Aquaphor vs Vaseline: What are the ingredients?

What is the difference between Aquaphor and Vaseline?

What do the ingredients do?

Petroleum jelly is an occlusive: it forms a protective oily layer that reduces water loss from the skin. Mineral oil is also an occlusive. Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it attracts and retains water in the skin's outer layer. Aquaphor therefore combines ingredients that help retain water in different ways, while Vaseline Pure supplies petroleum jelly alone. These are ingredient functions, not a reason to rank the finished products by their petrolatum percentages.45

Which should you choose?

Choose Vaseline Pure if you specifically want a single ingredient product or want to avoid one of Aquaphor's added ingredients. Choose Aquaphor if you want its blended formula, including glycerin. Both US products are labelled to temporarily protect minor cuts, scrapes and burns, relieve chapped or cracked skin and lips, and protect against drying wind and cold weather. A longer ingredient list is a formula choice, not a medal ceremony.12

Expect an oily protective layer rather than the quick absorption of a lighter cream. As a category, ointments have a lasting protective effect and suit dry, thick or scaly areas, but their greasiness can be inconvenient on visible skin. There is no established texture winner or current price comparison here. Petroleum jelly is generally an inexpensive skincare option; compare the actual pack sizes and prices before choosing on cost.46

How should you apply them?

1. 1For dry skin, apply after bathing while the skin is still damp. Petroleum jelly works best on damp skin, and moisturising ointments are most effective immediately after bathing.
2. 2Spread a small amount over the dry area. General barrier product guidance is to apply sparingly rather than build a thick coating.
3. 3Reapply as needed. Neither US label requires a morning or evening schedule, and moisturisers can also be applied at other times.

The practical benefit is retaining moisture and protecting the skin surface. General moisturiser effects are greatest during the first six hours after application, so regular reapplication can matter more than choosing a particular bedtime. That timing describes moisturisers generally, not a promised healing time for either product.4

Who should be careful?

Avoid petroleum jelly on an acne prone face, as it may cause breakouts in some people. Occlusive moisturisers can also aggravate acne. Sensitive skin can react to moisturisers with burning or stinging, and barrier products can occasionally cause contact allergy. Stop using a product if an allergic skin reaction develops; persistent suspected allergy can be investigated with patch testing.456

Keep both products out of the eyes, and do not use them on deep or puncture wounds, animal bites or serious burns. See a doctor if the condition lasts more than seven days. Aquaphor also tells you to stop and ask a doctor if the condition worsens or clears and returns within a few days.12