When it comes to do-it-all beauty products, Aquaphor and Vaseline are at the top of many people's lists. The long-beloved formulas have been used by beauty lovers for decades to help moisturize skin, heal wounds, soothe chapped lips and so much more.
In fact, many of our own editors — myself included — consider them fans of one or both brands. And while there are plenty of uses for each product, there are a couple of key differences that you'll want to keep in mind when deciding which one is best for you. Below, we're highlighting everything you need to know — including what dermatologists think of each formula.
What is Aquaphor?
"Aquaphor is a healing ointment designed to help with dry, irritated or cracked skin," shares Dr. Dara Spearman, a board-certified dermatologist and the owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
According to Dr. Noah Gratch, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, its main ingredients are petrolatum, which he says can help lock in moisture, "lanolin alcohol for moisturizing, panthenol to promote healing, bisabolol to soothe any irritation and mineral oil to soften the skin."
Not only is it helpful for healing cracked skin, but he says that it can also help soothe irritation and protect your skin after minor cuts or burns.
What is Vaseline?
Vaseline is made from 100% petroleum jelly, "which is a thick, semi-solid mixture derived from petrolatum, mostly used as a skin protectant and moisturizer. Its main ingredient is 100% white petroleum jelly," Spearman says.
Its main benefit is that it seals in existing moisture on the skin, so Spearman says it is best used after a bath or shower on damp skin. It can help improve dry and chapped skin or lips, as well as help to improve diaper rash or prevent chafing.
How are Aquphor and Vaseline different?
"The main difference is that Vaseline is pure petrolatum, while Aquaphor contains petrolatum and other ingredients," says Gratch.
Because it's only 40% petrolatum, people might find Aquaphor to be more breathable than Vaseline, Spearman says. She adds, "Aquaphor’s other ingredients may have a more soothing effect on the skin and [it] is better tolerated on the face."
Which is better: Aquaphor or Vaseline?
The truth is, both are pretty effective at helping to solve common beauty woes, including soothing dry, chapped skin and lips, preventing chafing and much more. "Both products are great options for repairing skin barriers. They’re safe, affordable and dermatologist-recommended," says Gratch. Ultimately, he shares that the right choice for you "really comes down to personal preference and skin needs."
"If the skin is severely dry, cracked or irritated, Aquaphor may be more result-driven because of the other healing and moisturizing ingredients it has," says Gratch. Additionally, if someone is acne-prone, Vaseline, when applied to the face, may be more likely to clog pores or cause breakouts.
Vaseline, on the other hand, is better for those who have sensitivity to lanolin (which is derived from sheep's wool), says Spearman.
I've used and loved both for everything from moisturizing chapped lips to soothing irritated skin. Personally, I've found Aquaphor to be less greasy than Vaseline, making it easier to apply on the go without leaving behind a lasting residue.
I also love how many versions of Aquaphor there are, including a lip repair stick and body spray. I especially love the Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick for helping to prevent chafing, as it keeps your hands mess-free.
Frequently asked questions
Both products can be used for slugging. To try it, apply a humectant (like hyaluronic acid) or your favorite moisturizer and then follow it up with Aquaphor or Vaseline.
Per the dermatologists, Vaseline may be more likely to clog pores and lead to breakouts.
How we chose
We chose to highlight the above products because they have previously been recommended by experts and are beloved by both editors and shoppers.
Meet our experts
- Dr. Dara Spearman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
- Dr. Noah Gratch, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York.
