor as a budget-friendly cuticle oil. If you need an even more intensive treatment, apply a thick layer to your hands before bed and pop on some gloves. 

6. To Soothe Cuts, Burns, and Scrapes

Aquaphor was originally marketed as a healing salve for cuts, scrapes, and burns, and it still functions as such today. You can apply a thin layer over minor wounds to help “form a barrier over the surface of compromised skin,” Dr. Kilgour says. Of course, bigger injuries should always be evaluated by a doctor. 

7. In Place of Hair Gel

The secret to Sophia Richie-Grange’s iconic slicked-back bun? You guessed it — Aquaphor. Use the rich ointment in place of hair gel for smooth strands, sans stiffness or crunchiness. 

8. In Place of (or Under) Makeup

If you’re looking to perfect your no-makeup makeup routine, Aquaphor is a must. The multipurpose ointment can help tame unruly brows, thicken lashes, and give the skin a naturally lit-from-within glow. Celebrity makeup artist Scott Barnes even uses it to help prevent concealer from creasing and caking — just apply a bit around your under-eye area, then dab on your concealer for an airbrushed-looking finish.