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For healthy and nourished skin, the necessity of proper skin care is vast. For skincare, there is a wide range of products available to address various skin problems. Moisturizing is a must for providing adequate hydration to the skin. It solves a variety of skin problems. Regular use helps to minimize extreme levels of dryness or oiliness since those harm the skin. While not moisturizing skin regularly will make the skin dry to drier gradually and leave it with a flaky look. When it comes to moisturizing dry and chapped skin, the name of two popular products come first: Bag Balm and Vaseline.
Both of the products have been trusted by generations for their hydrating properties. But when it comes to the ultimate skin-soothing solution someone might prefer one product over another. For that, knowing about the potential benefits of these two products is important. So, let’s discover the unique features of Bag Balm and Vaseline which make the two products unique! In this article, you will also get an idea of which product between the two would be more perfect for your skin.
Introducing Bag Balm and Vaseline
Bag Balm is a brand name for topical ointment that originated in Vermont, United States. It was initially developed in the late 19th century to soothe and protect cow udders from chapping and irritation caused by harsh weather conditions and milking. Over time, it gained popularity among humans for its versatile applications.
Vaseline is a popular brand name for petroleum jelly, a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. It was first discovered in the late 19th century and has since become widely used in various skincare and medicinal applications. Vaseline is primarily composed of pure petroleum jelly, which is free from additional ingredients such as lanolin or antiseptics.
Bag Balm Vs Vaseline
Bag Balm and Vaseline are two popular skincare products known for their moisturizing properties and various uses. While they share some similarities, they have distinct features which make those unique. Let’s compare the two products Bag Balm and Vaseline.
Ingredients
Bag Balm contains a combination of ingredients such as petrolatum, lanolin, and 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate. Petrolatum is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons, commonly known as petroleum jelly, which acts as a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, sealing in moisture. Lanolin is a natural wax derived from sheep’s wool that acts as an emollient, softening and soothing the skin. And, 8-Hydroxyquinoline Sulfate is an antiseptic ingredient with mild germ-killing properties. Paraffin Wax is the perfuming ingredient.
The primary ingredient of Vaseline is petroleum jelly which is mixed with mineral oils and waxes. Mineral oils help to maintain skin hydration preventing evaporation. It also plays a role in softening the skin. As a result, the skin becomes more pleasant to touch. The wax by retaining the mineral oils makes it last on the skin for a longer period. Vaseline lacks lanolin and 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate in it.
Texture
Bag Balm is a yellowish substance that is very thick and creamy in texture. One of the thickest natural waxes, lanolin, is present in the product. Petrolatum has a semi-solid, waxy, and jelly-like rich texture. No extra oils are present to make the mixture more diluted. The final product is a rich, thick cream. Its texture makes it better suited for general application. Once applied, it stays in place and offers moisture and protection that lasts for a very long time.
Another greasy, yellowish substance is Vaseline. The yellow shade is thinner and lighter than the Bag Balm. Vaseline contains a variety of essential oils, unlike Bag Balm. Petroleum and wax combine to form a denser compound while mineral oils lower the overall viscosity. Vaseline is thinner than Bag Balm because of this. Vaseline has a smoother and more slippery texture compared to Bag Balm which makes it easier to spread quickly and results in a glossy finish.
Scent
Bag Balm gives a pleasant scent due to the presence of its ingredients. The product gives a strong medicinal scent. At first, it could seem a little bit pungent, but that gradually fades away. While for some people the scent might be excessively strong. Lanolin is primarily responsible for the scent.
While Vaseline lacks any specific scent. Although it contains wax and mineral oils, none of them gives recognizable scents. Vaseline is entirely made of hydrocarbons because it is refined petroleum. There are no scent-causing substances, such as sulfur compounds.
Formulation
Both Bag Balm and Vaseline have unique formulations for the particular demands of the skin. Bag Balm comes in two versions. One is its classic formulation and the other is its fragrance-free version. On the other hand, Vaseline comes in different formulations. Those include original, aloe vera, cocoa butter, and others each one having excellent benefits.
Applicable Skin Type
Bag balm due to the presence of the lanolin softens the skin and becomes applicable for smoothening dry skin type. Some people may also be allergic to lanolin. So, a patch test is necessary before using the product.
On the other hand, the hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic property of Vaseline makes it applicable to most skin types. While some people may be allergic to petroleum jelly. So, a patch test is required before using Vaseline also.
Uses
Bag Balm was not primarily intended for human use. After milking, American farmers used it to soothe inflamed and painful cow udders. But soon after finding that it also works incredibly well on human skin, people began to apply it on their skin. It now primarily serves as a cream for winter skin care. It is also a suitable choice for healing minor burns and wounds because of its antiseptic properties. By providing enough hydration to the affected region, the product speeds up healing. You can use it on your chapped lips to hydrate and soften them in addition to your skin. Some people also use it for diaper rash and eczema.
On the other hand, Vaseline lacks the disinfecting property. It contains no antibacterial substance and as a result, it can’t do much to clean a wound. Other than disinfecting, it can perform all the functions similar to Bag Balm. Vaseline can be used to hydrate an open wound. It speeds up the healing process, while might not give effective results as quickly as Bag Balm. It is very popular for use to moisturize lips, recover chapped skin, and give protection from harsh weather. Vaseline as a makeup remover help dissolve and remove makeup. It is used to prevent diaper rash also.
Area of Application
Bag Balm can moisturize dry and chapped skin. It can be applied to rough areas of the skin, such as hands, feet, elbows, and lips, to alleviate dryness and promote healing. Bag Balm can help provide relief from minor cuts, scrapes, burns, and insect bites. It is also used to nurture cracked or calloused skin, such as heels and hands, to soften the skin and promote healing.
Vaseline can moisturize and protect dry skin with its general moisturizing properties. It can be applied all over the body since it has a very smooth consistency. It is often used to prevent chafing and irritation caused by friction between the skin and clothing or footwear. Vaseline can provide a protective barrier over minor cuts, scrapes, or burns to promote healing and prevent infection.
Price
The price of a 4 Oz Bag Balm is $8.79 while the price of 1.75 Oz Vaseline is $6.
The price of Bag Balm is more than that of Vaseline. But it can vary based on the container size and the retailer.
Safety concerns
Bag Balm is less likely to cause allergic reactions on the skin. On the other hand, Vaseline is considered to be hypoallergenic and completely safe, but there are safety concerns as a result of the use of Vaseline. It can cause allergic reactions because of the hypersensitivity of its prime ingredient mineral oil.
Bag Balm is not vegan and cruelty-free since it has lanolin in it and lanolin comes from sheep’s wool. The company says different things. They claim that they use processed lanolin through ethical and sustainable methods. Vaseline is also not considered vegan and cruelty-free since it has petroleum jelly in it and petroleum jelly is harmful to wildlife and the environment.
Popularity
Bag Balm has been available since 1899 in the United States. While its popularity couldn’t reach beyond the U.S.A. Within 2014, it became a family business located in Vermont. A group of investors took away the company in the same year and worked on its expansion. Even after the efforts, Bag Balm has not gained worldwide popularity in the international market.
Vaseline has worldwide popularity. The producer and marketer of Vaseline is Unilever. Vaseline has made a huge impact on the modern world. Because of its well-established reputation, it has turned out to be synonymous with petroleum jelly over the world. The global market value of Vaseline has increased too.
Bag Balm vs Vaseline: At A Glance
I think it would be helpful to look at the comparison between Bag Balm and Vaseline side by side so here is a table to look at the differences at a glance:
| Bag Balm | Vaseline | |
| Ingredients | Petrolatum, lanolin, 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate, paraffin wax. | Petroleum jelly. |
| Texture | Rich, thick, and creamy. | Thin, smooth, and slippery. |
| Scent | Strong medicinal scent. | No recognizable scents. |
| Formulation | Classic formulation and non-fragranced formulation. | Original, aloe vera, cocoa butter, and other formulations. |
| Applicable Skin Type | Dry skin type. | Most skin types. |
| Uses | Cream for winter skincare, heals minor burns and wounds, hydrates and softens chapped lips. | Hydrates an open wound, speeds the healing process, moisturizes lips, gives protection from harsh weather, and removes makeup. |
| Area of Application | Rough areas of the skin, such as hands, feet, elbows, and lips. | All over the body. |
| Price | $8.79 (4 Oz). | $6 (1.75 Oz). |
| Safety Concerns | Less likely to cause allergic reactions, not vegan and cruelty-free because of lanolin. | Hypoallergenic and completely safe in general, not vegan and cruelty-free because of petroleum jelly. |
| Popularity | Lacks worldwide popularity. | Worldwide popularity with a high global market value. |
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Bag Balm Vs Vaseline: Which One to Choose?
The choice between Bag Balm and Vaseline depends on your personal preference and specific skin needs.
While both Bag Balm and Vaseline are highly regarded for moisturizing and protecting the skin, Bag Balm contains additional ingredients like lanolin, making it particularly suitable for soothing and healing purposes. Vaseline, on the other hand, is a pure petroleum jelly product without added ingredients, making it more versatile for general skincare needs.
Vaseline is widely available, comparatively cheaper than Bag Balm, and has a smoother and lighter texture, making it easier to spread. While Bag Balm feels greasier on the skin compared to Vaseline. So, go for Vaseline if you prefer non-greasiness and light-textured products. Vaseline is a widely recognized brand of petroleum jelly that is being used for decades as a moisturizer and protectant. For using products which is more popular, go for Vaseline.
Bag Balm is known for its thick consistency and long-lasting moisturizing properties. It has a distinctive scent, Vaseline is scentless. If you admire strong scents, go for Bag Balm rather than Vaseline. Again, Bag Balm has less chance of causing allergic reactions on the skin compared to Vaseline. Considering this safety concern, you may go for Bag Balm.
FAQs
1. Do dermatologists recommend Bag Balm?
Dermatologists claim that Bag Balm is a miracle for lips. They advise using Bag Balm, which has antiseptic and occlusive substances like petrolatum and lanolin, for really chapped lips. It effectively closes lips overnight.
2. Is it OK to put Bag Balm on your face?
Yes, it is a good idea. Your lips, face, hands, cuticles, feet, elbows, or knees can all benefit from a small quantity of Bag Balm. It is applied to soften and moisturize extremely dry, chapped, or cracked skin.
3. What is Bag Balm best for?
It is best for dry skin. The tried and true formula of Bag Balm starts working immediately and continues to work for hours to moisturize and soothe chapped lips, cracked heels, tattoo care, chafing, blisters, sunburn, saddle sores, windburn, and other conditions.
4. When not to use Vaseline?
Vaseline should not be used by people with acne-prone, oily, or mixed skin. This is due to the possibility of pore-clogging and the resulting thicker and oilier skin.
5. Is it OK to sleep with Vaseline?
Yes. Without including additional substances that can irritate your skin, Vaseline locks in any moisture on your face. Before going to bed, it is OK to apply a thin layer of Vaseline to your face to help replenish its natural moisture and softness.
Final Thoughts
For intense moisturization, protection against harsh elements, or a remedy for various skin concerns, both Bag balm and Vaseline are necessary. There are differences in ingredients, texture, scent, formulation, applicable skin type, uses, area of application, price, safety concerns, popularity, etc. of the two products.
The presence of additional ingredients like lanolin makes Bag Balm suitable for soothing and healing purposes. Vaseline is a pure petroleum jelly product without added ingredients, making it more versatile for general skincare needs. Vaseline is widely available and popular, comparatively cheaper than Bag Balm, and has a smoother and lighter texture, making it easier to spread. While Bag Balm feels greasier on the skin compared to Vaseline. Bag Balm is known for its thick consistency and long-lasting moisturizing properties, and distinctive scent. It has less chance of causing allergic reactions on the skin.
Key Points
- Bag Balm is a brand name for topical ointment that originated in Vermont, United States, and Vaseline is a popular brand name for petroleum jelly, a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum.
- Bag Balm contains ingredients, such as petrolatum, lanolin, 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate, and Paraffin Wax. On the other hand, Vaseline primarily contains petroleum jelly which is mixed with mineral oils and waxes.
- It can be applied to rough areas of the skin, such as hands, feet, elbows, and lips, to alleviate dryness and promote healing. On the other hand, Vaseline can be applied all over the body.
- Bag Balm is used as a cream for winter skincare, heals minor burns and wounds, and hydrates and softens chapped lips. While Vaseline hydrates an open wound, speeds the healing process, moisturizes lips, gives protection from harsh weather, and removes makeup.
- Vaseline is widely available, comparatively cheaper than Bag Balm, and has a smoother and lighter texture, making it easier to spread. While Bag Balm feels greasier on the skin compared to Vaseline. So, go for Vaseline if you prefer non-greasiness and light-textured products.
- Bag Balm contains additional ingredients like lanolin, making it particularly suitable for soothing and healing purposes while Vaseline is a pure petroleum jelly product without added ingredients, making it more versatile for general skincare needs.
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