Is Aquaphor Healing Ointment Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated September 9, 2026
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Aquaphor
Aquaphor Healing Ointment is a Grade A option for ordinary topical use during pregnancy, with no ingredients flagged for caution or avoidance in this ointment. Its grade reflects ingredient based screening, not proof that every ingredient has been studied in pregnant people.
Go ahead and use it. Nothing to worry about here.
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What Ingredients Are in Aquaphor Healing Ointment?
Aquaphor Healing Ointment has 7 ingredients. All 7 ingredients are considered safe for pregnancy.
glycerin
SAFE
Glycerin is a colorless, odorless, and sweet tasting humectant commonly used in skincare products to attract and retain moisture in the skin. Glycerin is generally compatible with pregnancy in normal topical use, where pregnancy exposure is expected to be low.
bisabolol
SAFE
Bisabolol is a natural, soothing compound derived from chamomile that is commonly used in skincare for its anti inflammatory and calming properties. Bisabolol is a soothing skincare ingredient that is unflagged in this topical ointment, but that status does not establish pregnancy specific safety.
ceresin
SAFE
Ceresin is a wax derived from ozokerite or other mineral sources, commonly used as a stiffening agent and emollient in cosmetics and candles. Ceresin is an emollient wax that is unflagged in this topical ointment, rather than individually confirmed safe by pregnancy specific evidence.
lanolin alcohol
SAFE
Lanolin alcohol is a mixture of fatty alcohols derived from lanolin, commonly used as an emollient and skin conditioning agent in cosmetic and skincare products. Lanolin alcohol is a skin conditioning fatty alcohol that is unflagged for this topical use, not an ingredient with established pregnancy specific safety evidence here.
mineral oil
SAFE
Mineral oil is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless oil derived from petroleum, commonly used as a moisturizer and lubricant in skincare and cosmetic products. Mineral oil is unflagged as a topical moisturizer in this ointment, which does not establish pregnancy safety for oral use.
panthenol
SAFE
Panthenol is a moisturizing and soothing ingredient commonly used in skincare and haircare products to improve hydration and promote healthy skin and hair. Panthenol is a moisturizing ingredient that is unflagged in this topical ointment, although that does not confirm it has been studied specifically in pregnancy.
petrolatum
SAFE
Petrolatum is a semi solid, occlusive substance derived from petroleum that is commonly used to moisturize and protect the skin. Petrolatum is an occlusive skin protectant that is unflagged for this topical ointment use, rather than individually verified by pregnancy specific evidence.
Answering Your Questions
How much Aquaphor Healing Ointment is safe during pregnancy?
Use a thin layer, just enough to cover the dry area, following the package directions. The ingredient assessment does not establish a pregnancy specific maximum amount, so ask your clinician about use over extensive areas or severely damaged skin.
Can you use Aquaphor Healing Ointment daily while pregnant?
Follow the label and reapply as needed for dryness rather than using a fixed pregnancy specific schedule. Stop if irritation develops, and seek advice if your skin problem persists or worsens.
Why does Aquaphor Healing Ointment receive a Grade A?
Its Grade A comes from simple ingredient based scoring, with no ingredients flagged for caution or avoidance in topical ointment use. Glycerin has supporting information for pregnancy compatible topical use; the other ingredients are unflagged, which is not the same as individually confirmed safe in pregnancy studies.
Can I use Aquaphor Healing Ointment while breastfeeding?
The pregnancy grade does not establish safety for application where your baby could swallow the ointment. For nipple or areola use, ask your pharmacist or breastfeeding clinician whether this exact product is appropriate and whether it needs removal before feeding; elsewhere, keep treated skin away from your baby's mouth.
What alternatives can I consider during pregnancy?
Look for a simple moisturizer or barrier ointment with a short ingredient list suited to your skin. If you need to avoid a particular ingredient, such as lanolin alcohol, choose a formula without it and check that exact product rather than assuming every ointment has the same pregnancy assessment.
Is Aquaphor Healing Ointment just petroleum jelly?
No. It contains petrolatum, but also mineral oil, ceresin, lanolin alcohol, panthenol, glycerin, and bisabolol. If you want only petroleum jelly, look for a product whose ingredient list contains only petrolatum.
Can I use Aquaphor on my face during pregnancy?
The Grade A assessment applies to ordinary topical ointment use, including a small amount on dry facial skin as directed on the label. It does not establish that the ointment will treat the cause of a facial rash; ask your clinician about persistent or worsening symptoms.
Who should avoid using Aquaphor Healing Ointment?
Do not use it if you know you are allergic to one of its ingredients, and stop if it irritates your skin. A Grade A pregnancy rating does not mean it is suitable for every skin problem; get medical advice for serious burns, deep wounds, or suspected infection rather than relying on a moisturizing ointment.
What Are Pregnancy Safe Alternatives to Aquaphor Healing Ointment?
Here are some solid alternatives. Everything below has an A or B grade, meaning no flagged ingredients in our database.
| Grade | Product | Brand | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Aquaphor Healing Ointment | Aquaphor | ointment |
| A | Aquaphor Healing Ointment Skin Protectant And Moisturizer For Dry And Cracked Skin Unscented | Aquaphor | ointment |
| A | Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy For Dry And Cracked Skin - 1.75Oz | Aquaphor | ointment |
| A | Aquaphor Healing Ointment Skin Protectant Advanced Therapy Moisturizer For Dry And Cracked Skin Unscented | Aquaphor | ointment |
Are Other Aquaphor Products Safe During Pregnancy?
We looked at 10 other Aquaphor products. 8 are pregnancy safe (A or B grade), while 2 need a closer look.
| Grade | Product | Type |
|---|---|---|
| A | Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment | ointment |
| A | Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment - Advanced Therapy To Help Heal Diaper Rash And Chapped Skin - 3Oz. Tube | ointment |
| A | Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy Skin Protectant - Dry Skin And Diaper Rash Ointment - 7Oz | ointment |
| A | Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy Skin Protectant - Dry Skin And Diaper Rash Ointment Jar - 14Oz | ointment |
How Does Aquaphor Healing Ointment Compare to Other Ointments?
We graded 144 Ointments for pregnancy safety. Here's how they stack up:
Aquaphor Healing Ointment earns a A grade, placing it among the top of Ointments. About 55% of products in this category get an A or B grade.
How Do We Score Products for Pregnancy Safety?
We analyze each product's ingredients and category to flag known risks and provide cautionary notices for general category safety concerns.
A - Safe
Excellent choice! All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy.
What to do: Use with confidence.
B - Likely Safe
Pretty much safe with very minimal risk. Some ingredients may have limited pregnancy studies, but no significant safety concerns have been identified.
What to do: Use with confidence.
C - Limit
Contains ingredients with some pregnancy considerations. Research shows these ingredients may have limited safety data, potential for minor hormonal effects, or require caution based on animal studies.
What to do: Use sparingly and consider safer alternatives when available.
D - Caution
Similar to C grade but contains multiple cautionary ingredients. The combination increases overall concern.
What to do: Try to avoid if that makes you feel better. If you've already used it, no need to panic.
F - Avoid
Contains an ingredient Pregnancy Safe recommends avoiding during pregnancy. This may reflect an established risk or a precaution based on limited evidence; check the ingredient guidance and exposure context.
What to do: Do not use during pregnancy. If you've already used it, don't worry - contact your OBGYN if concerned.
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References
- https://www.hfpappexternal.fda.gov/scripts/fdcc/index.cfm?id=GLYCERIN&set=FoodSubstances
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31840548/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7009851/
- https://www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/leaflets-a-z/glycerin-suppositories/
- https://mothertobaby.org/pregnancy-breastfeeding-exposures/cosmetics/