Aquaphor: Soothing Skin For Over 100 Years

Written by: Anna Pafenberg

Aquaphor, a soothing ointment for hydration, has been helping to hydrate and soothe skin since 1924 when Beisersdorf Inc Laboratories developed and trademarked the product. However, in 1929, they sold the trademark to Duke’s Laboratories so that Aquaphor could be manufactured in America.

So why is Aquaphor so popular over 100 years later? It’s largely based on social media platforms like Tiktok. Influencers and dermatologists alike recommend this ointment for smooth skin and moisturized lips. At first, in 1936 when Aquaphor was first sold, it was not marketed towards the public. Instead, doctors purchased it in five pound tubs. Unlike Vaseline, which is just petroleum jelly, Aquaphor combines that and lanolin, a kind of wax. Glycerin and panthenol are also in this popular substance. Now in 2025, the standard package of Aquaphor is $16 and offers some perspective as to why it's so popular. It can be used to ‘slug’ the face, basically locking in moisture by applying Aquaphor everywhere. It can also be used on burns, scars, and other injuries. Most of all it makes your skin hydrated! Aquaphor is non-comedogenic, which means it cannot clog your pores. This is why it’s so good for slugging. Unlike vaseline, which simply traps moisture, Aquaphor does this and moisturizes. Because so many people use harsh products like exfoliants or Accutane for acne, Aquaphor can offer healing moisture. 

During WWII, Aquaphor stopped being manufactured. Duke Laboratories started to sell it again in 1960, and was still marketed to medical professionals. However, they started to sell it in smaller tubes similar to what we see today. In 1973, Beisersdorf Inc repurchased the trademark. By 2012, it was marketed to consumers after a full rebrand in 2006. 

Thanks to Tiktok, Aquaphor became something that every beauty guru and influencer had. It was almost a symbol that if you had a tube, then you knew something about skincare. Aquaphor has also been marketed towards dry lips. This is much more affordable than lip glosses and moisturizers at big stores like Sephora. Aquaphor also has been used for generations. People’s grandmothers and mothers might have been seen using it in their skincare routine, making it not just a product, but a memory for people everywhere. 

All in all, Aquaphor is not just a healing ointment, but rather something that holds memories and is a part of your skincare family. Something so simple is so desirable, and for good reason. This cheap but luxurious in feel ointment has healed not just skin, but lives.