What is the difference between vaseline and glycerin

It has a number of valuable applications, for which it was selected to suspend the other ingredients, as opposed to water or oil.

Glycerin is a humectant, which means that in addition to having the ability to increase the solubility of active ingredients, it also leaves skin hydrated. It is non-comedogenic, so it will not clog pores. While other companies use water or oil, 3rd Rock chooses glycerin. Not just for its numerous benefits seen a, but also because it does a better job than water or oil at keeping skin care products stable. Water and oil requires an emulsifier to be kept stable.

Petroleum jelly was first discovered as a by-product forming on oil rigs in the mids. A chemist, who later opened the first Vaseline factory, worked on refining the substance to be a topical solution.

But before it's refined, petroleum jelly does include carcinogenic compounds — a. Yes, the big C. And this is why petroleum jelly has lost some of its luster in more recent years, and become the center of a hot debate.

We checked in with multiple dermatologists to hear their thoughts. Turns out, there's no need to worry about it causing cancer. Marina Peredo, M. Scott Rackett, M. At most, you should be wary if you bought petroleum jelly from a not-so-reputable brand, which may not follow reliable refining practices.

The Environmental Working Group regularly reviews branded products like Vaseline arguably the most popular petroleum jelly to determine their dangerous effects. Vaseline which is purified three times has a current overall hazard ranking of "low," accompanied by a zero risk for cancer and a zero risk for developmental and reproductive toxicity. According to Rackett, Vaseline is one of the most effective and cheapest skin salves around.

People have been using it for decades to treat everything from cracked skin to diaper rash. Dermatologists especially love it because "the allergy risk is low, and it's more effective at treating and preventing dry skin than creams and lotions," he says.

A Lab favorite and GH Seal star , Aquaphor is a clinically-proven healer that works by forming a barrier on skin like Vaseline to lock in moisture, plus its active ingredients hydrate.

Our Beauty Lab pros trust this top formula to soothe dry and cracked lips, skin and cuticles — all without clogging pores. The time you should stop using petroleum jelly is if it causes a breakout. Wnek agrees, saying, "The downside to petrolatum is that it can feel heavy, tacky, and greasy. So you may want to avoid using it on the face — especially if you have oily skin. No matter which product you opt for, here are some unexpected ways to use petroleum jelly in your beauty routine plus, a few fun extras!

In a pinch, you can take off your eye makeup with Vaseline, then smooth any excess into the dry skin around your eyes. Just be careful not to get any in your eyes. Simply add a bit of sugar to petroleum jelly and apply it to your lips. Rubbing them together for a few seconds will remove any flaky skin. Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address.

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You may opt-out of e-mail communications at any time by clicking on the Unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Drink plenty of water, don't smoke, and wash your face and body each day with a gentle hypoallergenic soap for healthy-looking skin, says Dr. Dawn Davis, a Mayo Clinic dermatologist. And, after bathing, moisturize with a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free moisturizer when you're done to help the skin hydrate.

With so many products from which to choose, how do you pick the right moisturizer? Davis says hypoallergenic is the key. Oftentimes unscented just means more chemicals," says Dr. The most inert natural hypoallergenic product that you can find in a moisturizer is petrolatum as in petroleum jelly.

Davis has another important tip for healthy skin care that could potentially save your life: "Please remember to wear your sunscreen. Dawn Davis, M. Olsen: Dermatologist Dr. Dawn Davis says that's because this odorless nearly colorless jelly is so versatile. Davis: It sits on top of the skin, like a greenhouse roof, so it's like insulating the skin so that it doesn't lose heat and so it doesn't lose moisture.

Olsen: One recent study called petroleum jelly the best way to reduce the risk of eczema in newborns. Davis says because petroleum jelly is chemically similar to proteins in our skin, it's also a good choice for treating everything from chapped lips to dry cuticles, hands and feet.

Davis: A lot of people also ask about using petroleum jelly in the nares, or in the breathing holes of the nose. Olsen: Dr. Davis says you should never use it in the nose of infants and small children. In older kids a thin layer of petroleum jelly can even soothe a tender winter nose. For more information, talk with your doctor or visit MayoClinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

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Moisturizers: Options for softer skin. Products and services. Moisturizers: Options for softer skin Find out what moisturizers can and can't do for your skin and how to select a moisturizer that suits your needs. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information.

Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. What ingredient should you look for? Jeff Olsen: It's easy to find, inexpensive, and effective for treating a lot of winter ailments.

Show references AskMayoExpert. Xerosis dry skin. Mayo Clinic; American Academy of Dermatology. Accessed Aug. Skin care on a budget. Skin care tips for men. Fazio SB, et al. Pruritis: Overview of management. Accessed Aug 22,