Vel - really?? Are you sure it isn't "Vel Rosita" for woolens? I am surprised that Vel dishwashing liquid is still available at all - thought it went away years ago. As I recall during the early 80's Consumer Reports rated it fairly well along with the other Colgate dishwashing liquids - Palmolive, Ajax and Dermassage.
I loved the color and the scent. If that is the real thing, would love to get my hands on some of it.
Currently using the now discontinued Palmolive for sensitive skin - mostly because the scent is quite mild. Stocked up at my local Family Dollar store. Like with today's laundry detergents, so many of the liquids are so overpoweringly perfumed, I can't use them. I do love the way Dawn works, but I never liked the original scent and the green one (can't remember the name of the scent) from back when there were only two scents has been unavailable for years. I also liked Ajax liquid, but the original lemon formula no longer smells the same and I am not fond of their others - lime, pink grapefruit. orange and the short lived lavender version. There was an Ajax formula with baking soda that smelled OK (blue liquid) but again that wasn't around long.
In a pinch I will use Ivory liquid - but the truth is I am not looking for aromatherapy when I am using dishwashing liquid.
I would prefer some Rose Lotion Vel, New Peach Thrill, Gentle Fels or Lux liquid- sigh...