Aquaphor vs. Vaseline: Experts Break Down the Pros and Cons

Dermatologists compare the classic skincare products and share which is better for sensitive skin.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Aquaphor and Vaseline are both occlusive ointments that create a protective barrier to lock in moisture and support skin repair. While they have similar properties, there are some key differences between the two products. Aquaphor contains additional ingredients like mineral oil, ceresin, and lanolin alcohol that help with spreadability and hydration, while Vaseline is made of 100% pure petroleum jelly. Experts weigh in on when to use each product and share that Vaseline is best for very sensitive skin, while Aquaphor is great for extremely dry, flaky areas that need both occlusion and added moisture.

Why it matters

As two of the most widely recommended skincare products by dermatologists, understanding the nuances between Aquaphor and Vaseline can help consumers choose the right product for their specific skin needs, whether that's protecting a healing wound, soothing extremely dry hands, or preventing chapped lips.

The details

Aquaphor was first introduced in 1925 as a multi-purpose ointment and gained popularity in hospitals and with medical professionals starting in 1936 before being sold directly to consumers in 1982. The formula contains petroleum plus additional ingredients like mineral oil, ceresin, and lanolin alcohol to improve spreadability, texture, and hydration. Vaseline dates back to 1859 when it was discovered as a byproduct in Pennsylvania oil fields, and it has been manufactured since 1872 as a 100% pure petroleum jelly blend. Both products work as occlusives to seal in moisture and support skin barrier function, but the added ingredients in Aquaphor make it better for extremely dry, flaky areas, while Vaseline's simple formula is preferred for very sensitive skin types.

  • Aquaphor was originally developed as an ointment base in 1925.
  • Aquaphor was introduced to hospitals and medical professionals around 1936.
  • Aquaphor was first sold directly to consumers in tubes in 1982.
  • Vaseline was discovered as a petroleum byproduct in Pennsylvania oil fields in 1859.
  • Vaseline began being manufactured in 1872.

The players

Marisa Garshick, MD

A dermatologist who explains the key differences between Aquaphor and Vaseline.

Cheryl Karcher, MD

A dermatologist who provides details on the formulations of Aquaphor and Vaseline.

Aquaphor

A multi-purpose ointment made mostly of petroleum plus added ingredients like mineral oil, ceresin, and lanolin alcohol.

Vaseline

A 100% pure petroleum jelly blend of mineral oils and waxes that locks in moisture.

Celia Shatzman

A Brooklyn-based writer and editor who has covered beauty for two decades and uses both Aquaphor and Vaseline.

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What they’re saying

“Both Aquaphor and Vaseline are occlusives. That means they work by creating a protective layer on the surface of your skin that locks in moisture and helps your skin barrier function more effectively. Occlusives are foundational when you are trying to heal dry, cracked skin or protect sensitized skin from further irritation.”

— Marisa Garshick, MD, Dermatologist (Cosmopolitan)

“Aquaphor is an occlusive healing ointment made mostly of petroleum plus added ingredients like mineral oil for spreadability, ceresin to improve the product feel, and lanolin alcohol to hydrate. When combined together, these ingredients help soothe and support skin repair.”

— Cheryl Karcher, MD, Dermatologist (Cosmopolitan)

“Vaseline Jelly Original is basically 100 percent petroleum jelly. It's an occlusive that creates a protective barrier on the skin that prevents water loss rather than adding moisture itself.”

— Marisa Garshick, MD, Dermatologist (Cosmopolitan)

The takeaway

While Aquaphor and Vaseline are both highly effective occlusive ointments recommended by dermatologists, the key difference is that Aquaphor contains additional humectant and emollient ingredients that can provide more hydration, while Vaseline is a simpler, petroleum-based formula that is ideal for very sensitive skin types. Knowing the nuances between the two classics can help consumers choose the right product for their specific skincare needs.