About Lucas' Papaw Ointment Lip Balm

More than 100 years ago, Aussie doctor Thomas Lucas started making homeopathic remedies using the antibacterial, antimicrobial papaw fruit (aka Carica papaya)—this is one of his original products. It can do almost anything, from protecting skin against the elements and healing chapped lips and cuticles to diminishing blemishes and relieving eczema. And it’s also beloved by makeup artists, who keep a tube in their kits to use as a subtle highlighter or to add sheen lashes and brows.

In an interview with Brisbane Times, Kevin Talbot, fourth-generation Lucas manufacturer, said, “Lucas’ Papaw has more than a cult following now; everyone wants it.” Rose Byrne, Miranda Kerr, and Cate Blanchett all swear by it. “It just works,” said Talbot.

The ingredients include fermented papaw fruit and pharmaceutical-grade petroleum (a milder and non-comedogenic form of the petroleum found in, say, Vaseline). The consistency is similar to most petroleum products, with a slightly milky smell that’s not at all unpleasant.

Why It’s Special

The ointment temporarily relieves the symptoms of dermatitis and eczema.
The ointment has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and can be used as a local topical application on the following: minor burns & scalds, sunburn, gravel rash, cuts & minor open wounds, nappy rash & chafing, splinters & thorns, and insect bites.

Key Ingredients

Carica Papaya 39 mg Fresh Fermented Fruit: The papaya is grown fresh in Queensland and is hand-selected to be fermented to make the ointment. The finished product contains 0.1 mg/g of Potassium Sorbate which acts as a preservative.
Pharmaceutical Grade Petroleum Jelly and Wax: It is a pharmaceutical grade base that is tested and screened for the level of total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Penreco USP grade Petrolatums are not mutagenic or toxic to reproduction.

Other Details

Federal Drug Administration, European Pharmacopeia, and Therapeutic Goods Administration Approved
Polyplasdone-Free
Polyvinylpyrrolidone-Free
Talc-Free
Shellac-Free
Palm Oil-Free
Glycerin-Free
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate-Free

20 Ways to Use Lucas' Papaw Ointment

Consider this stuff the duct tape of beauty products! Lucas’ Papaw is beloved by professional makeup artists, and is essentially Australia’s answer to Vaseline. It’s made with fermented papaw fruit and pharmaceutical-grade petroleum, which is a milder and non-comedogenic form of petroleum. Whether you prefer the classic version or this more-natural take, petroleum-based balm is considered safe by most dermatologists.

A hydrating moisturizer is just one of the many uses that made our top-20 list of hidden beauty talents of all-purpose skin balm.

Reviews

Melanie C. May 4, 2022

NEVER HAVE CHAPPED LIPS EVER AGAIN WITH THE NEVER ENDING JAR!

First of all, this jar last forever. My first jar lasted me YEARS. And no, it did not smell funky or seemed to go bad so I continued to use it. I mostly use Papaw for my lips but have used it on my hands or dry patches when I need it. I bought the 75g jar prior to re-purchasing the 200g jar and I seemed to go through it super quick, so although pricey, the 200g jar is the way to go if you want to have it on hand for years. I keep the jar at home and I also buy the tubes to keep in my purse. I have thought about trying Lanolips but I also can't bear the idea of straying from my beloved red tubed ointment. Maybe it's just glorified vasoline. Maybe it's all in my head! But I have been repurchasing in some way, shape or form for 7 years so you know it's a staple in my everyday essentials.

Melanie C. Jun 21, 2016

SOFTENS CHAPPED LIPS!

Ahh Lucas Papaw, a product that feels like it's literally been around forever. I love that you can get it in tube form or a tub form. Fun fact: When I was younger, I used to tote around a large jar of Vaseline around the house with me because I can never be without lip balm. It is known. Now I just tote around a large tub of Lucas Papaw around the house with me =P

Lucas Papaw keeps my lips feeling moisturized without feeling too greasy and has just the right amount of slip to it as well. It helps keeps things flake free and I like to use it as a base prior to any lipstick application as well. Aquaphor is still my #1 healing ointment for my often chapped lips but Lucas Papaw, you do a mighty fine job too!!

Lucas' Papaw Remedies

Lucas’ Papaw Ointment