Short answer

• For healing and protecting minor cuts, scrapes, burns and very dry/damaged skin: petroleum jelly (Vaseline — USP petrolatum) is generally the more effective choice because it is a highly occlusive, inert barrier that reduces water loss and promotes wound re‑epithelialization. (mdedge.com)

Why (evidence and mechanics)

• Petrolatum is an occlusive that seals the skin, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by a very large amount; that trapped moisture speeds repair of the stratum corneum and helps wounds heal. Dermatology reviews and clinical trials often use petrolatum as the positive control for post‑procedure and wound care. (mdedge.com)
• Clinical comparisons show petrolatum performs well (often as well as or better than many creams) for restoring barrier function and reducing inflammation after procedures; it’s inexpensive and widely recommended in wound‑care guidance. (mdpi.com)

How NIVEA fits in

• NIVEA Creme is a water‑in‑oil cream that contains petrolatum plus mineral oil, glycerin, waxes, lanolin alcohol and fragrance (so it does offer occlusion plus humectants/emollients). Because it’s a formulated cream it’s more cosmetically pleasant for everyday moisturizing and contains ingredients that hydrate and condition the skin. (niveausa.com)
• However, because it’s not pure petrolatum it is usually less occlusive than Vaseline, and added ingredients (fragrance, lanolin) can irritate or sensitize some people — so it’s not always ideal for open wounds or very sensitive damaged skin. (EWG.org)

Practical recommendations

• For minor cuts, abrasions, burns, post‑procedure healing and severely chapped or cracked skin: use a clean layer of USP petroleum jelly (Vaseline). It’s inert, extremely occlusive, inexpensive and well‑supported as a topical barrier for healing. (mdedge.com)
• For everyday moisturizing, body/face care, or when you prefer a cream texture: NIVEA (or similar creams) is fine — it adds humectants and emollients for comfort and appearance, but may not be as effective as pure petrolatum at sealing in moisture on actively healing skin. (niveausa.com)
• Avoid using greasy occlusives on infected wounds; if a cut is deep, gaping, shows spreading redness, pus, increasing pain, fever, or other signs of infection — see a clinician.
• If you have acne‑prone skin, lanolin allergy, fragrance sensitivity, or previously reacted to creams, petrolatum (which is non‑reactive for most people) is often safer. (EWG.org)

Bottom line

• For maximizing healing and barrier repair: Vaseline (pure petrolatum) is generally the better choice. For daily moisturizing and cosmetic feel, NIVEA is a good cream but normally less effective than pure petrolatum at sealing and protecting actively healing skin.

If you want, I can summarize which product to use for a specific problem (chapped lips, surgical site aftercare, diaper rash, acne‑prone face, etc.) and give a one‑line recommendation for each.