Why You Should Incorporate Vaseline Into Your Beauty Routine
If there is one beauty product that everyone should have, it's hands down Vaseline, and dermatologists agree. "Vaseline is the holy grail in skincare for dermatologists," board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist Onyeka Obioha, M.D., tells Byrdie. Chemist and founder of Perfect Image, David Petrillo adds that "petroleum jelly allergies are very rare, making it safe for even the most sensitive skin types."
Vaseline is a famous name brand of petroleum jelly, which is made of waxes and mineral oils. Petroleum jelly was first made in 1859 by chemist Robert Chesebrough who soon after began selling it under the name Vaseline. Since then, Vaseline hasn't changed much — but the things we use Vaseline for have. While we all know that Vaseline can help with wound healing, it can also be a staple in different parts of your beauty routine as it is incredibly versatile. Vaseline can be used as a skincare, makeup, or even hair product!
Vaseline can be used for removing makeup
Having a tub of Vaseline at home can come in handy when you run out of makeup remover. Taking a bit of Vaseline and rubbing it on your face will efficiently dissolve any makeup — as it acts similar to makeup-removing oil. "It's light and lubricated, so the makeup slides right off without harming the skin," dermatologist Mona Gohara explains to Allure. Per Healthline, Vaseline is safe to use around your eyes and is great for removing waterproof products.
To help it even more, warm up a bit of Vaseline between your hands before you rub it on your eyes, brows, and the rest of your face. Afterward, use a clean cloth to wipe it off, and any residue should be easily removed with your face wash. Do not skip washing your face, as Vaseline cannot be removed with just water, and you don't want any of the Vaseline+makeup combo to stay on your face overnight.
Vaseline is also a great face/eye primer
Primer is yet another product Vaseline can be used instead of. Because of its sticky nature, Vaseline will hold onto any liquid or powder products. Since it is occlusive, Vaseline works well as a primer for your face as it won't let your foundation sink into your pores (via Makeup Muddle).
As far as eyeshadow goes, Vaseline is a fantastic eye primer since it will make the color pop more. Per Yahoo, metallic and shimmery eyeshadow, in particular, will look richer and more pigmented. However, keep in mind that if you have oily skin, Vaseline might not work well as a primer for you (via Well Kept Beauty). Since it is made up of mineral oils and waxes, it can feel too heavy and look too shiny. On the other hand, if you have dry, normal, or combination skin, this trick will definitely work!
Vaseline is the go-to product for skin slugging
Skin slugging is a skincare trend that became popularized thanks to social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram — and nowadays, it's a part of the nighttime skincare routine for many. "Skin slugging is simply the application of an occlusive to act as a barrier to seal moisture into the skin. Dermatologists have been recommending for years as the last step in your skincare routine to treat dry skin, as we know that skin slugging helps prevent water loss," board-certified dermatologist Jessie Cheung, M.D., tells Healthline. All you have to do is apply a thin layer of an occlusive to lock in all the other products you used.
For slugging, Vaseline is the most popular option as it won't allow any water to leave your skin and will help your skincare products penetrate deeper. "Petrolatum prevents most water loss while allowing your skin to repair its barrier, leaving it better off once the petrolatum is removed." New York-based dermatologist Dr. Angelo Landriscina tells Byrdie.
Vaseline is amazing for your nails and hands
Anyone who struggles with dry hands and painful cuticles should get some Vaseline. "People think they need fancy products or serums or tools for their nails, but most of the time, simple is better, and you don't need to spend a lot of money to get good results," manicurist Vivian Nguyen tells Well + Good. "Vaseline works so well for so many things. I use it literally all the time. It helps your cuticles, keeps your hands and nails hydrated, and works better than callus removal if you put it on your feet and wear socks overnight."
Besides the fact that it works lovely on its own, you can also use the slugging method on your hands overnight. All you need to do is apply a moisturizing hand cream and then lock it in with a thin layer of Vaseline. For the best outcome, get a pair of thin cotton gloves to ensure you don't wipe your hands on your sheets.
Vaseline is a natural-looking highlighter
Anyone who has used Vaseline on their face knows just how dewy it makes the skin look. Because of this, it's an excellent substitute for highlighter, and applying it to the high points of your cheeks is a trick makeup artists use in Hollywood. "When I want to create that inner glow — I call it the expensive glow — I use lip balm or Vaseline, and I pat it right along the cheekbones, which gives you the most alluring, gorgeous glow. It's a cheap trick that creates expensive skin!" Kim Kardashian's makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic, tells Page Six.
Apart from your cheeks, you can also use Vaseline to give your eyes that wet glossy look. Just dab some on your eyelids and blend it with your fingers towards your eyebrows. The best part of using Vaseline as makeup is that it is actually protecting your skin while looking stunning on it. However, keep in mind that because Vaseline also removes makeup, it can move your foundation/powder products — so only dab it lightly wherever you want some glow!
Vaseline can be used as an eyebrow gel
While we're on the topic of makeup, in a pinch, Vaseline can replace a brow gel as it coats your brows nicely and keeps them in position. "Applying Vaseline can give the appearance of fuller brows because it can coat each strand, making them seem thicker. It can also work as a brow gel, helping them stay in place," PhD-level biomedical scientist, trichologist, and founder of Alodia Hair Care, Isfahan Chambers-Harris, tells Byrdie.
To use it, apply a tiny bit to your eyebrow with your finger and then use a clean spoolie to brush your brows into position. Again, keep in mind that Vaseline removes makeup, so make sure you brush your brows with it before you add your foundation/powder or other brow products. We do have to mention that eyebrow products are made to last on you for a long time, while Vaseline can heat up from your body temperature and smudge easily. Because of this, we wouldn't recommend that you completely swap out your brow gel for it — but if needed, it can definitely get the job done.
If you've heard that Vaseline can help with brow growth, we can confirm that there is some truth to that. While you won't get new hairs — the ones you already have will be moisturized and stronger, hence they won't fall out as quickly.
Vaseline can prevent you from getting hair dye stains around your hairline
Those brave enough to dye their hair at home will be glad to hear that Vaseline can prevent skin stains from hair dye. "We always apply a barrier cream—a cream that protects the skin's outside layer—to the hairline before applying color as an added layer of protection. Vaseline or any sort of hair oil will do the trick," advises celebrity stylist Mark DeBolt via Ipsy.
Apart from putting it around your hairline, remember to put some on your ears and neck, as those also tend to get dye stains as well. Of course, be mindful of where exactly you put Vaseline, as it can also coat your hair and prevent it from getting properly dyed. Once you're done dying your hair, take a cotton pad and remove the Vaseline with any dye that may have gotten on it!
Vaseline will make your perfume last longer
If you wear perfume on a daily basis, you absolutely need to use it in combination with Vaseline. "Dry skin will not hold on to your fragrance as long as moisturized skin will, so moisturize, moisturize, moisturize," fragrance expert and founder of Formulary 55, Cordelia Smith, tells Real Simple. "Fragrances will 'stick' to moisturized skin longer, and you will smell the scent throughout the day."
All you need to do is rub a small amount of Vaseline into all areas where you apply perfume and then spritz some of the perfume on top of it. This will make the fragrance last much longer, which means you won't have to reapply it — and in the long run, this will definitely save you some money. And in case you're wondering where you should apply your perfume, Shay and Blue recommends applying Vaseline to your pulse points, and then spritzing or dabbing on your fragrance.
Vaseline can help with cracked heels
If you suffer from dry or cracked heels, Vaseline can not only alleviate some of that pain but also prevent the cracking from happening. According to the founder of Washington Square Dermatology in New York City, Samer Jaber, M.D., "cracked heels occur when you have a disruption of your skin barrier" (via NBC News). As we previously mentioned, Vaseline can help immensely with healing your skin's barrier as it prevents your skin from losing moisture.
Jaber suggests using Vaseline, especially in the colder months, as that's when our skin is most susceptible to drying out. "Indoors and outdoors, there is less humidity in the air, and a lack of humidity causes the skin to become drier. Drier skin means more cracking and peeling," Jaber reveals. The dermatologist suggests putting a thick layer of Vaseline on your feet before bed and then putting a pair of socks on overnight.
Vaseline can be an overnight treatment for dry under eyes
If you tend to have dry under eyes, Vaseline is your best friend. "It's so obvious, but you need to use a really rich formula. Vaseline works well. Apply it at night right after you wash your face, when your skin is still damp so that the ingredients really absorb," dermatologist and consulting expert behind SkinBetter, Michele Green, tells Allure.
If you want to take it a step further, apply a moisturizing under eye serum and then lock it in with a thin layer of Vaseline. Yes, you're essentially slugging on your eye area. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Papri Sakar suggests that Vaseline is best for "people whose skin around their eyes is really dry, and is also very reactive, or sensitive, where other eye creams may cause an inflammation or anything like that" (via Today). However, those who develop milia (small white bumps) under their eyes should skip this tip as it can worsen the condition.
Vaseline helps with frizziness and split ends
Using Vaseline on your hair for frizziness might seem scary, but it shouldn't be — just keep in mind that a little goes a long way. Per Healthline, it reduces frizz, so if you tend to have hair that's on the dryer side, rubbing a tiny bit of Vaseline on your hands and then running them through your hair will definitely tame it.
Apart from frizziness, Vaseline can also be used to keep your hair healthy, as it can prevent split ends (via NDTV). Apply some vaseline to your ends regularly and you will notice a difference in hair softness. And yes — you can also use Vaseline on your scalp. Take a tiny bit of it, warm it up between your hands, and gently massage it into your scalp. Keep in mind that this will make your roots appear greasy, so it's best to do it a couple of hours before you wash your hair.
Vaseline can help you maintain your tan (and avoid a streaky self-tan)
If you like to use self-tanner, you should definitely get some Vaseline as it can help you maintain the tan on your hands — the first body area that starts to fade. "Protect the tan on your hands by mixing Vaseline with your hand cream to add a layer of defense against water," celebrity tanner James Harknett tells Cosmopolitan.
Apart from protecting your hands, you can also use Vaseline to prevent streakiness and dark spots — especially in areas like your knees or elbows. "It's crucial to moisturize dry areas only (like your ankles, feet, knees, elbows, wrists, palms, etc.) to prevent them from soaking in too much color," Moe Kittaneh, the founder of Svelta Beauty, tells Byrdie. "The rest of your skin should be dry and free of oils or lotions to maximize the effectiveness of the self-tanner." Apply a tiny bit of Vaseline to any dry areas before you begin self-tanning for a more even result. And if you're putting self-tanner on your face, Her recommends using a bit of Vaseline on your eyebrows and hairline as those tend to pick up more self-tanner than necessary, which is the shin there often turns out darker.
Vaseline can help with acne
If you suffer from acne, you've probably heard that slugging isn't for you and that Vaseline will clog your pores and worsen your acne. However, if used properly, Vaseline can help your acne heal. "Applying Vaseline Petroleum Jelly to a deep, painful cyst may actually help maintain healthy skin barrier function, as the skin is inflamed," the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital, Joshua Zeichner, M.D., tells Allure. "Think of an angry pimple like a wound that needs to heal."
So yes — you can use the slugging method for acne, just make sure to use hydrating creams or serums under Vaseline. "If you have acne, you want your skin to be well-lubricated at all times to help your skin barrier repair itself," Yale dermatologist Mona Gohara tells Business Insider. "Otherwise, you're just going to create more acne and breakouts." And once your skin calms down a bit, you can use exfoliating acids like salicylic or azelaic acid products on acne-prone areas and then lock them in overnight with a thin layer of Vaseline.
Vaseline will keep your eyelashes soft and curled
Another way to incorporate Vaseline into your beauty routine is by applying it to your eyelashes. The reasoning is similar to what we already mentioned when we talked about eyebrows — Vaseline will protect your lashes and keep them moisturized, resulting in healthier (and therefore longer) lashes.
Apart from healthier lashes, Vaseline can also help you curl them with an eyelash curler, a method that became famous thanks to TikTok. All you have to do is apply some Vaseline to your eyelash curler and then curl them. Dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, M.D. explains to BuzzFeed that Vaseline will create a film around the lashes that helps condition them and prevents breakage. "The lashes may also temporarily appear fuller and longer after use. In addition, Vaseline is non-comedogenic, which means that it will not clog or block pores. It can therefore be safely used sparingly on the eyelids, eyelashes, and elsewhere on the face and body," Green adds.