While Vaseline and
Yes, Aquaphor is an occlusive, thanks to its petrolatum content, but it also contains a host of other ingredients that make it a partial moisturizer—which is why most dermatologists say that it is the best option for dry skin.
To save on skin care, dermatologists recommend using petroleum jelly to: Relieve dry skin, including your lips and eyelids. Dry skin can flake, itch, crack and even bleed. Since ointments are more effective and less irritating than lotions, consider applying petroleum jelly to dry skin, including your lips and eyelids.
According to the American Academy of Dermatologists, Vaseline can trigger outbreaks if you have acne-prone skin. Don't put petroleum jelly on your face if you're having an active breakout. There are plenty of other moisturizing options if you have acne-prone skin.
Lotion or cream is good for your skin; your skin won't get addicted to it.
1. Waxelene: The leader in petroleum jelly substitutes, this product feels and acts like Vaseline but doesn't clog pores. Made with soy oil, beeswax, rosemary oil, and vitamin E, Waxelene is gluten-free. Also comes in lip balm.
The major difference is the ingredients and texture. While Vaseline is simply 100% Petrolatum, Cerave is 46.5% Petrolatum with skin-loving ingredients like Ceramides, Panthenol and Hyaluronic Acid. Furthermore, while the former has a waxy and tacky texture, the latter has a smoother and more fluid texture.
Petroleum jelly outperforms vaseline in terms of effectiveness. Vaseline is less effective than petroleum jelly at preventing moisture loss from the skin when used as a moisturizer. Additionally, because it contains more water, it can help moisturize the skin and lessen dryness.
Aquaphor tends to be a better moisturizer because it contains humectant ingredients and is occlusive, while Vaseline is only occlusive.
While Vaseline can be helpful when used sparingly to treat dry skin, it's quite greasy and can feel heavy on the skin. So, it's not entirely practical to use as a daily, overall skin moisturizer.
The latest viral skincare trend is called "slugging," which involves coating your face in petrolatum, or Vaseline, to moisturize your skin overnight. Though the fad has become a talker recently (with over 80 million views on TikTok), it's not particularly new.
The history of Vaseline® Jelly starts in 1859, when Robert Chesebrough travelled to Titusville, a small town in Pennsylvania. That's where oil workers had been using rod wax, an unrefined form of petroleum jelly – then just a simple by-product of the drilling they were working on – to heal wounded or burnt skin.
Vaseline is safe and even recommended for use on dry skin. Because of its occlusive properties, Vaseline can help soothe skin that's chafed and dry. It's especially handy for the thin skin on your eyelids. Unlike most products, Vaseline is safe to use in the area around your eyes.
The product continues to work after it is applied, hydrating your skin all day in just one use. This system—along with our unique combination of skin-identical ceramides—helps replenish your skin's existing ceramides, relieves dry skin by reducing moisture loss, increases hydration and helps restore the skin barrier.
A large amount of petroleum jelly which gets in the eyes or nose, or is used on the skin, the eyes, nose, or skin may cause irritation of these tissues. If petroleum jelly is aspirated (enters the breathing tube and lungs), symptoms may be more serious and may include: Cough. Difficulty breathing during activity.
Scientists have studied how the skin creates its own "natural plaster" to help heal these injuries. Oil-based substances, such as petroleum jelly, appear to disrupt this important process, and might increase the risk of wound infection, they say in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
“Dermatologists love petrolatum,” says board-certified dermatologist Whitney Tolpinrud. “It helps to repair the skin barrier, assists with wound healing, and prevents water evaporation.” As a self-appointed fact-checker of TikTok skincare hacks, I'm actually a big fan of moisturizing with petroleum jelly.
If the area is not cleaned properly prior to applying petroleum jelly, existing bacteria and fungal spores can easily proliferate and cause secondary infections.
However, as it is oil-based and it's not the best environmental choice, this might be a reason why some vegans abstain from using the products. There are no animal products used to make Vaseline's petroleum jelly. Historically bone char was used in the manufacturing process, but that practice is now uncommon.
Petroleum jelly is most effective when the conditions are windy as it helps to insulate the skin, which prevents it from losing heat and moisture. It may also aid in offensive skill players' ability to break the tackles of defenders. "But it wouldn't necessarily be my go-to to stay warm," Cordone said about Vaseline.
Vaseline is known as an occlusive, which means it can hold in moisture . If you use Vaseline on your lips before they're dry and chapped, you may be able to stave off dryness. However, petroleum jelly isn't all that effective at restoring moisture once it's been lost.
Many moisturizers, including Vaseline, work by forming a protective barrier on the skin. This stops moisture from escaping throughout the day and during sleep. Water is a necessary component of the healing process, so scars and acne spots can heal while under a protective layer.