What is the Difference Between Lanolin and Vaseline

The main difference between lanolin and Vaseline is that lanoline contains lanolin-based products whereas Vaseline contains 100 percent petroleum jelly.

Lanolin and vaseline are two products important in skin moisturizing in a classic skincare routine. However, lanolin is a better option for skin care. Lanolin easily spreads lipids, resulting in hydration, while Vaseline contains petroleum jelly that forms a layer on the surface of the skin, resulting in hydration. In addition, lanoline is a wax secreted by the sebaceous glands of wool-bearing animals while the origin of Vaseline is white petrolatum. Lanolin is also important as a lubricant that reduces friction between surfaces.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Lanolin
   • Definition, Characteristics, Importance
2. What is Vaseline
   • Definition, Characteristics, Importance
3. Similarities Between Lanolin and Vaseline
   • Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Lanolin and Vaseline
   • Comparison with Key Differences

Key Terms

Lanolin, Moisturizer, Vaseline

What is Lanolin

Lanolin, also known as wool yolk, wool wax, or wool grease, is a wax the wool-bearing animals secrete by their sebaceous glands. Domestic sheep breeds that are raised specifically for their wool are the source of lanolin used in skincare. Usually, in sheep, lanolin protects the skin from the environment. Moreover, lanolin contains wool fat, lacking glycerol esters, and hence, it is not true fat.

Figure 1: Lanolin

Furthermore, lanolin has a high-fat content that the skin loves. It also plays an important role in the skin’s integumental hygiene. Lanolin is an emollient – easily spreading oils and lipids that results in hydration. In addition, emollient lipids resemble the natural lipids on the skin.

What is Vaseline

Vaseline is an American brand of petroleum jelly-based products of the transnational company, Unilever. It is also a lubricant: a moisturizing insulator for local skin conditions that result in dehydration. Usually, the ingredient of petroleum jelly in Vaseline is white petrolatum.

Figure 2: White Petrolatum

Moreover, in the purest form, petroleum jelly is supposedly safe. However, it may contain impurities. Also, concerning its uses, petroleum jelly is occlusive and forms a layer on the surface of the skin, and retards the evaporation of water. Thus, it moisturizes the skin.  

Similarities Between Lanolin and Vaseline

• Lanolin and Vaseline are two types of moisturizers with different properties.
• Both prevent the evaporation of water, rehydrating the skin.

Difference Between Lanolin and Vaseline

Definition

Lanolin refers to a fatty substance found naturally on sheep’s wool. It is extracted as a yellowish viscous mixture of esters and used as a base for ointments. Vaseline, on the other hand, is an American brand of petroleum jelly-based products of the transnational company, Unilever.  

Ingredients

In general, lanolin contains high fat while Vaseline contains petroleum jelly.

Mode of Action

Lanolin easily spreads lipids, which results in hydration, while Vaseline contains petroleum jelly that forms a layer on the surface of the skin, resulting in hydration.

Source

The source of lanolin is the secretion of the sebaceous gland in sheep while the source of petroleum jelly in Vaseline is white petrolatum.

Conclusion

In brief, lanolin and Vaseline are two types of moisturizing products with different ingredients and different properties. Lanolin contains high-fat secreted from the sebaceous glands of sheep. Meanwhile, the origin of petroleum jelly in Vaseline is white petrolatum. However, lanolin hydrates skin by easily spreading throughout the skin while Vaseline forms a layer on the skin surface, preventing dehydration. Therefore, the main difference between lanolin and Vaseline is their properties.

References:

1. Evashenk, L. (2022, July 29). The Dark Side of Lanolin. Axiology. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
2. Wikimedia Foundation. (2022, May 27). Vaseline. Wikipedia. Retrieved August 5, 2022.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Lanolinezalf – detail” By Harmid – Own Work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “White Petrolatum1” By Kiyok – Own Work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia