Aquaphor vs Vaseline: Difference and Comparison

Aquaphor is a petroleum-based ointment blended with lanolin and glycerin, offering not only a barrier function like Vaseline but also skin-soothing and moisturizing properties due to its additional ingredients.

Key Takeaways

1. Aquaphor is a healing ointment that contains ingredients like lanolin and glycerin, while Vaseline is a petroleum jelly that contains only one ingredient: petroleum.
2. Aquaphor is ideal for treating dry, cracked, or irritated skin, while Vaseline protects the skin from moisture loss.
3. Aquaphor has additional uses like wound healing and treating minor burns, while Vaseline is used as a moisturizer and lip balm.

Aquaphor vs. Vaseline

The difference between Aquaphor and Vaseline is that Vaseline is 100 percent petroleum without water, while Aquaphor is 41 percent petroleum along with some active ingredients with water.

Comparison Table

Feature	Aquaphor Healing Ointment	Vaseline Petroleum Jelly
Main Ingredients	Petrolatum, panthenol, ceresin, lanolin alcohol, mineral oil, bisabolol, glycerin	100% petroleum jelly
Primary Purpose	Soothe and protect dry, irritated, or cracked skin	Protect and lock in moisture
Moisturizing Properties	Humectant: attracts and retains moisture; occlusive: forms a barrier to prevent moisture loss	Occlusive only: forms a barrier to prevent moisture loss
Healing Properties	May promote healing of minor cuts, scrapes, and burns	May help protect wounds from dirt and bacteria, but does not promote healing itself
Suitable for	Dry, irritated, or cracked skin; minor cuts, scrapes, and burns; chapped lips	Dry skin; chapped lips; protecting areas prone to friction (e.g., diaper rash)
Fragrance	Fragrance-free	May be available in fragranced versions
Comedogenic Rating	Low (unlikely to clog pores)	Non-comedogenic (does not clog pores)
Cost	Generally more expensive	Generally less expensive

What is Aquaphor?

Aquaphor is a versatile skincare ointment produced by Beiersdorf Inc., renowned for its ability to protect and heal various skin conditions. It’s formulated primarily from petrolatum (a semisolid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum) and other key ingredients such as lanolin and glycerin.

Composition

1. Petrolatum: This main ingredient forms a protective barrier over the skin, preventing moisture loss and shielding it from environmental irritants. It’s highly effective in maintaining skin hydration.
2. Lanolin: Derived from sheep’s wool, lanolin is a natural emollient that helps sand moisturize the skin. It also possesses soothing properties, making it beneficial for dry or irritated skin.
3. Glycerin: A humectant, glycerin attracts moisture from the air into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and supple.

Uses

• Skin Protection: Its occlusive nature makes it an excellent barrier against moisture loss, making it ideal for protecting sensitive or compromised skin, such as in diaper rash or minor burns.
• Healing: Aquaphor aids in the healing process of minor cuts, scrapes, and burns by creating a conducive environment for skin repair while preventing infection.
• Moisturizing: The combination of petrolatum, lanolin, and glycerin makes Aquaphor an effective moisturizer, particularly for dry, rough, or chapped skin.
• Skincare: It’s used in skincare routines as a hydrating and protective occlusive layer, particularly for those with sensitive or dry skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
• Tattoo Aftercare: Many tattoo artists recommend Aquaphor for tattoo aftercare due to its ability to protect the tattooed area and aid in the healing process.

What is Vaseline?

Vaseline, originally known as petroleum jelly, is a popular multipurpose skincare product manufactured by Unilever. It has been a household staple for over a century, valued for its simple yet effective formulation and numerous applications in skincare and beyond.

Composition

1. Petrolatum: The main ingredient in Vaseline, petrolatum is a semisolid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. It forms a protective barrier over the skin, preventing moisture loss and shielding it from external irritants.

Uses

• Skin Moisturization: Its occlusive properties lock in moisture, making it an effective moisturizer for dry, chapped, or rough skin. It’s commonly used on areas prone to dryness, such as the lips, elbows, and heels.
• Healing: Vaseline aids in the healing of minor cuts, scrapes, and burns by creating a barrier that protects the wound from infection while allowing the skin to repair itself.
• Barrier Protection: It serves as a protective barrier against environmental factors like wind and cold weather, helping to prevent chapping and irritation.
• Makeup Removal: Vaseline can be used as a gentle and effective makeup remover, particularly for waterproof or stubborn makeup products.
• Haircare: Some people use Vaseline to moisturize and add shine to dry or damaged hair, although it’s important to use sparingly to avoid weighing down the hair or causing buildup.
• Medical and Industrial Uses: Beyond skincare, Vaseline has applications in various industries, including medicine (e.g., as a lubricant for medical equipment) and manufacturing (e.g., in the production of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals).

Main Differences Between Aquaphor and Vaseline

• Ingredients:
  • Aquaphor: Contains petrolatum, lanolin, and glycerin, offering not only a protective barrier but also moisturizing and skin-soothing properties.
  • Vaseline: Primarily consists of petrolatum, providing a protective barrier but lacking additional moisturizing or soothing ingredients.
• Moisturizing Properties:
  • Aquaphor: Formulated with glycerin and lanolin, it tends to be more hydrating and therapeutic, making it preferable for skincare beyond mere barrier protection.
  • Vaseline: While effective at sealing in moisture, it primarily acts as a barrier without additional moisturizing components.
• Uses:
  • Aquaphor: Suitable for protecting, healing, and moisturizing various skin conditions, including dryness, minor cuts, burns, and eczema. It’s also commonly used in skincare routines and tattoo aftercare.
  • Vaseline: Widely used for moisturizing dry skin, protecting minor cuts and burns, and as a general-purpose barrier ointment. It’s also utilized for makeup removal and has industrial applications.
• Texture:
  • Aquaphor: Tends to be slightly thicker and more emollient due to the additional ingredients, providing a smoother texture upon application.
  • Vaseline: Has a classic, jelly-like consistency, which some may find greasier compared to Aquaphor.
• Suitability:
  • Aquaphor: Particularly beneficial for individuals with dry, sensitive, or irritated skin due to its moisturizing and soothing properties.
  • Vaseline: Suitable for a wide range of uses and skin types but may be preferred by those seeking a simpler, more basic barrier ointment without additional ingredients.

References

1. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1525-1470.2011.01497.x
2. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00404-011-1919-5