Whether you’re searching for celebrity skincare secrets or trying to combat winter dryness, two products you’ll keep coming across are Vaseline and Aquaphor. The common powerful ingredient in both products is petrolatum (petroleum jelly). While these skincare staples have been synonymous with skin healing for years, they are not interchangeable. To determine when to use one over the other, we asked board-certified dermatologists Dr. Tia Paul and Dr. Kavya Desai to provide insight.
What is Vaseline?
Vaseline is pure petrolatum, a jelly-like substance derived from petroleum oil. With no additional ingredients, petrolatum acts as an occlusive to create a water-resistant barrier on the skin, locking in moisture.
Benefits and uses of Vaseline
- Healing minor scrapes, burns, and injuries
- Preventing skin infections post-surgery
- Protecting against environmental irritants
- Slowing hydration evaporation after a shower
- Sealing in hydration when layered over lotions
- Acting as a barrier during hair coloring to prevent skin staining
When to use Vaseline over Aquaphor
“Vaseline is sometimes preferred in wound care,” Dr. Desai explains. Adding that pure petroleum jelly’s occlusive effects create a barrier that can prevent postoperative surgical site infections according to research.
What is Aquaphor?
Aquaphor is a semi-occlusive formulation containing 41% petroleum jelly along with panthenol, glycerin, and lanolin alcohol. While still maintaining the moisture-locking properties of petroleum jelly, it allows for the flow of oxygen.
Benefits and uses of Aquaphor
- Healing minor injuries
- Post-surgical wound care
- Moisturizing and protecting dry skin
- Hydrating skin and restoring skin barrier in individuals with eczema
- Treating skin conditions in infants
- Improving keratosis pilaris
When to use Aquaphor over Vaseline
Aquaphor’s additional ingredients like glycerin make it a better option for deep moisturization and improving skin barrier function, especially for individuals with eczema or dry skin.
Risks of both Vaseline and Aquaphor include acne and clogged pores with overuse. When using on top of retinoid products, be cautious of increased irritation. Neither should be used on infected or open wounds without consulting a medical professional.
The bottom line on Vaseline vs. Aquaphor
Both Vaseline and Aquaphor have their unique benefits, and depending on your skin’s needs, one may be more suitable than the other. Keep both on hand for different purposes, ensuring your skin stays healthy and moisturized.
