The petroleum jelly brand patented by Robert Chesebrough in 1872 was Vaseline. Chesebrough developed the product after studying a waxy petroleum residue called rod wax, which oil workers removed from drilling equipment and sometimes applied to cuts and burns.
He refined the material into petroleum jelly and marketed it under the name Vaseline. U.S. Patent 127,568, issued in 1872, described his petroleum product and included the name. The brand began as a medicinal and protective product before becoming a familiar household skincare staple.
Vaseline is a brand name, while petroleum jelly is the generic substance. In some countries and languages, “vaseline” is also used informally as a generic term, which can make the distinction less obvious. Modern Vaseline products include plain petroleum jelly as well as lotions, creams, soaps, and deodorants.
The brand’s corporate ownership changed over time: the Chesebrough Manufacturing Company later merged with Pond’s, and Unilever acquired the combined business in 1987. Pond’s is therefore historically connected to the brand’s corporate story, but it is not the answer to this question.