Brand

Vaseline

Vaseline traces its history to 1859 when Brooklyn chemist Robert Chesebrough visited the oil fields of Titusville, Pennsylvania and discovered workers using a waxy residue called 'rod wax' to heal cuts and burns. He spent years refining this petroleum byproduct into a purified jelly, patenting it in 1872 as Vaseline Petroleum Jelly. Now owned by Unilever, Vaseline's Original Healing Jelly remains one of the most effective and affordable occlusive moisturizers in existence -- petrolatum reduces transepidermal water loss by over 98 percent, making it more effective than any other single ingredient at sealing in moisture. The brand expanded into body lotions incorporating their Healing Jelly technology. With 10 products across 2 categories averaging 76/100, Vaseline delivers no-frills, clinically proven moisture protection at the lowest possible price point.

Drugstore Dermatologist Recommended Est. 1872 (product discovered 1859) London, UK (Unilever HQ) Unilever

10 Products

79 Evaluations

76 Avg Score

2 Categories

Best Vaseline product by condition:

Dry 97 Oily 72 Combo 80 Acne 75 Sensitive 94 Aging 88

Brand Philosophy

Vaseline is built on one conviction: petrolatum is the most effective skin protectant available, and everyone deserves access to it. The brand does not chase trends or premium positioning. Their commitment to healing dry, damaged skin at accessible prices has remained unchanged for over 150 years.

Who It's For

Anyone needing the most effective moisture barrier available at the lowest cost. Essential for slugging, eczema management, wound protection, and extreme dryness. The single most cost-effective skincare product in existence.

Known For

Original Healing Jelly
98%+ TEWL reduction from petrolatum
150+ year heritage
Intensive Care body lotions
The simplest, most effective occlusive available

Signature Ingredients

Petrolatum (petroleum jelly)
Glycerin
Micro-droplet Jelly technology
Stearic Acid
Dimethicone

Vaseline at a Glance

Strongest Categories

Vaseline performs best in: Specialty Treatment (3 products, avg 82/100); Body Care (7 products, avg 74/100).

Best Conditions Served

Across all products, Vaseline scores highest for: Dry/Dehydrated Skin (avg 91/100); Aging/Mature Skin (avg 81/100); Dull/Uneven Texture (avg 81/100). If your primary concern is one of these conditions, Vaseline products are particularly worth considering.

Certifications

Common certifications include Non-Comedogenic, Fragrance-Free, Dermatologist Tested, Clinically Tested, Co-Created with Dermatologists.

Best Vaseline by Skin Condition

The highest-scoring Vaseline product for each condition we evaluate.

Dry/Dehydrated

All Vaseline Products (10)

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Filter by category:

Healing Ointment High

Specialty Treatment

Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly Original

Vaseline Lip Therapy Original

Vaseline Clinical Care Extremely Dry Skin Rescue Lotion

Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Lotion Unscented

Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips

Vaseline Radiant X Deep Nourishment Body Cream

Vaseline Intensive Care Essential Healing Lotion

Vaseline Radiant X Replenishing Body Oil

Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Lotion

Brightening Body Lotion High

Body Care

Vaseline Radiant X Even Tone Nourishing Body Lotion

Frequently Asked Questions about Vaseline

What is the best Vaseline product?

Based on our scoring, Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly Original is the highest-rated Vaseline product with a score of 97/100 for dry/dehydrated skin. Best-in-class occlusive. Reduces water loss by 98%. The gold-standard barrier protectant for severely dry skin.

Is Vaseline worth the price?

Vaseline products are positioned at the drugstore tier with an average score of 76/100 across 10 evaluated products. This represents strong value, with several products matching or exceeding more expensive alternatives.

What skin type is Vaseline best for?

Vaseline scores highest for dry/dehydrated skin, with an average score of 91/100 across relevant products. They also perform well for aging/mature skin and dull/uneven texture. Check condition-specific scores for the product you are considering.

Every Vaseline product above has been scored individually for each relevant skin condition. Click any product to see its full evaluation, ingredient analysis, and usage guidance for your specific concern.