Aquaphor vs Vaseline for dry lips

What is actually different?

Petrolatum is an occlusive: it forms a coating that helps skin hold onto water already present. Mineral oil also works this way. Aquaphor additionally contains glycerin, a humectant that attracts and binds water. Those are different jobs, not a reason to treat the petrolatum percentages as a ranking of healing power.13

Choose Vaseline if you want the shortest ingredient list. If Aquaphor already feels comfortable on your lips, it is also labelled for this use. Petroleum jelly is an inexpensive option for dry lips, so the routine does not need its own finance department.124

Aquaphor vs Vaseline for sensitive skin

For sensitive lips, plain Vaseline is the more straightforward starting point because its formula has only one ingredient. Aquaphor contains lanolin alcohol, and lanolin is an ingredient to avoid while lips are chapped. Choose Vaseline rather than Aquaphor if you know you react to lanolin.12

Try only one new product at a time so a reaction is easier to trace. Stop any lip product that burns, stings or feels uncomfortable. For sensitive skin more generally, a formula with few ingredients is a useful starting point, but either product can still cause irritation.35

How to use it on dry lips

1. 1Apply petroleum jelly while your lips are damp to help retain moisture.
2. 2Reapply your chosen nonirritating ointment several times during the day and before bed. Both labels say to apply as needed.
3. 3Before going outdoors, use a nonirritating lip balm with SPF 30 or higher containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide. Reapply the sun protection every two hours outdoors.

Avoid licking, biting or picking your lips, which can worsen dryness and irritation. While lips heal, skip fragranced or flavoured lip products, especially mint, peppermint, cinnamon and citrus. Thick ointments seal in water longer than waxes or oils.5

If you use a prescription cream on or around your lips, follow your prescriber's layering instructions. Some medicines need to go on before an emollient, a product that softens skin and helps protect its surface.3

How long should healing take?

Consistent care for chapped lips should bring noticeable improvement within two to three weeks. However, both product labels tell you to seek medical advice if symptoms last more than seven days. Aquaphor also says to stop and ask a doctor if symptoms worsen or clear up and return within a few days.125

Persistent chapping can have causes other than dry weather, including an allergic reaction or infection. A dermatologist can identify the cause rather than leaving you to keep switching jars.5