Is Aquaphor Healing Ointment Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated July 15, 2026
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Aquaphor
Yes. Aquaphor Healing Ointment received an A grade because its ingredient based assessment found no flagged pregnancy risk ingredients for ordinary topical use.
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.
bisabolol
SAFE
Bisabolol is a natural, soothing compound derived from chamomile that is commonly used in skincare for its anti inflammatory and calming properties. For ordinary topical use during pregnancy, bisabolol functions as a soothing skincare ingredient and was not flagged for pregnancy risk.
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. For ordinary topical use during pregnancy, ceresin serves as a waxy stiffening agent and was not flagged for pregnancy risk.
glycerin
SAFE
Glycerin is a colorless, odorless, and sweet tasting humectant commonly used in skincare products to attract and retain moisture in the skin. For ordinary topical use during pregnancy, glycerin helps attract and retain skin moisture and was not flagged for pregnancy risk.
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. For ordinary topical use during pregnancy, lanolin alcohol acts as an emollient and was not flagged for pregnancy risk.
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. For ordinary topical use during pregnancy, mineral oil acts as a moisturizing emollient and was not flagged for pregnancy risk.
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. For ordinary topical use during pregnancy, panthenol provides moisturizing and soothing effects and was not flagged for pregnancy risk.
petrolatum
SAFE
Petrolatum is a semi solid, occlusive substance derived from petroleum that is commonly used to moisturize and protect the skin. For ordinary topical use during pregnancy, petrolatum forms a moisturizing protective barrier and was not flagged for pregnancy risk.
Answering Your Questions
How much Aquaphor Healing Ointment is safe during pregnancy?
Apply a thin layer just enough to cover the dry or irritated area. Use it externally and avoid applying it to deep wounds or serious burns without medical advice.
Can you use Aquaphor Healing Ointment daily while pregnant?
Reapply as needed when the area feels dry or its protective layer has worn off. If irritation develops or the skin problem persists, stop using it and consult your healthcare professional.
Why did Aquaphor Healing Ointment receive an A grade?
It received an A through ingredient based scoring: all seven assessed ingredients were classified as safe, and no pregnancy risk ingredients were flagged for ordinary topical exposure.
Can I use Aquaphor Healing Ointment while pregnant?
Yes, its ingredient profile earned an A grade for pregnancy. Apply a thin layer topically as needed rather than ingesting it or using it inside the body.
Can I use Aquaphor Healing Ointment while breastfeeding?
Its ingredients were not flagged for pregnancy related risk with ordinary topical use, but avoid putting ointment where your baby could directly ingest it. If applying near the nipple, ask your healthcare professional whether it should be removed before feeding.
Is Aquaphor Healing Ointment basically just petrolatum?
No. Petrolatum is one ingredient, but the formula also contains mineral oil, ceresin, lanolin alcohol, glycerin, panthenol, and bisabolol.
What pregnancy safe alternatives can I consider?
Look for a simple fragrance free ointment or balm with a short ingredient list and no flagged pregnancy risk ingredients. Choose the texture and ingredients that suit your skin, especially if you are sensitive to particular emollients.
Can Aquaphor Healing Ointment treat a wound during pregnancy?
It can provide an occlusive layer over minor dry or irritated skin, but it is not a substitute for medical treatment. Ask a healthcare professional about deep, puncture, infected, or severely burned skin.
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 Baby Travel Size Healing Ointment - 1.75Oz | Aquaphor | ointment |
| A | Eucerin Aquaphor Healing Ointment 396G | Eucerin | ointment |
| A | Cerave Healing Ointment | Cerave | ointment |
| A | Aquaphor Multi-Purpose Healing Ointment | 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 Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment 7 Oz | — |
| A | Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment | — |
| A | Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy Skin Protectant - Dry Skin And Diaper Rash Ointment - 7Oz | ointment |
| A | Aquaphor Baby Sensitive Lotion | — |
How Does Aquaphor Healing Ointment Compare to Other Ointments?
We graded 70 Ointments for pregnancy safety. Here's how they stack up:
Aquaphor Healing Ointment earns a A grade, placing it among the top of Ointments. Only 33% of products in this category get an A grade, so it pays to choose carefully.
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 ingredients with established risks during pregnancy. Research shows these can cause birth defects, developmental harm, or serious maternal complications.
What to do: Do not use during pregnancy. If you've already used it, don't worry - contact your OBGYN if concerned.