Vaseline vs. Petroleum Jelly – Differences & Which is Better?

Vaseline is a popular lubricant, skin cream, and household product. Vaseline and petroleum jelly can be used on the skin and other internal body parts like the nose, mouth, and genitalia, but some people have expressed concern about their use despite the fact that it is cheap and they serve many different functions.

A petroleum jelly product with additional ingredients like minerals and microcrystalline wax is sold under the trade name Vaseline and is extremely pure.

What is Vaseline?

Vaseline is the brand name for a particularly pure variety of petroleum jelly that also contains microcrystalline wax and minerals. A typical household item is this. We use it as a lotion, skin cleanser, skin protectant, etc. The texture of this substance is smoother than typical petroleum jelly. Additionally, it smells somewhat like baby powder.

This product comes in ointments, creams, and lotions. Additionally, this item can be used as lubricant. Vaseline’s ability to treat minor burns and cuts is yet another benefit.

Read More: Does Vaseline Help With Crepey Skin

What is Petroleum Jelly?

Mineral oils and waxes combine to create petroleum jelly, also known as petrolatum, a substance that resembles semisolid jelly. Since Robert Augustus Chesebrough discovered it in 1859, this product hasn’t undergone much change. Chesebrough observed that oil workers used a gooey jelly to treat their burns and wounds. Later, he disguised this jelly as Vaseline.

Benefits of petroleum jelly are derived from petroleum, which helps seal your skin with a water-protective barrier. This promotes skin healing and moisture retention. Continue reading to find out more uses for petroleum jelly.

Common Things Between Vaseline and Petroleum Jelly

Sometimes people mix up petroleum jelly and Vaseline. They are the same product, so this is untrue. In spite of this, people frequently distinguish between the two. Many people are unaware that petroleum jelly and Vaseline are two different products with distinct properties. Vaseline was developed and is mostly used in medicine. But later, it was decided to market and brand the products.

Petroleum jelly, which gives Vaseline its smooth texture, is made entirely from petroleum jelly that has been infused with mineral and microcrystalline wax. Baby powder and lavender oil both use them as fragrance ingredients. Petroleum jelly is used as a lubricant, coating, and moisturizing agent in its purest form.

In the cosmetics industry, petroleum jelly is crucial. Additionally, it works well to treat genital rashes, diaper rashes, nosebleeds, chest colds, fungus, and rashes from diapers. Keep in mind that Vaseline is just the brand name for petroleum jelly; the two are the same.

Read More: Is Vaseline Flammable

Comparison Between Vaseline and Petroleum Jelly

	Vaseline	Petroleum Jelly
Description	Petroleum jelly, a type that is used as an ointment and lubricant, is what is known as Vaseline.	a translucent jelly used as a lubricant or ointment that is made of a combination of hydrocarbons.
Inventor / Introduced by	Robert Cheesebrough	Robert Cheesebrough
Year	1859	1859
Made of	Minerals and microcrystalline wax are added to the pure petroleum jelly to give it a smoother texture.	A mixture of semi-solid, translucent hydrocarbons make up the substance.
Fragrance	Lavender oil or baby powder	Oil and gas, since it is extracted from real petroleum
Uses	Soften dry and cracked elbows Help your perfume/scent stick around for long time Lip balm Moisturizer Avoid rashes Makeup remover Prevent lids for sticking Enhances hair Remove stains	Dry lips or chapped lips For babies, diaper rash can be prevented For noisy doors, it can silence them Protecting scrapes Protecting cuts By itself, the jelly forms a barrier that prevents water, bacteria, and air from entering the wound and preventing infection. Removes makeup
Sold in market	Vaseline is offered in a variety of lotion, ointment, solid, and cream forms.	In smaller tubes or larger tubs, it is typically sold as the solid form.

Which is Better for the Skin: Petroleum Jelly Or Vaseline?

Vaseline does not moisturize the skin as effectively as petroleum jelly at retaining moisture. It can also assist in moisturizing the skin and reducing dryness because of its higher water content. People with dry skin issues, such as eczema or psoriasis, should use it as their go-to remedy. In order to save money on skincare, dermatologists advise using petroleum jelly to relieve dry skin, particularly on your lips and eyelids.

Read More: Does Vaseline Help Your Eyelashes Grow Longer

Dry skin has a tendency to bleed, itch, flake, and crack. Apply petroleum jelly to dry skin areas like your lips and eyelids because ointments work better and are less irritating than lotions. Nobody with acne or rosacea should ever use petroleum jelly because these conditions could get worse if they do. To help people through colds, people frequently apply Vaseline to dry, cracked noses, but this practice should be avoided.

Final Thoughts

Because of its emollient properties, ability to promote skin healing, and general safety, petroleum jelly has long been a staple in the medical and cosmetic industries. Just like with any other skincare product, keep an eye out for allergy or rash symptoms after using the product. Instead of petroleum jelly, which is made from oil, if you are concerned about the environment, choose products made from plants.

FAQs