Is Aquaphor or Neosporin better for burns? A Definitive Guide

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

Each year in the United States, over 500,000 people seek medical treatment for burns [1.5.3]. When treating a minor burn at home, a common question arises: Is Aquaphor or Neosporin better for burns?

Quick Summary

For minor burns, dermatologists and studies suggest Aquaphor is often superior. It creates a protective barrier to promote healing, while Neosporin's antibiotics are often unnecessary and risk allergic reactions.

Key Points

Aquaphor is Preferred: For most minor burns, dermatologists recommend a simple occlusive ointment like Aquaphor or petroleum jelly over antibiotic ointments [1.2.5].
Neosporin Carries Risks: Neosporin contains Neomycin, a common allergen that can cause contact dermatitis, which might be mistaken for an infection [1.2.4, 1.2.2].
Healing Environment: Aquaphor creates a moist, protective barrier that is clinically proven to restore smooth, healthy skin and is ideal for healing minor burns [1.3.4, 1.2.7].
Antibiotic Resistance: Overuse of topical antibiotics like Neosporin can contribute to the development of resistant bacteria, a major public health concern [1.2.1, 1.2.2].
Proper First Aid is Key: The most crucial first steps are to cool the burn with running water, gently clean it, and then apply a protective ointment and bandage [1.5.1, 1.6.1].
Antibiotics Are Not Always Needed: As long as a minor wound is kept clean, topical antibiotics are generally unnecessary for preventing infection [1.6.4, 1.6.5].
When to See a Doctor: Seek medical attention for large or deep burns, burns on the face or joints, or if you see signs of infection like pus, increased swelling, or red streaks [1.5.7, 1.6.5].

Understanding Burn Care Fundamentals

When you get a minor burn, like one from a cooking mishap or a hot styling tool, the immediate goal is to cool the area and protect the skin to facilitate healing [1.3.1, 1.5.1]. Proper first aid involves running the burn under cool—not cold—water for about 10-20 minutes [1.5.1]. After cooling and gently cleaning the burn, the next step is applying an ointment and a sterile bandage [1.6.1]. This is where the debate between two popular medicine cabinet staples, Aquaphor and Neosporin, begins.

Choosing the right product can make a significant difference in comfort, healing time, and preventing complications like infection or allergic reactions. While both are used for wound care, they function very differently.

Aquaphor for Burns: The Protective Healer

Aquaphor Healing Ointment is primarily a skin protectant. Its main active ingredient is petrolatum (41%), which forms an occlusive barrier on the skin [1.3.4, 1.2.1]. This barrier serves two critical functions for a burn: it locks in moisture to create an ideal healing environment and protects the compromised skin from external irritants and bacteria [1.3.1, 1.3.4].

How Aquaphor Works

Unlike lotions or creams that contain water, Aquaphor is a water-free ointment [1.3.4]. For a burn, this means it creates a semi-occlusive barrier that allows for the flow of oxygen, which is necessary for the skin to heal itself efficiently [1.3.4]. It is free of fragrances, preservatives, and antibiotics, making it a gentle option for sensitive, irritated skin [1.3.7, 1.3.8]. Many dermatologists recommend plain ointments like petrolatum jelly or Aquaphor for wound care over antibiotic ointments [1.2.5]. In fact, studies comparing Aquaphor to antibiotic ointments for laser-induced wounds found that Aquaphor significantly improved redness, inflammation, and general wound appearance [1.2.1, 1.2.7].

Neosporin for Burns: The Antibiotic Approach

Neosporin is a triple-antibiotic ointment. Its active ingredients are typically Neomycin Sulfate, Polymyxin B Sulfate, and Bacitracin Zinc [1.4.5]. The primary purpose of these ingredients is to prevent or fight bacterial infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns [1.4.4]. Some formulations also include a pain reliever like pramoxine hydrochloride to soothe burn pain [1.4.1].

The Risks and Realities of Neosporin

While preventing infection sounds beneficial, most minor burns do not require a topical antibiotic [1.6.4, 1.6.5]. The American Academy of Dermatology advises that as long as a wound is cleaned daily, an antibiotic ointment is often unnecessary [1.6.4]. There are two main concerns with the routine use of Neosporin:

Allergic Reactions: Neomycin, a key ingredient in Neosporin, is a very common cause of allergic contact dermatitis [1.2.4]. Reaction rates can be as high as 1 in 10 people, leading to redness, itching, and rashes that can be mistaken for a worsening infection [1.2.1, 1.2.2].
Antibiotic Resistance: The overuse of topical antibiotics contributes to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which is a serious public health concern [1.2.2]. Studies have shown that some strains of MRSA are resistant to the active ingredients in Neosporin, potentially linked to the overuse of over-the-counter antibiotic ointments [1.2.1].

For these reasons, many dermatologists advise against the routine use of Neosporin for minor wounds and burns, recommending simpler options like Aquaphor or plain petroleum jelly instead [1.2.5, 1.2.6].

Comparison Table: Aquaphor vs. Neosporin for Burns


Feature	Aquaphor Healing Ointment	Neosporin (Triple Antibiotic Ointment)
Main Purpose	Skin Protectant: Creates a moist, protective barrier to enhance healing [1.3.4].	Infection Prevention: Kills bacteria with a triple-antibiotic formula [1.4.4].
Active Ingredients	Petrolatum (41%) [1.3.4].	Neomycin, Polymyxin B, Bacitracin [1.4.5].
Mechanism	Forms a semi-occlusive barrier, allowing oxygen flow while retaining moisture [1.3.4].	Provides topical antibiotic action to prevent bacterial growth [1.4.4].
Best For	Most minor, non-infected burns to keep them moist and protected [1.3.1, 1.2.5].	Generally not recommended for routine use unless signs of infection are present and advised by a doctor [1.6.5].
Allergy Risk	Very low; free of common allergens like fragrances and antibiotics [1.3.8, 1.2.1].	High; Neomycin is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis [1.2.2, 1.2.4].
Antibiotic Resistance	Does not contribute to antibiotic resistance [1.2.1].	Overuse can contribute to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria [1.2.2].

The Verdict: Which Should You Use?

For a typical minor household burn (first-degree or a small second-degree burn), the consensus among medical experts and supporting research leans heavily towards Aquaphor or a similar simple ointment like Vaseline [1.2.5].

Use Aquaphor for most minor burns. After cooling the burn with water, apply a thin layer of Aquaphor and cover it with a sterile, non-stick bandage [1.3.1, 1.6.6]. This will protect the area, prevent the bandage from sticking, and create the ideal moist environment for healing, which studies have shown to be as effective or even superior to antibiotic ointments [1.2.1, 1.2.7].
Use Neosporin with caution. Its use is generally not needed for clean, minor burns [1.6.4]. If you see signs of infection (such as increasing redness, swelling, pus, or warmth), consult a healthcare provider [1.5.7, 1.6.5]. They may recommend a topical antibiotic, but it's important to rule out an allergic reaction to the ointment itself.

Proper Steps for Minor Burn Care

Cool the Burn: Immediately hold the burned skin under cool running water for about 10-20 minutes. Do not use ice [1.5.1].
Clean the Area: Gently wash the burn with mild soap and water and pat it dry with a clean cloth [1.6.1].
Apply Ointment: Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor or plain petroleum jelly [1.6.4].
Cover the Burn: Use a sterile, non-stick bandage to cover the wound. Change the dressing daily or if it gets wet or dirty [1.6.6].
Manage Pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used if needed [1.5.1].
Don't Break Blisters: If blisters form, leave them intact as they provide a natural barrier against infection. If one breaks, clean the area and apply ointment [1.5.1].

Conclusion

When deciding is Aquaphor or Neosporin better for burns, the evidence and expert recommendations point to Aquaphor as the preferred choice for initial home treatment of minor burns. It effectively protects the skin and promotes healing without the significant risks of allergic reactions and antibiotic resistance associated with Neosporin. Save the triple-antibiotic ointment for situations where a doctor has identified a specific bacterial infection that needs treatment. For everyday first aid, keeping it simple is often the safest and most effective approach.

Authoritative Link: For comprehensive guidelines on wound care, you can visit the American Academy of Dermatology Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is best not to break blisters as they protect against infection [1.5.1]. If a blister breaks on its own, you can gently clean the area and apply an ointment. However, many dermatologists recommend using a simple ointment like Aquaphor or petroleum jelly instead of Neosporin to avoid potential allergic reactions [1.2.5].

Yes, for the purpose of creating a protective barrier, plain Vaseline (petroleum jelly) is a safe and effective alternative for minor burn care [1.2.2]. Aquaphor contains additional ingredients like glycerin and lanolin alcohol that also help to moisturize and soothe the skin [1.3.4].

Signs of a burn infection include increasing pain, pus or greenish discharge, swelling, and warmth [1.5.7]. An allergic reaction to Neosporin typically presents as an itchy, red rash (contact dermatitis) [1.2.4]. If a rash develops after using Neosporin, stop using it and consult a doctor [1.4.5].

Dermatologists often prefer Aquaphor because it effectively creates a healing environment without the risks associated with Neosporin, namely allergic contact dermatitis from the antibiotic neomycin and the contribution to antibiotic resistance [1.2.2, 1.2.4, 1.2.5].

While that formula contains a topical pain reliever, it also contains the same triple antibiotics as regular Neosporin [1.4.1]. You can manage pain with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and use a safer ointment like Aquaphor to avoid the risk of an allergic reaction [1.5.1, 1.2.5].

Yes, Aquaphor Healing Ointment is free of antibiotics, as well as preservatives and fragrances, which makes it suitable for sensitive and irritated skin [1.3.8].

You should only use a topical antibiotic on a burn if there are signs of a bacterial infection (like pus or increasing redness) and ideally under the guidance of a healthcare provider [1.6.5]. For routine care of a clean, minor burn, it is not necessary [1.6.4].