FAQs

Answers to your questions about Lucas' Papaw Ointment

Why does there seem like there is only a small amount of papaw in each pack?

At Lucas' Papaw Remedies, we hand cut and process golden ripe papaws before fermenting them following the specific process developed by Dr T.P. Lucas.

The fermentation process concentrates the powerful enzymes found in papaws making it much stronger than non-fermented, dry or powdered papaw. Following our unique process, hundreds of papaws are used to make one batch of papaw concentrate. The fresh fermented concentrate (active ingredient) is so potent it cannot be applied directly to the skin; the concentrate must be distributed within the carrier (petroleum jelly) to achieve the correct strength for safe and effective application to the skin.

This is similar to a corticosteroid cream or a a pain relief tablet where a small amount of paracetamol (active ingredient) is contained in each tablet (carrier).

Can I use it on my lips?

Lucas’ Papaw Ointment is ideal for lips if you want to help heal or soothe inflamed, chapped or broken skin.

Lucas' Papaw Ointment can be used on wind and sun burned lips, cracked lips, flaky lips, cold sores, or as a general use lip care product.

Is Lucas' Papaw Ointment a moisturiser?

Lucas’ Papaw Ointment isn't classified as a moisturiser - it helps skin retain its own moisture which stops it from drying out. The main benefits are the healing qualities of the product. It has no added moisturisers.

Is the petroleum jelly safe?

Lucas’ Papaw Ointment only uses pharmaceutical grade petroleum jelly that is strictly certified to ensure its safety and quality. USP grade Petrolatum is not mutagenic or toxic.

Petroleum jelly is the “carrier” that supports the spread of the active ingredient – fresh fermented papaw. Petroleum jelly is not carcinogenic or toxic. It has been affirmed to be non-comedogenic (does not block pores) and to not cause allergic reactions (American Academy of Dermatology Invitational on Comedogenicity, 1989)

More information and scientific studies about petroleum jelly can be found in many places online. Here are a few links for your further information:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0278691595001069

https://www.vaseline.us/faq.html

Where can I buy Lucas' Papaw Ointment?

Lucas' Papaw Ointment is officially distributed in leading pharmacies, supermarkets and retailers throughout Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore. It can also be purchased online in China via our official tMall store, Douyin store and a range of other online stores.

If you have purchased a product and would like to verify its authenticity, please complete this form: Product Enquiries and Issues.

If you would like to enquire about distributing our product in a new country, please complete this form and provide a background on your distribution company: Contact Us.

I can't find Lucas' Papaw Ointment in my country - Can I buy it direct?

If you are unable to find a reputable store in your home country you can purchase genuine Lucas' Papaw Ointment from this website. Orders must be for personal use only and can not be resold, as Lucas’ Papaw Remedies strictly complies with import regulations for pharmaceuticals.

Can I become a distributor for Lucas' Papaw products in my country?

Distribution opportunities are currently limited to countries where Lucas’ Papaw Remedies has officially registered our product with the relevant Health Department. You can register your interest as a distributor by completing this form and we can keep you updated of opportunities in your area.

What is the TGA? Why is this important?

The TGA is the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia. They are the regulators in Australia of all therapeutic goods. When a product is listed with the TGA, as Lucas’ Papaw Ointment is, the product must prove it is safe to use, is restricted in any health claims it can make, and it must be audited against the Code of Good Manufacturing Practices. The TGA conducts audits on a regular basis to ensure safety of the product.

All medicines in Australia must be registered with the TGA, if a product does not show an AUST L or AUST R code, they may not be registered as a therapeutic (medicinal) product and are restricted in the claims they can make.

Being registered with the TGA is Australia does not automatically mean our ointment is treated as a medicine in your home country. It is important to read the label of all products to understand the local permissible claims and uses.

Why are the barcodes different on the different sizes of Lucas' Papaw Ointment?

Barcodes on the packaging of the four sizes of Lucas’ Papaw Ointment differ in both the number of digits and the code itself.

15g tubes and 75g jars carry 8 digit barcodes. 25g tubes and 200g jars carry 13 digit barcodes.

All barcodes for the four product sizes commence with the GS1 (Global Standard for barcodes) prefix – 93 (for Australia) and for Australian products are as follows:

  • 15g tube – 9354 2807
  • 25g tube – 9 316199 000037
  • 75g jar – 9330 4917
  • 200g jar – 9 316199 000020

Barcodes in other regions will contain different numbers to assist us in identifying the location of sale.

If you have any questions about the legitimacy of the Lucas’ Papaw Remedies product you are buying, please complete our Product Enquiries and Issues form and we will verify the authenticity of the product for you.

Where is Lucas' Papaw Ointment Made?

Lucas' Papaw Ointment is made at 1590 Beaudesert Road, Acacia Ridge, Queensland, Australia - this is the address featured on our tubes. Our products have been made at this location for over 80 years.

We're proud to be Australian Made and Owned and couldn't make our ointment without high quality papaws sourced from North Queensland.

Do you sell a lipbalm with tint?

Lucas' Papaw Ointment, which is commonly used on dry chapped lips, but is not a traditional stick lipbalm, is not tinted like makeup.

We are aware of some copycat or fake products that include tint such as pink or red however authentic Lucas' Papaw Ointment does not include this.

To purchase Lucas' Papaw Ointment for lips, we recommend the 15g tube with lip applicator available here.

Who owns Lucas' Papaw Remedies?

Lucas' Papaw Remedies is proudly owned by an Australian family - the descendants of our inventor Dr T.P. Lucas.

I've seen other paw paw products in a red tube, is it the same ointment in different packaging?

Lucas' Papaw Remedies does not provide our ointment in any packaging that does not contain our Lucas' Papaw Ointment logo with the black Vera Hospital in the circle.

Other paw paw products are on the market, however they do not use our tried and trusted fermentation process and do not carry the same efficacy claims as Lucas' Papaw Ointment.

When shopping for papaw ointment, always be sure to purchase the original papaw ointment - Lucas' Papaw Ointment.

Is Lucas' Papaw Ointment just Vaseline?

No. While Lucas' Papaw Ointment and Vaseline both use Petroleum Jelly there are significant differences between the two.

Lucas' Papaw Ointment's effective healing properties come from the active ingredient - the fresh fermented papaw - that is included in every batch. It is the fresh fermented papaw that contains healing enzymes, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. While it can be used for many of the same purposes, there are further benefits to using Lucas' Papaw Ointment.

Can I use Lucas' Papaw Ointment on my new tattoo?

We don't currently have tattoo treatment included in our list of permitted indications from the TGA, however we hear many stories of people using the product for that use.

As Lucas' Papaw Ointment acts as a barrier, keeping the bad things out, and moisture in, it is understandable that people use it for this purpose.

Please check with your tattoo artist prior.

Why is it spelled Papaw not Paw Paw or Papaya?

Dr T.P. Lucas invented his Papaw Ointment in the late 1800's. At this time the spelling Papaw and Paw Paw were used interchangeably, as well as the name Papaya.

Dr Lucas registered his product as Lucas' Papaw Ointment and the legend began.

All three options are technically correct, though it's easiest to find us by using the Papaw spelling.

Can I buy tubes in bulk?

We are unable to sell you tubes in bulk if you are planning to sell them. This is due to our product registration requirements for each country.

Larger quantities of tubes can be purchased for personal use or events, however our team may be in contact to confirm your use.

Customers purchasing multiple orders of bulk ointment will be contacted in order to understand if the product is being onsold.

If you would like to become a distributor of Lucas' Papaw Ointment please contact us.

How should I dispose of empty or expired products? Is your packaging recyclable?

Empty tubes or jars should be placed into the recycling bin and expired tubes or jars containing ointment should be placed into the general waste bin.

Our tubes and jars are made with materials that are easily recycled within Australia and many countries recycling programs.

Are Lucas' Papaw Remedies products vegan?

Yes, all Lucas' Papaw Remedies products, including Lucas' Papaw Ointment are vegan.

Are Lucas' Papaw Remedies products tested on animals?

No, Lucas' Papaw Remedies can proudly confirm our products are not tested on animals, either by our ingredient suppliers or by our team as finished products.

Does Lucas' Papaw Ointment contain Glycerin or Acrylates?

No, there is no Glycerin or Acrylates in Lucas' Papaw Ointment.

Is Lucas' Papaw Ointment Halal suitable?

Yes, Lucas' Papaw Ointment is suitable for use by those looking for Halal products.

Can Lucas' Papaw Ointment be used while pregnant or breastfeeding?

We are pleased to say that our ointment has been safely used by pregnant and breastfeeding women for generations.

If you have previously used our ointment and have not experienced any issues it would be safe for you to continue using the product per the instructions on the package.

Although rare, some people do have allergies to papaws or other ingredients that may be present in our products. If you have not used Lucas' Papaw Ointment prior to your pregnancy we do recommend you exercise caution.

Is Lucas' Papaw Ointment safe for wounds?

Yes, Lucas' Papaw Ointment is recommended as an aid to soothe and heal minor wounds, grazes, abrasions and rashes. Simply apply a thin layer of ointment over your entire wound and cover it with a non-stick dressing

Can I use Lucas' Papaw Ointment on my burn?

Lucas' Papaw Ointment can be used on minor burns after initially holding it under cold running water to take the heat out. Once cooled, apply a thin layer of ointment and a bandaid or non-stick dressing over the top of the ointment (so it doesn't rub onto your clothing). Reapply papaw ointment daily as the burn heals.

What texture is Lucas' Papaw Ointment?

Lucas' Papaw Ointment is a thick, yellow tinted ointment with a slightly oily consistency. Papaw ointment is often described as papaw salve or cream - however it does not have a white colour or moisturiser like consistency.

Does Lucas' Papaw Ointment come in different colours or flavours?

No. Lucas' Papaw Ointment only comes in one version - it has a slightly yellow colour (from the papaw) and is not white, tinted pink or 'flavoured'.

Unfortunately we do find that some international counties have copycat products on the market, often containing a different colour product, special scent or flavour.

If you are concerned your ointment is potentially not authentic, please contact us via this form so we can investigate.

Can't find what you're looking for?

Send us an email and our team will get back to you as soon as possible. Be sure to include your order number (if you have one).

Please email us at info@lucaspapaw.com.au