
When it comes to skincare, we all have our go-to products that we swear by. For those looking for nourishing and healing options, two popular choices are Aquaphor and Bag Balm. While both of these products claim to provide relief for dry skin, cuts, and other irritations, which one is truly worth adding to your skincare routine? In this article, we’ll be comparing Aquaphor vs Bag Balm in terms of their ingredients, benefits, and effectiveness so you can make an informed decision on which one is best suited for your needs. Let’s dive in!
Aquaphor vs Bag Balm | Top Picks 15
About | Aquaphor vs Bag Balm
The battle of the balms is on! If you’re someone who frequently suffers from dry, cracked skin or chapped lips, chances are you’ve probably heard of both Aquaphor and Bag Balm. But which one truly reigns supreme? It’s time to settle the debate once and for all with our ultimate comparison of these two powerhouse products. Get ready to discover everything you need to know about Aquaphor vs Bag Balm – from their ingredients and applications to their effectiveness and overall value for money.

If you are wondering which ointment is better between Aquaphor and Bag Balm, dermatologists recommend Aquaphor. Bag Balm contains 84% petrolatum, whereas Aquaphor contains 41% petrolatum. Aquaphor is capable of healing skin barriers and moisturizing the skin. The bag balm does the same. However, it can clog pores because of its thick texture. Read on to find out more about the ingredients of both ointments, their versatility, and more.
Detailed Difference Between Aquaphor And Bag Balm
There are some differences between Aquaphor and Bag Balm. Let’s dive into the details.
Ingredients
Aquaphor has more ingredients than Bag Balm. Aquaphor contains 8 ingredients: Petrolatum (41%), Panthenol, Glycerin, Mineral Oil, Ceresin, Lanolin Alcohol, and Bisabolol. Bag Balm only contains 4 ingredients. Aquaphor thus has more diverse range of ingredients than Bag Balm.
Bag Balm contains 8-Hydroxyquinoline Sulphate, Petrolatum(84%), Lanolin & Paraffin Wax. Cerasin and Paraffin wax have the same work, it binds the two ointments’ ingredients together. Lanolin combats cracked dry skin and moisturises the skin. 8-Hydroxyquinoline Sulphate provides antiseptic properties to Bag Balm. Which is something Aquaphor doesn’t have.
Aquaphor has Bisabolol and Panthenol, which gives it soothing properties. Bag Balm doesn’t have a soothing effect. Comparing the ingredients, both Aquaphor and Bag balm have unique strengths along with common ones. In short, none is better than the other.
Benefits
When it comes to skin care, there are a lot of options out there. But two of the most popular choices are Aquaphor and Bag Balm. So, which one is better?
Aquaphor is a petroleum-based ointment that has been around for years. It’s often used to treat dry, cracked skin, eczema, and diaper rash. Aquaphor is inexpensive and widely available.

Bag Balm is also a petroleum-based ointment, but it’s specifically designed for chapped cow’s udders. Yes, really! However, people have discovered that Bag Balm is also great for treating dry skin, chapped lips, and minor cuts and scrapes. Bag Balm is more expensive than Aquaphor and can be harder to find.
So, what’s the verdict? Both Aquaphor and Bag Balm are effective at treating dry skin. However, some people prefer Aquaphor because it’s less expensive and easier to find. Others prefer Bag Balm because it works slightly better and doesn’t have that “medicinal” smell that Aquaphor does.
Side Effects
Both Aquaphor and Bag Balm have a few side effects that users should be aware of. Aquaphor can cause skin irritation, redness, and peeling, while Bag Balm may cause dryness, cracking, and itching. While these side effects are not severe, they can be uncomfortable and may require users to discontinue use of either product.
Healing
A ruptured skin from acne, pimples, sunburns, or minor cuts can be repaired with aquaphor. Generally, bag balm on the hand can help you heal – dry and cracked skin Diaper Rash Minor burns Minor wounds Protects skin from harsh winter colds Aquaphor has none of its ingredients which can effectively heal skin. However, it accelerates the healing process when applied to injured skin. It will act as an additional barrier while your skin heals.

Bag Balm has 8-Hydroxyquinoline Sulfate, which has antiseptic properties to protect your skin from bacteria and infection. The thick texture also seals the skin from harmful properties of the environment.
Bag Balm is better than Aquaphor because it heals skin damage faster, it is cheaper, and it has a longer shelf life. It is also very effective against psoriasis and eczema.
Water Content
Aquaphor has a little water content in its formula, which makes the texture more smooth and thinner. It also has a soothing effect. Bag Balm on the other hand has no water content, and it acts exceptionally well in a harsh cold environment to protect your skin.
Slugging
Slugging is a new trend for retaining the moisture of the skin. It involves lathering your face with a petrolatum-based jelly to lock in all the moisture. Aquaphor is better than bag balm for slugging because it is lighter as a texture and doesn’t have any kind of smell. Bag balm is too thick for slugging and can clog your pores.
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FAQs | Aquaphor vs Bag Balm
Is Bag Balm A Good Moisturiser?
Bag Balm is a great moisturizer for people who live in cold climates. It has a thick texture and high petrolatum content, which protects skin from drying out. Aquaphor is also a good moisturizer for all types of skin, but it is especially good for acne-prone skin because it doesn’t clog pores.
Conclusion | Aquaphor vs Bag Balm
Between Aquaphor and bag balm, dermatologists recommend Aquaphor more. Aquaphor was actually made for human skin, while bag balm was originally made for cow udders. Aquaphor contains more ingredients that are beneficial for human skin, while bag balm has simpler ingredients.
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