Aquaphor ointment vs Vaseline: which should you choose?

What is the difference?

Plain petroleum jelly is a practical choice if your main aim is protecting dry skin without paying for extra ingredients. Aquaphor adds glycerin, which attracts water into the skin, and ingredients that help soften dry skin. Both options are about keeping moisture in, not making the bathroom shelf look busier. Aquaphor contains lanolin alcohol, so avoid that formula if you already know you react to that ingredient.2356

How do you use either ointment?

1. 1Wash the area, then gently pat dry. For plain petroleum jelly on dry skin, leave the skin slightly damp.
2. 2Smooth the ointment gently over the dry area rather than rubbing hard. Use a clean spoon or spatula to take product from a tub.
3. 3Reapply when skin feels dry or tight. Aquaphor's directions say to apply as needed; neither option requires a fixed course.
4. 4If you use a steroid cream or another skin treatment, leave 20 to 30 minutes between the treatment and the ointment. Ask your doctor which should go first.

Ointments are thick, greasy and particularly useful for very dry skin or nighttime use. An ointment leaves a greasy film, so a glossy finish is part of the job description. You can use an ointment during the day, but a cream is less greasy and absorbs more quickly if the texture gets in your way.6

Which is better for your face and lips?

Both can protect dry, chapped lips. Plain petroleum jelly can also protect dry eyelid skin; apply a small amount. Aquaphor can be used externally on dry areas of the face, but keep it out of your eyes. If you are prone to acne, avoid coating your face with petroleum jelly because it can cause breakouts in some people. Aquaphor has been tested as noncomedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores in testing, but that is not a reason to ignore new breakouts or irritation.1256

What about cuts and scrapes?

For a minor cut or scrape, petroleum jelly keeps the wound moist and helps prevent a scab from forming. Clean the wound daily; antibacterial ointment is not necessary for a properly cleaned minor wound. Aquaphor also protects minor cuts and scrapes, and Aquaphor tells you to clean the wound gently before applying. Do not apply Aquaphor to open, bleeding or wet wounds. Do not use it on deep wounds, punctures, animal bites or serious burns.1257

Eucerin Aquaphor Repairing Ointment requires waiting until new tissue has formed before application to a wound. Its dry hand testing found improvement overnight and further improvement over seven days. Those timings belong to Repairing Ointment, not every Aquaphor product. Aquaphor Fast Relief Diaper Rash Paste is a separate 40% zinc oxide product.34

When should you stop?

Stop Aquaphor and ask a doctor if the condition worsens, lasts longer than seven days, or clears and returns within a few days. Get advice for persistent burning, stinging, inflamed hair follicles or a new facial rash. Seek care if a wound seems infected or is taking too long to heal. Keep ointment contaminated clothing, bedding and dressings away from flames and cigarettes because they can catch fire easily.256