Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsComparison of Aquaphor vs. VaselineAquaphor: What It Is and How It WorksVaseline: What It Is and How It WorksWho Should Be Careful?Which Should You Use?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Comparison of Aquaphor vs. Vaseline
Aquaphor: What It Is and How It Works
Vaseline: What It Is and How It Works
Who Should Be Careful?
Which Should You Use?
Aquaphor and Vaseline are popular over-the-counter (OTC) moisturizers with various uses. They are often used to help heal and protectdry, itchy skinand to keep wounds moist while they heal.
Both products are petroleum jelly-based and have similar uses. However, they have some key differences.
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The table below highlights some key similarities and differences between Aquaphor and Vaseline.
Aquaphor is a skin protectant available OTC in several versions. This article will focus on the commonly used form of Aquaphor Healing Ointment. This version of Aquaphor can be used to:
It can also be used to help treat:
Aquaphor is made of 41% petroleum jelly combined with the following ingredients:
The petroleum jelly, lanolin, and mineral oil in Aquaphor act as occlusive moisturizers and skin protectants. Ceresin is typically used to help thicken skin products.
Panthenol is derived from vitamin B5, a key component of healthy skin. Panthenol can help with skin healing and relieve itchy skin. It also acts as a moisturizer, skin protectant, and anti-inflammatory ingredient.
Bisabolol comes from the essential oils found in chamomile plants. When used in skin products, bisabolol has been shown to act as an anti-inflammatory agent. This can be helpful when treating atopic dermatitis and other types of eczema.
A study of people with atopic dermatitis found that bisabolol significantly reduced itching and inflammation when applied to the skin twice daily for eight weeks.
Benefits
Aquaphor is a commonly used ointment that offers several benefits. For example:
Side Effects
Aquaphor is generally safe to use, but it can cause some side effects. These can include:
Some ingredients in Aquaphor may cause an allergic reaction in some people. Before using Aquaphor for the first time, it’s important to apply a small amount on a small patch of skin to test for an allergic reaction. If you develop a skin rash, itching, or other irritation in the area, wash off the Aquaphor right away and do not use the product.
Like Aquaphor, Vaseline is also a skin protectant and occlusive moisturizer. However, one difference is that Vaseline contains 100% petroleum jelly. It has no other ingredients.
Vaseline is also available OTC and comes in various forms. This article will focus on the commonly used and original form of Vaseline Healing Jelly.
Vaseline has uses similar to Aquaphor. It can be used to:
Vaseline has also been used to:
Vaseline can have some benefits when compared with Aquaphor. For example:
Although it’s rare, some people may have side effects with Vaseline. These can include:
Aquaphor vs Vaseline: Who Should Be Careful?
Although Aquaphor and Vaseline are generally safe to use, there are some precautions to know about before using these products.
Specifically, you should not use Aquaphor:
Additionally, you should not use Vaseline:
Aquaphor and Vaseline are similar in many ways but have some key differences. When deciding which of the two is best for you, keep in mind the following tips:
Summary
Aquaphor and Vaseline are both petroleum jelly-based moisturizers available OTC without a prescription.
They have similar uses, including protecting the skin and lips from wind and cold weather. Both can also help heal chapped lips and skin and protect minor cuts and burns from bacteria and other irritants. One difference between Aquaphor and Vaseline is that Vaseline contains 100% petroleum jelly, while Aquaphor has 41% petroleum jelly mixed with other ingredients. Other ingredients in Aquaphor may cause an allergic reaction in some people. This is especially true if you’re allergic to wool or other sheep products.
Vaseline is less likely to cause an allergic reaction, but it may cause clogged pores or acne breakouts if used on the face. Whether you choose Aquaphor or Vaseline to help moisturize and protect your skin, it’s important to use them as your healthcare provider or the package labeling recommends. Avoid using either product in your nostrils or on open wounds. Doing so can increase your risk of pneumonia or infection of your wound.
15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Beiersdorf Inc.Aquaphor healing - petrolatum ointment.Morales-Burgos A, Loosemore MP, Goldberg LH.Postoperative would care after dermatologic procedures: a comparison of 2 commonly used petrolatum-based ointments.J Drugs Dermatol.2013;12(2):163-164.National Cancer Institute.Petrolatum-mineral oil-lanolin-ceresin ointment.Sethi A Kaur T, Malhotra SK, Gambhir ML.Moisturizers: the slippery road.Indian Journal of Dermatology2016.61(3):279-287. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.182427PubChem.Panthenol.Fluhr JW, Bornkessel A, Berardesca E. Scientific Spectator.Glycerol — just a moisturizer? Biological and biophysical effects.Eddin LB, Jha NK, Goyal SN, et al.Health benefits, pharmacological effects, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic potential of α-bisabolol.Nutrients. 2022;14(7):1370. doi:10.3390/nu14071370Arenberger P, Arenbergerová M, Drozenová H, Hladíková M, Holcová S.Effect of topical heparin and levomenol on atopic dermatitis: a randomized four-arm, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2011;25(6):688-694. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2010.03950.xMount Sinai.Petroleum jelly overdose.Conopco Inc. d/b/a Unilever.Vaseline healing jelly - petrolatum jelly.Czarnowicki T, Malajian D, Khattri S, et al.Petrolatum: barrier repair and antimicrobial responses underlying this “inert” moisturizer.J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2016;137(4):1091-1102.e7. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2015.08.013American Academy of Dermatology Association.5 ways to use petroleum jelly for skin care.Merck Manual Professional Version.Aspiration pneumonitis and pneumonia.National Capital Poison Control Center.What is petroleum jelly?Cleveland Clinic.Tattoo aftercare tips from a dermatologist.
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Beiersdorf Inc.Aquaphor healing - petrolatum ointment.Morales-Burgos A, Loosemore MP, Goldberg LH.Postoperative would care after dermatologic procedures: a comparison of 2 commonly used petrolatum-based ointments.J Drugs Dermatol.2013;12(2):163-164.National Cancer Institute.Petrolatum-mineral oil-lanolin-ceresin ointment.Sethi A Kaur T, Malhotra SK, Gambhir ML.Moisturizers: the slippery road.Indian Journal of Dermatology2016.61(3):279-287. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.182427PubChem.Panthenol.Fluhr JW, Bornkessel A, Berardesca E. Scientific Spectator.Glycerol — just a moisturizer? Biological and biophysical effects.Eddin LB, Jha NK, Goyal SN, et al.Health benefits, pharmacological effects, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic potential of α-bisabolol.Nutrients. 2022;14(7):1370. doi:10.3390/nu14071370Arenberger P, Arenbergerová M, Drozenová H, Hladíková M, Holcová S.Effect of topical heparin and levomenol on atopic dermatitis: a randomized four-arm, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2011;25(6):688-694. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2010.03950.xMount Sinai.Petroleum jelly overdose.Conopco Inc. d/b/a Unilever.Vaseline healing jelly - petrolatum jelly.Czarnowicki T, Malajian D, Khattri S, et al.Petrolatum: barrier repair and antimicrobial responses underlying this “inert” moisturizer.J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2016;137(4):1091-1102.e7. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2015.08.013American Academy of Dermatology Association.5 ways to use petroleum jelly for skin care.Merck Manual Professional Version.Aspiration pneumonitis and pneumonia.National Capital Poison Control Center.What is petroleum jelly?Cleveland Clinic.Tattoo aftercare tips from a dermatologist.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Beiersdorf Inc.Aquaphor healing - petrolatum ointment.Morales-Burgos A, Loosemore MP, Goldberg LH.Postoperative would care after dermatologic procedures: a comparison of 2 commonly used petrolatum-based ointments.J Drugs Dermatol.2013;12(2):163-164.National Cancer Institute.Petrolatum-mineral oil-lanolin-ceresin ointment.Sethi A Kaur T, Malhotra SK, Gambhir ML.Moisturizers: the slippery road.Indian Journal of Dermatology2016.61(3):279-287. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.182427PubChem.Panthenol.Fluhr JW, Bornkessel A, Berardesca E. Scientific Spectator.Glycerol — just a moisturizer? Biological and biophysical effects.Eddin LB, Jha NK, Goyal SN, et al.Health benefits, pharmacological effects, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic potential of α-bisabolol.Nutrients. 2022;14(7):1370. doi:10.3390/nu14071370Arenberger P, Arenbergerová M, Drozenová H, Hladíková M, Holcová S.Effect of topical heparin and levomenol on atopic dermatitis: a randomized four-arm, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2011;25(6):688-694. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2010.03950.xMount Sinai.Petroleum jelly overdose.Conopco Inc. d/b/a Unilever.Vaseline healing jelly - petrolatum jelly.Czarnowicki T, Malajian D, Khattri S, et al.Petrolatum: barrier repair and antimicrobial responses underlying this “inert” moisturizer.J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2016;137(4):1091-1102.e7. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2015.08.013American Academy of Dermatology Association.5 ways to use petroleum jelly for skin care.Merck Manual Professional Version.Aspiration pneumonitis and pneumonia.National Capital Poison Control Center.What is petroleum jelly?Cleveland Clinic.Tattoo aftercare tips from a dermatologist.
Beiersdorf Inc.Aquaphor healing - petrolatum ointment.
Morales-Burgos A, Loosemore MP, Goldberg LH.Postoperative would care after dermatologic procedures: a comparison of 2 commonly used petrolatum-based ointments.J Drugs Dermatol.2013;12(2):163-164.
National Cancer Institute.Petrolatum-mineral oil-lanolin-ceresin ointment.
Sethi A Kaur T, Malhotra SK, Gambhir ML.Moisturizers: the slippery road.Indian Journal of Dermatology2016.61(3):279-287. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.182427
PubChem.Panthenol.
Fluhr JW, Bornkessel A, Berardesca E. Scientific Spectator.Glycerol — just a moisturizer? Biological and biophysical effects.
Eddin LB, Jha NK, Goyal SN, et al.Health benefits, pharmacological effects, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic potential of α-bisabolol.Nutrients. 2022;14(7):1370. doi:10.3390/nu14071370
Arenberger P, Arenbergerová M, Drozenová H, Hladíková M, Holcová S.Effect of topical heparin and levomenol on atopic dermatitis: a randomized four-arm, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2011;25(6):688-694. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2010.03950.x
Mount Sinai.Petroleum jelly overdose.
Conopco Inc. d/b/a Unilever.Vaseline healing jelly - petrolatum jelly.
Czarnowicki T, Malajian D, Khattri S, et al.Petrolatum: barrier repair and antimicrobial responses underlying this “inert” moisturizer.J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2016;137(4):1091-1102.e7. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2015.08.013
American Academy of Dermatology Association.5 ways to use petroleum jelly for skin care.
Merck Manual Professional Version.Aspiration pneumonitis and pneumonia.
National Capital Poison Control Center.What is petroleum jelly?
Cleveland Clinic.Tattoo aftercare tips from a dermatologist.
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