Aquaphor vs Vaseline 2023 (The Definitive Guide)

When you think of petroleum jelly products, two names instantly spring to mind: Aquaphor and Vaseline. Famed for their best-selling skin protectants (among other products, of course), both brands are more than worthy of occupying some shelf space in your bathroom.

Come with us as we compare the two side-by-side to help you decide which is best for you and your skincare routine. Enjoy!

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Aquaphor vs Vaseline

Beyond the obvious differences between the containers, we're going to have to dive straight into their formulas to start seeing any differences of note.

Comparison

Petrolatum, more commonly referred to as Petroleum Jelly, is a hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, jelly-like ingredient that helps to protect and hydrate skin, fight free radical damage, and reduce wrinkles. It isn't absorbed by the skin, so it sits on top acting as a barrier to keep dirt out and more importantly keep moisture in.

The Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly formula consists of 100% petrolatum and doesn't contain any other ingredients—not even water.

Aquaphor's Healing Ointment, on the other hand, only contains around 41% petrolatum, with the remaining 59% being made up of: mineral oil (smooths and softens skin), ceresin (improves texture), lanolin alcohol (helps defend against moisture loss), panthenol (skin protectant with anti-inflammatory properties), glycerin (relieves skin dryness), and bisabolol (soothes).

This distinction in formulas drastically changes what each product can be used for, and what they are best at:

• Skin protectant: a thin barrier or layer of either product can be applied to damaged skin or to skin which is at risk of damage.
  • Aquaphor ✓
  • Vaseline ✓

• Occlusive moisturizer: both products form a film or barrier to prevent water loss - perfect for those with dry/dehydrated skin.
  • Aquaphor ✓
  • Vaseline ✓

• Regular moisturizer: because Aquaphor contains humectant ingredients like glycerin, it can also pull moisture in from the environment, rather than just trapping existing moisture like Vaseline.
  • Aquaphor ✓
  • Vaseline ✗

• Lip care: both products are good at treating the thin skin of our lips, however, Aquaphor can restore moisture to lips that are already dry, whereas Vaseline can only prevent dry lips.
  • Aquaphor ✓ (restorative)
  • Vaseline ✓ (preventative)

• Wound healing: a 2013 study found that wounds treated with Vaseline had a lower incidence of redness when compared to wounds treated with Aquaphor.
  • Aquaphor ✗
  • Vaseline ✓

• Tattoos: Aquaphor is recommended for tattoos because of its anti-inflammatory properties; Vaseline blocks air from getting to the tattoo (which is needed for healing).
  • Aquaphor ✓
  • Vaseline ✗

• Treat sunburns: neither Aquaphor nor Vaseline should be used to treat sunburns as they actually trap heat.
  • Aquaphor ✗
  • Vaseline ✗

It's worth noting that the additional benefits granted by Aquaphor's Healing Ointment comes with a price tag which is around double that of Vaseline's per ounce. It's also worth noting that because Aquaphor contains lanolin, you must ensure that you do not have a lanolin allergy before using it.

Summary

All in all, we love them both, but clearly they both have their pros and cons:

Because Vaseline Pure Petroleum Jelly contains 100% petroleum jelly, it is super cheap and is best suited for lip care, healing wounds, softening cuticles, and as an occlusive to prevent moisture loss (popularly known as slugging).

Since the Aquaphor Healing Ointment contains ingredients other than just petroleum jelly (such as glycerin, panthenol and bisabolol) it boasts humectant properties, making it a better moisturizer than Vaseline. It is also better suited for treating tattoos, and marginally better for lip care. However, you should steer clear if you have a lanolin allergy.

Other Aquaphor Products

For babies:
Try the Baby Healing Ointment

For lips:
Try the Lip Repair

For body:
Try the Body Spray

Other Vaseline Products

For lips:
Try the Lip Therapy

For tinted lips:
Try the Rosy Lips

For body:
Try the Body Lotion