Vaseline (petroleum jelly) is a true beauty staple that is both affordable and incredibly versatile. As an occlusive agent, its primary power lies in creating a protective barrier on the skin, which seals in moisture and protects against external stressors.
Here are 9 genius ways to incorporate Vaseline into your routine for healthier, more beautiful skin:
1. Overnight Intensive Body Moisturizer
Vaseline is highly effective for treating severely dry, cracked skin.
- How to Use: After showering or bathing, apply your regular moisturizer or body cream while your skin is still damp. Then, apply a generous layer of Vaseline as the final step to extremely dry areas like your heels, elbows, and knees.
- Best Hack: Apply to your feet and cover with cotton socks overnight to wake up to dramatically softer heels.
2. Lip Balm & Exfoliator
It’s the ultimate treatment for chapped lips, creating a long-lasting barrier against wind and cold.
- How to Use: Apply a light coat for instant moisture lock. For a simple scrub, apply a thick layer, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently rub your lips with a clean toothbrush or finger to exfoliate dead skin.
3. Gentle Eye Makeup Remover
Vaseline is safe, non-irritating, and highly effective at dissolving stubborn, waterproof eye makeup.
- How to Use: Dab a small amount onto a cotton pad or swab. Gently press onto your closed eyelid for a few seconds, then wipe away mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow. Follow up with your normal cleanser to remove any oily residue.
4. Tame and Define Eyebrows & Lashes
For a polished, natural look, Vaseline acts as a clear grooming gel.
- How to Use: Use a clean spoolie brush (or cotton swab) to lightly brush Vaseline through your eyebrows to keep them neat, defined, and in place all day. Apply a tiny bit to the tips of your lashes for a glossy, defined look without mascara.
5. Create a Natural Cheek Highlighter
Skip the glittery powders for a dewy, “glass skin” look championed by professional makeup artists.
- How to Use: Dab a tiny amount onto the high points of your face—the tops of your cheekbones and the brow bones—after applying your foundation and powder. The subtle sheen catches the light for a natural, luminous glow.
6. Cuticle and Nail Health
Frequent hand washing and manicures can leave cuticles dry and brittle.
- How to Use: Massage a small amount into your nail beds and cuticles daily. It softens the cuticles, helps minimize hangnails, and can make your manicure look fresher.
7. “Slugging” for Hydration
A viral K-Beauty technique, “slugging” uses Vaseline to lock in active ingredients overnight.
- How to Use: Apply your hydrating serums, moisturizers, or anti-aging products first. As a final step before bed, apply a very thin layer of Vaseline over your face to create an occlusive seal that drives moisture deep into the skin. (Note: If you have oily or acne-prone skin, use this technique sparingly or on targeted dry areas only.)
8. Skin Barrier Against Dye and Polish
Protect your skin from messy beauty treatments.
- How to Use: Before applying at-home hair dye, run a layer of Vaseline along your hairline, ears, and neck to prevent staining. When painting your nails, apply a thin coat around your cuticles and the edges of your nail beds to catch stray polish.
9. Perfume Extender
Keep your favorite fragrance lasting longer throughout the day.
- How to Use: Pat a small amount of Vaseline onto your pulse points (wrists, neck, and behind the ears) before spritzing your perfume. The fragrance adheres to the petroleum jelly’s barrier, slowing its natural evaporation rate.
Dermatologist Note: Vaseline is non-comedogenic (it generally won’t clog pores). However, because it seals the skin so effectively, those with naturally very oily or severely acne-prone skin should use it minimally on the face. Always apply Vaseline after washing and moisturizing your skin to lock in existing hydration.
