What is the difference?
| What to compare | Vaseline Original | Plain petroleum jelly |
|---|---|---|
| Name | A named petroleum jelly product | The general product type |
| Formula | The historical Canadian formulation contained 100% white petrolatum | Check the label for 100% petrolatum |
| Texture | An ointment | Compare with an ointment, not a lotion or cream |
| Use | Moisturizing dry skin | Moisturizing dry skin |
Compare the jar you are buying, because the word Vaseline is a name, not a complete shopping list. If both labels list 100% petrolatum, you are comparing the same ingredient and concentration. Choose by cost and the format you prefer rather than expecting the brand name to add another moisturizing action. Petroleum jelly is an inexpensive option, and effective skincare does not have to be expensive.12
What does petroleum jelly do?
Petroleum jelly can moisturize dry skin and nails, so one pot can cover more jobs than its very uneventful name suggests. Moisturizers trap water in the skin, which is why applying them to damp skin is useful. Petroleum jelly also has uses in caring for minor injuries. These are general petroleum jelly uses, not reasons to choose one brand over another.2
How should you apply it?
- 1Cleanse first, then gently pat the skin so it remains slightly damp.
- 2Use a clean spoon or spatula to take ointment from a tub.
- 3Smooth the ointment gently over the skin in the direction of hair growth rather than rubbing it in.
- 4Reapply when skin feels dry or tight. Ointments are greasy and thick, making nighttime use practical; a less greasy cream can be easier during the day.
Who should be careful?
Ointments suit very dry, thickened skin but should not be used on weeping eczema. Emollients, meaning moisturizing treatments, can cause persistent burning or stinging, inflamed hair follicles or facial rashes that aggravate acne. Speak to a pharmacist, nurse or doctor if these occur. For severe skin problems, moisturizing alone may not be enough.4
If you use a steroid cream or another skin treatment, leave 20 to 30 minutes between applications and ask your doctor which goes first. Keep away from flames and cigarettes: clothing, bedding and dressings with emollient residue can catch fire easily, and washing does not completely remove the residue.4
Where this answer comes from
- 1Product informationproduits-sante.canada.ca
- 2Skin care on a budgetaad.org
- 3Eczema types: Stasis dermatitis self-careaad.org
- 4Emollientsnhs.uk
