From a strictly cosmetic standpoint, both Vaseline and Aquaphor work well as makeup removers, a cuticle cream, and — in Vaseline's case — an anti-aging product, because it increases the amount of peptides on your skin. However, if it's a moisturizer you're looking for, skip the Vaseline and reach for the Aquaphor.
Both can be used on lips and skin, as wound healers, and as makeup removers or cuticle softeners. Aquaphor tends to be a better moisturizer because it contains humectant ingredients and is occlusive, while Vaseline is only occlusive.
While Aquaphor can hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, it cannot actually treat or prevent them. One of the most highly recommended ways to prevent wrinkles is to use retinoids, which are chemicals made from vitamin A.
"Tapping a little Aquaphor over your eye cream at night plumps up lines by sealing in moisture, and it's nonirritating," says Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist in New York City. "It's one of the best products for the under-eyes."
Basically, “Aquaphor prevents water from evaporating from your face, helping to improve your skin barrier and keep it healthy,” says Rachel Nazarian, MD, dermatologist at the Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC.
Aquaphor is a powered-up Vaseline
Because Aquaphor has ingredients other than petroleum jelly, its essentially an emollient, or a powered-up, moisturizing Vaseline (which can only seal skin so it can retain moisture that's already there).
Vaseline locks in any moisture on your face without adding other ingredients that might irritate your skin. A layer of Vaseline applied before you sleep can help restore your face's natural level of moisture and softness.
While, unfortunately, Vaseline won't do much to help erase deep-set wrinkles or brighten dark circles, Sakar said the product can provide some of the same hydrating effects as your go-to eye cream — especially when it's paired with a moisturizing cream. "Vaseline is something that's called an occlusive," she said.
Vaseline can help with a number of dry eyelid conditions. People who notice that their skin is dry or irritated during the dry, cold winter months can use it to prevent moisture loss from the eyelids. Some people also use it as a moisturizer to reduce the risk of wrinkles, or as a supplement to traditional eye creams.
No matter how dry the air is, this ointment saves chapped lips. Get this—Beyoncé has shared that she also applies Aquaphor to her skin every night. As reported by Elle, she goes to sleep with it smeared all over her face.
Aquaphor is not for everyone
As the last step in facial skincare, experts also say it pays to use Aquaphor with a bit of caution. "It can be great on the face, but if you are acne-prone or unsure of how to integrate properly, always check with your dermatologist," Faber says.
Drugstore staple Aquaphor can be used on the under-eye area and face to lock in skin's moisture, especially in the dry winter months, for under $10.
Benefits Of Aquaphor For Skin
It can also shield broken, irritated, or injured skin by forming a slightly breathable barrier over it,” says Dr. Konstantin Vasyukevich. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Aquaphor may relieve diaper rash in just 6 to 7 hours.
Vaseline is still safe for use because it contains nothing other than petroleum jelly. Vaseline is better than Aquaphor for burns, as lanolin may cause further irritation.
Vaseline is a moisturizing product that is safe for most people to put on their face. People can apply Vaseline to help with short-term skin concerns, such as temporary skin dryness or irritation. Vaseline is also suitable as a long-term moisturizer.
"The jelly traps the moisture in the upper layers of the skin surface and prevents it from evaporating," explains Dr. Krant. "It also makes dry wrinkles plump up and appear smoother." Because of Vaseline's ability to retain moisture, it's widely used in skin care across the market.
According to researchers , petroleum jelly is one of the most effective moisturizers on the market. It works by sitting on top of the skin, where it forms a barrier and prevents water from leaving your skin. Vaseline can be used as an everyday moisturizer for very dry skin.
Retinol (a derivative of vitamin A), peptides, and hyaluronic acid are all backed by research and aestheticians. Under-eye products in the form of cooling gels and serums might work best to fight fine lines.
eating a diet rich in antioxidant-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables. limiting your exposure to the sun by avoiding peak hours and wearing sunscreen every day. getting at least seven hours of sleep every night. reducing your daily stress at work and home.
Vaseline is an occlusive moisturizer that can be used effectively on dry skin and eyelashes. It can't make eyelashes grow faster or longer, but it can moisturize them, making them look fuller and lusher.
Key takeaways
However, petroleum jelly (aka Vaseline) is safe to use on your eyes, and even eyelashes. The mineral oil in the jelly will help condition your brows and leave them soft and shiny. Vaseline works as a brow gel, too.
Since Aquaphor is thick, like Vaseline, it's normal to question if this ointment will clog your pores ASAP, which can result in acne. However, since the product is an emollient, it traps water in the skin, and better yet, since it's also noncomedogenic, it will not clog any of your pretty little pores.
Cure acne. Applying Vaseline to your face before bed every night can create a barrier on your skin that traps hydration and help cure cystic acne. Vaseline has said to help acne prone skin become more smooth and less red without clogging pores.
Not only can you use Vaseline before applying eye shadow, but you can also use the jelly to remove it — and eyeliner and mascara — in one of the gentlest ways available. "It's light and lubricated, so the makeup slides right off without harming the skin," dermatologist Mona Gohara told Allure.