The Ultimate Permanent Makeup & Tattoo Healing Ointment

Why Use Aquaphor After Permanent Makeup?

When it comes to aftercare for permanent makeup procedures (brows, eyeliner, lips, etc.), selecting the right product is key. Aquaphor wasn’t invented for beauty trends—it has roots in dermatologic and wound-healing care, which makes it particularly well‐suited for the healing skin after a PMU procedure.

What Aquaphor Does — and Why That Matters

Aquaphor’s formula is simple with supporting ingredients like glycerin, panthenol..... In simple terms:

• It forms a semi-occlusive barrier that locks in moisture, supports the skin’s barrier, and prevents excessive water loss (also known as transepidermal water loss or TEWL).

• They added humectants (like glycerin) help attract moisture, while petrolatum then seals it in—so the skin remains in a more optimal moist wound environment.

• A moist environment, rather than letting the area dry out and scab heavily, is now well-supported by wound-healing research as better for faster healing, less scarring, and fewer complications.

• Given that permanent makeup essentially creates micro-trauma (tiny controlled wounds) to implant pigment, aftercare that supports barrier repair, hydration, and protection makes strong sense.

What the Research Says

Here are some relevant findings from peer-reviewed studies and dermatologic reviews:

• A comprehensive review in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2024) described Aquaphor as “a great moisturizer with biologic properties that support barrier repair” and noted its long history of use in dermatology.

• One randomized controlled study comparing Aquaphor to a topical antibiotic (bacitracin) in clean cutaneous surgery found petrolatum to be just as effective for wound healing, with fewer allergic reaction risks.

• Another study, Postoperative Wound Care After Dermatologic Procedures: A Comparison of 2 Commonly Used Ointments (J Drugs Dermatol 2013) found that Aquaphor Healing Ointment is routinely used to maintain a moist healing environment in dermatologic surgery.

• The review article noted that the main ingredients in Aquaphor ointment reduced TEWL by up to 98%, much more than many other moisturizers (which reduced TEWL only 20-30 %).

Together these findings show strong support for Aquaphor as effective, safe, and well-documented for wound healing and barrier repair—exactly the kind of environment you want after a PMU procedure.

Why This Matters for Permanent Makeup Aftercare

In the context of permanent makeup, you’re creating controlled injury (micro-channels, pigment implantation) that needs to heal cleanly, evenly, and with minimal disruption of pigment. Here’s how Aquaphor supports that:

• Keeps the area moist and protected, which helps pigment settle and reduces risk of irregular healing or scabbing.

• Minimizes formation of hard scabs, which can pull pigment out or interrupt even pigment retention.

• Supports the skin’s natural barrier repair, reducing irritation, redness, or delayed healing.

• Because it’s widely available, affordable, and has strong clinical support, it reduces variables in your aftercare plan—helping clients follow the plan reliably.

Accessibility & Safety: Why It’s a Strong Pick

• Aquaphor is available at most drugstores, making it easy for clients to obtain post-procedure without specialty shipping or boutique only access.

• Because Aquaphor has been used in dermatology for decades and is included in wound care protocols, it has a recognized safety profile. The comprehensive review noted that petrolatum is safe, with very low risk of allergy or adverse reaction compared to some antibiotic ointments.

• Its simplicity matters: rather than multi ­ingredient novelty aftercare creams (which may include scents, essential oils, or active ingredients that could irritate healing skin), a simple Aquaphor ointment has fewer risk factors for sensitivity or pigment disruption.

Why Some Artists Suggest Alternatives

There are a few reasons why an artist might steer away from Aquaphor or recommend a different aftercare product:

• The are trying to sell you something. Some aftercare brands are marketed with higher profit margins, so salons may promote them. Basically they are trying to retail you a product so they bash anything else.

• Some skins or procedures may require more specialized formulations (e.g., ultra-thin skin, lip procedures, clients with sensitivity or lanolin allergy). Note: Aquaphor does contain lanolin alcohol, so in clients with known lanolin allergy a pure petrolatum product may be preferred.

  
  

Ultimately, unless an allergy or unique condition is present, ointments like Aquaphor remain top tier for PMU aftercare.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple, Keep It Effective

When you’re healing your permanent makeup, you don’t need gimmicks—you need reliability. Aquaphor offers that reliability: supported by research, widely trusted in dermatologic settings, affordable, and accessible.