Does Aquaphor Clog Pores?
It’s a skincare staple for many but does Aquaphor clog pores? This long-loved drugstore product offers hydration and protection but its high content of petrolatum can leave people pondering, will Aquaphor clog pores? Even though it might be a hydrating powerhouse, it’s always worth checking if a product is comedogenic (pore-clogging), especially if you have acne-prone skin.
Does Aquaphore clog pores? Here’s what you should know about this drugstore staple and whether it’s safe to use on your face.
What is Aquaphor?
Aquaphor is an ointment made up of 41 percent petrolatum that also contains ingredients like glycerin, panthenol, and lanolin. It’s both a humectant and an occlusive, meaning it draws moisture in and seals it in. Aquaphor is most commonly used to alleviate dry skin, heal cracked lips, remove makeup, and heal wounds.
In recent years, it’s been used in slugging to trap in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss, leading to soft, glowing skin. But does Aquaphor clog face pores? Before slathering your face in this thick, greasy moisturizer, read on to find out if Aquaphor clogs pores.
Does Aquaphor Clog Pores?
Aquaphor is non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores on your face. While it’s non-clogging and doesn’t contain any breakout-inducing ingredients, you should use it in moderation. If too much is used, if it is left on for too long, or if you already have oily or acne-prone skin, sebum, sweat, and impurities can build up in the pores and trigger acne.
In some cases, Aquaphor might be too occlusive for your skin, particularly if you have oily skin or you’re blemish prone. To prevent acne flare ups, use it in moderation and pay close attention to how your skin reacts when using Aquaphor on skin. If you experience breakouts after using it, refrain from using it.
Dermatologists advise against slugging with Aquaphor during the humid and hot seasons, as it could block your pores since the formula is so rich. When sebum and sweat can’t escape through your pores the way they should, you might notice an acne-like sweat rash.
Can Aquaphor Make You Break Out?
Since Aquaphor is non-comedogenic (aka, it doesn’t clog pores), it technically should not cause breakouts. That being said, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, using this thick moisturizer might trigger blemishes as it could simply be too occlusive for your skin.
According to derms, Aquaphor may cause acne breakouts when used in the summer. This is because oil mixed with sweat clogs the pores, which can lead to breakouts. Aquaphor creates a barrier over your skin, which can trap in dirt or bacteria. For that reason, it’s important to always wash your face thoroughly before applying it.
Is it Bad to Put Aquaphor on Your Face?
No, it is technically not bad to use Aquaphor on your face. Aquaphor is made up mostly of petroleum, glycerin, and lanolin, which all work together to create a protective barrier on your skin to prevent moisture from escaping, keeping it moisturized. It serves as a sealant for other hydrating products, such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.
However, you should use Aquaphor with caution if you’re prone to breakouts. While Aquaphor does not clog pores, its occlusive effects can trap sweat and sebum, which can lead to acne.
The worst time to apply Aquaphor is during the hot months. When your skin gets sweaty, the combination of sweat, sebum, and bacteria can clog your pores and trigger blemishes.
Best Aquaphor Alternatives for Acne-Prone Skin
If you’d like to enjoy all the hydrating and healing properties of Aquaphor without running the risk of triggering acne flare ups, here are some of our top picks for blemish-prone skin.
From deep cleaning to hydrating to minimizing pores and boosting skin’s luminosity, the Glass Skin Set ticks all the boxes. You get: an ultra-gentle cleansing balm that melts away sebum and impurities + a moisture-drenching serum to refine pores and give skin instant glow. Formulated with niacinamide, probiotics, and jojoba oil.
Treat and prevent breakouts in three easy steps. Powered by retinol, vitamin C, and hydrocolloid, Super Star Routine speeds up cellular turnover and absorbs impurities to unclog pores and ward off blemishes while drenching skin in a hydrating, healing blend of jojoba oil and aloe.
Showcasing our complete range of rainbow-swirled faves, Deluxe Unicorn Set plumps and soothes from head to toe with the most hydrating lip and body formulas. Powered by a smoothing, soothing blend of shea butter, matcha, rosewater, and mango butter. Plus, you get a FREE bag!
Benefits of Aquaphor for Skin
There are numerous benefits of Aquaphor for skin. As an occlusive agent, it seals moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated. Dry skin types will benefit from Aquaphor the most thanks to its moisture-sealing effects. However, those with sensitive skin may also notice an improvement in their skin as Aquaphor can help strengthen and support skin barrier function.
Even those with oily skin can reap the skincare benefits of Aquaphor. By keeping your skin well-hydrated, the skin doesn’t need to compensate by producing excess oil. This, in turn, prevents the pores from becoming congested and minimizes shine.
Aquaphor also helps to heal dry, chapped lips as well as wounds thanks to its hydrating and repairing properties. Those with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis may also find relief with Aquaphor thanks to its moisture sealing abilities and emollient composition.
How to Use Aquaphor on Face
Aquaphor is a great product to slug with. Thanks to its occlusive nature, it helps products like serums and moisturizers stay put, maximizing the results. While it’s rich and greasy, Aquaphor can enhance the effects of your skincare products and ultimately make them work better. However, it’s important to know how to apply Aquaphor on the face without running the risk of breakouts.
Dermatologists recommend using it as the last step of your skincare routine to seal everything in. But before you slather it on, thoroughly wash your face to remove any sweat, dirt, or excess sebum. This way, you’re not trapping any blemish-causing bacteria in.
Limit your slug sessions to once a week to avoid any possible buildup of trapped sweat and oil. And avoid it altogether during the summer. Most importantly, pay attention to how your skin behaves when using Aquaphor. You’ll know if your skin isn’t into it.
Another popular use of Aquaphor is as a lip treatment. As a moisture-trapper and sealant, Aquaphor forms a protective barrier on your pout, shielding the lips and skin from external aggressors like the sun and wind which can parch your pout.
Will Putting Aquaphor on Your Face Clog Your Pores?
Aquaphor is a fantastic all-in-one emollient, humectant, and occlusive that provides intense hydration and soothing effects to dry, irritated skin. As a non-comedogenic ingredient, Aquaphor will not clog your pores. That being said, dermatologists recommend using it in moderation if you have oily or acne-prone skin as it can trap bacteria and sebum in the pores, which can lead to breakouts.
Does Aquaphor clog pores? It doesn’t clog pores but like with all occlusive ingredients, it’s important to use it sparingly to avoid congesting your pores. If you’re prone to acne, you might be better off finding a lighter, less occlusive alternative to reduce your risk altogether.
Read next:
Feature photo by Ron Lach, Pexels
