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“I don't think you're ready for this jelly,” chanted Beyonce and her group Destiny’s Child in their 2001 hit. Was it Aquaphor or Vaseline on her mind when she wrote this iconic lyric? Vaseline and Aquaphor are two popular ointments, made mostly of petroleum jelly and used primarily for moisturizing skin and helping to heal wounds. While they are both similar products they have some key differences. Vaseline is made entirely of petroleum jelly, while Aquaphor is only made up of 41% petroleum. Unlike Vaseline, Aquaphor contains some extra ingredients such as Glycerin, Lanolin Alcohol, and Ceresin. The two goods also vary in price. At Target, a 7.5 ounces container of Vaseline costs $4.49 while 7 ounces of Aquaphor costs a whopping $12.99. Is Aquaphor worth the extra investment, or is Vaseline a more cost-efficient and effective option?
Aquaphor is a popular skin protectant introduced to the U.S. in 1925. Since its introduction, Aquaphor is the #1 dermatologist-recommended brand for those with dry or cracking skin. The product is also widely used by many people around the world, including celebrities like Billie Eilish and Zendaya. “I like how it traps the moisture in your hands wherever you’re using it,” BHS Freshman Sam Wallace says. It's true that Aquaphor creates a moisture-holding barrier on your skin, allowing it to become better hydrated. Aside from petroleum jelly, Aquaphor is made with various ingredients such as Glycerin which aids in retaining moisture. Aquaphor is also made without any dyes or scents which is another reason why it is such a favored ointment. BHS freshman Eloise Czerniak says, “I like that Aquaphor has no taste or smell.” While Vaseline is known for its greasy texture, Aquaphor has a smooth consistency and a less greasy feel while being just as effective. If you’re willing to spend a little extra money, you might find Aquaphor to be the product to suit your needs.
Vaseline is another popular brand used to protect skin and seal in moisture. Petroleum Jelly was discovered in the 1860s by chemist Robert Chesebrough. In 1870, the good was sold as Vaseline and was an instant success. In the year 1875, the company was selling a jar a minute to Americans and the product has continued to be favored over the years. Vaseline is made up of only one ingredient, petroleum jelly. This lowers the chances that your skin will react badly to the ointment. Aquaphor has a longer list of ingredients which means more chances for potential bad reactions after using the product, including breakouts; many teens' worst nightmare. Like Aquaphor, Vaseline is used to retain moisture, helping people maintain healthy and soft skin. “Using Vaseline makes my skin feel really smooth,” BHS Sophomore Sara Soto says. Vaseline has been used for ages and has always proved to be efficient so what reason do we have to change that now?
After interviewing various students at Blacksburg High School and doing my own research on each of the products, there doesn’t appear to be an overwhelming preference towards either Aquaphor or Vaseline. Vaseline seems to be known better and in many student’s cases when I asked which ointment they preferred, they said they either hadn't heard of Aquaphor or didn't know much about it. However, the students who said they knew and preferred Aquaphor to Vaseline had a lot more to say to back up their claims. In the end, while both products have their advantages and disadvantages, they’re both proven to be effective. Whether you want to spend a little extra money on a product with some added beneficial ingredients or stick with a cheaper, still efficient ointment, is your choice. In the end, both products appear to get the job done!
Written by Adaia Ivory
Photography by Elayna Weatherspoon
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