Petroleum jelly, also known as petrolatum, has been a staple in medicine cabinets for over 140 years. The most well-known brand of petroleum jelly is Vaseline, which comes in different versions like the original and the blue seal.
But what exactly is the difference between Vaseline Blue Seal and regular Vaseline? Should you choose one over the other?
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Vaseline Blue Seal | Original Vaseline |
| Ingredients | 100% pure petroleum jelly | 100% pure petroleum jelly |
| Texture | Thick, velvety smooth | Sticky, gooey |
| Color | Virtually colorless | Pale yellow |
| Scent | No scent | Light petroleum scent |
| Packaging | Glass jar | Plastic tub |
| Price | ~$6 for 6.5oz | ~$4 for 6.5oz |
| Purification | Quadrupled purified | Triple purified |
| Purpose | Premium, luxurious version | Affordable basic moisturizer |
Overview Of Vaseline Blue Seal
Vaseline Blue Seal is marketed as 100% pure petroleum jelly, just like original Vaseline. The name comes from the blue seal stamped on the lid of the Blue Seal jars. Vaseline claims this blue seal certifies the contents as pure and triple-purified.
Blue Seal Vaseline comes in a glass jar rather than the standard plastic tub of regular Vaseline. It has a thicker, more premium texture as well. The manufacturing process is slightly different too. While original Vaseline undergoes triple-purification, Blue Seal Vaseline gets purified a fourth time.
This extra round of purification removes more color and odor from the petroleum jelly, leaving behind a product that is virtually transparent and has no scent. The texture is described as velvety smooth. Overall, the Blue Seal version aims to be more refined with a higher quality feel.
Overview Of Original Vaseline
Original Vaseline is the classic petroleum jelly that most people recognize. It has a thicker, stickier consistency compared to Blue Seal. The color is also slightly more yellow. Original Vaseline gets triple-purified to become a semi-transparent, lightly scented jelly.
While not considered as high-end as the Blue Seal version, original Vaseline is still 100% pure petroleum jelly. It moisturizes just as effectively and has the same therapeutic benefits. The original plastic tub packaging also makes it more affordable and portable than the glass jar of Blue Seal.
Comparing Key Features
Here is a detailed comparison of the key features between Vaseline Blue Seal and original Vaseline:
Ingredients: The main ingredient in both products is 100% pure petroleum jelly. There are no added fragrances, parabens, phthalates or other ingredients. The only potential difference would be a higher level of impurities removed from Blue Seal during the extra round of purification.
Texture: Vaseline Blue Seal has a thicker, more velvety texture described as “ultra-refined”. Original Vaseline is slightly stickier with a thicker, gooier consistency.
Color: Blue Seal Vaseline is virtually colorless and transparent after the four purifications. Original Vaseline has a pale yellow, semi-transparent appearance.
Scent: Blue Seal is odorless while original Vaseline has a light petroleum scent.
Packaging: Blue Seal comes in a reusable glass jar with a blue seal stamped on the lid. Original is packaged in a plastic tub. The glass jar has a more premium, high-quality aesthetic.
Price: A 6.5 oz tub of original Vaseline costs around $4 while a 6.5 oz jar of Blue Seal runs about $6. The glass jar and extra purification process make Blue Seal the more expensive choice.
Purpose: Both products serve the same medical and therapeutic purposes. They moisturize dry skin, treat wounds and burns, protect skin from harsh environmental conditions, and more. The only difference is Blue Seal offers a more refined, luxurious experience.
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Pros And Cons Of Vaseline Blue Seal
Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of choosing Vaseline Blue Seal over original Vaseline:
Pros
- Ultra-refined texture is velvety smooth
- Virtually colorless and odorless
- Comes in reusable glass jar with premium feel
- Jar has iconic blue seal of approval
- Goes through an extra round of purification
Cons
- More expensive than original Vaseline
- Glass jar less convenient for travel
- No added benefits aside from luxurious experience
Pros And Cons Of Original Vaseline
Here are the pros and cons of sticking with good old regular Vaseline:
Pros
- More affordable price point
- Convenient plastic tub for travel
- Provides all the same therapeutic benefits
- Triple-purified formula still highly effective
Cons
- Texture not as velvety or luxurious
- Slight yellow tint and petroleum scent
- Less premium packaging than Blue Seal
Is Vaseline Blue Seal Real Vaseline?
Yes, Vaseline Blue Seal is 100% real Vaseline. It meets the same purity standards as original Vaseline and contains pure petroleum jelly with no additional ingredients. The blue seal stamped on the lid certifies the contents as authentic Vaseline.
The “blue seal” title refers to the extra round of purification and the branding, not a different chemical formula. Both products are equally real Vaseline. The blue seal version simply offers a more refined texture, look and feel. But the medicinal value is the same across both petroleum jellies.
What’s The Purpose Of Vaseline Blue Seal?
The purpose of Vaseline Blue Seal is to provide a more premium, luxurious version of petroleum jelly. Although the therapeutic benefits are the same as original, the Blue Seal branding offers customers a more high-end experience:
- The glass jar looks classier than a plastic tub
- The purity seal makes it seem of higher quality
- The ultra-refined texture feels smoother on application
- Lack of scent and color provides a clean, elegant product
Overall, Blue Seal Vaseline allows customers to enjoy the skin-healing benefits of petroleum jelly with an added touch of luxury. Think of it like purchasing the brand name over a generic product. You end up paying more for a prettier package and presentation.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main differences are the texture, scent, color and packaging. Blue Seal has a thicker, ultra-refined texture while regular Vaseline is stickier. Blue Seal has no scent or color while original Vaseline has a mild scent and yellow tint. Blue Seal comes in a glass jar with a blue seal of purity while regular comes in a plastic tub.
Yes, Blue Seal Vaseline is 100% authentic petroleum jelly, just like the original formula. It simply undergoes an extra round of purification to refine the texture and remove more color and odor.
There is no actual difference between “Vaseline” and “original Vaseline” – they are the same product. Vaseline is just the brand name for petroleum jelly. The original refers to the classic formula customers recognize as Vaseline, compared to specialty versions like Blue Seal.
The purpose is to offer a more luxurious version of Vaseline in premium packaging, with a smoother, more refined texture. The blue seal and glass jar present a high-end product, without changing the moisturizing properties of the petroleum jelly.
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The Verdict
At the end of the day, Vaseline Blue Seal and original Vaseline both provide 100% pure petroleum jelly. The decision comes down to your budget and preferences:
- If you want the smoothest, most elegant texture, Blue Seal is the way to go.
- If you prioritize affordability and convenience, original Vaseline in the plastic tub makes more sense.
- Buy Blue Seal if you appreciate premium cosmetics with elegant packaging.
- Stick to the original if you just need a basic moisturizer or wound salve for home use.
Whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong with pure Vaseline petroleum jelly. Let your personal needs and taste guide you towards the Blue Seal or original formula. Both deliver healthy, hydrated skin with regular use.