Vaseline is the name of a popular brand of petroleum jelly. It's a mixture of minerals and waxes that are easily spreadable. Vaseline has been used for more than 140 years as a healing balm and ointment for wounds, burns, and chafed skin. Petroleum is the main ingredient of Vaseline.
Petroleum jelly is an occlusive moisturiser, meaning that it seals moisture into the skin. Use petroleum jelly on your hands and body, including your face to keep your skin hydrated and moisturised. Vaseline® forms a barrier that prevents water from leaving your skin and helps your skin retain its moisture.
Vaseline is less effective than petroleum jelly at preventing moisture loss from the skin when used as a moisturizer. Additionally, because it contains more water, it can help moisturize the skin and lessen dryness. It is the perfect option for those who suffer from dry skin problems like eczema or psoriasis.
“Petroleum should be avoided in people with oily, acne-prone skin, as it can worsen or cause the formation of clogged pores,” says Dr. Parcells. Adding more oil to the oil on your skin can compound acne. Instead, talk to your dermatologist about moisturizers designed for your skin type.
To save on skin care, dermatologists recommend using petroleum jelly to: Relieve dry skin, including your lips and eyelids. Dry skin can flake, itch, crack and even bleed. Since ointments are more effective and less irritating than lotions, consider applying petroleum jelly to dry skin, including your lips and eyelids.
As mentioned before, it can actually cause breakouts because it is greasy and could be trapping acne-causing agents on the skin. If a breakout occurs after trying Vaseline on the face, wash it off and stop using it for this reason.
Applying Vaseline® Jelly under eyes is a tried-and-tested way to lock in moisture, keeping skin in the eye area soft and elastic, and rejuvenating skin that looks dry and tired.
Is Petroleum Jelly Safe to be ingested? Another myth surrounding petroleum jelly is that it is toxic. In fact, Vaseline® Jelly meets FDA requirements for being safe for human consumption.
Vaseline locks in any moisture on your face without adding other ingredients that might irritate your skin. A layer of Vaseline applied before you sleep can help restore your face's natural level of moisture and softness.
Petroleum jelly based products like Vaseline can actually bring on a breakout, according to the American Academy of Dermatologists. So, definitely DO NOT reach for the Vaseline if your skin's prone to acne, or if you feel a breakout on its way.
“Dermatologists love petrolatum,” says board-certified dermatologist Whitney Tolpinrud. “It helps to repair the skin barrier, assists with wound healing, and prevents water evaporation.” As a self-appointed fact-checker of TikTok skincare hacks, I'm actually a big fan of moisturizing with petroleum jelly.
If the area is not cleaned properly prior to applying petroleum jelly, existing bacteria and fungal spores can easily proliferate and cause secondary infections. If you're treating a case of pastern dermatitis or habronemiasis, the last thing you want to do is trap bacteria next to an open wound.
Vaseline is known as petroleum jelly because it has the power to heal your skin and also to lock the moisture. It suits oily and dry skin. Vaseline is purely made from petroleum jelly which contains microcrystalline wax and minerals.
Shea Butter
Cetyl ester is responsible for Shea Butter's waxy texture that conditions the skin and locks in moisture, making it an excellent natural alternative to Petroleum Jelly. It can be used in the hair or on the skin, including areas such as the lips, elbows, hands, and knees.
By applying a hydrating cream to your under-eye area and then following it with Vaseline, you're adding moisture to the area and then locking it in, she said — essentially, it's a targeted slugging treatment.
The latest viral skincare trend is called "slugging," which involves coating your face in petrolatum, or Vaseline, to moisturize your skin overnight. Though the fad has become a talker recently (with over 80 million views on TikTok), it's not particularly new.
Keeping it on overnight will seal in the moisture and soften and smoothen your lips.
When properly refined, petrolatum is said to have no known health concerns. However, according some sources, petrolatum is often not fully refined in the US, which means it can be contaminated with toxic chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
A large amount of petroleum jelly which gets in the eyes or nose, or is used on the skin, the eyes, nose, or skin may cause irritation of these tissues. If petroleum jelly is aspirated (enters the breathing tube and lungs), symptoms may be more serious and may include: Cough. Difficulty breathing during activity.
Studies suggest that exposure to PAHs — including skin contact over extended periods of time — is associated with cancer. On this basis, the European Union classifies petrolatum a carcinogen ii and restricts its use in cosmetics. PAHs in petrolatum can also cause skin irritation and allergies.
Unfortunately, there's little to no evidence that any of the ingredients in Vaseline, which is a brand name for petroleum jelly, can grow thicker or fuller eyebrows. However, Vaseline is very moisturizing and may actually help eyebrows look fuller and thick, even if they're actually growing at the same rate.
The good news is that the National Eczema Association has affirmed that Vaseline® Jelly Original is suitable for eczema sufferers and people with sensitive skin conditions. You can use petroleum jelly on eczema-prone areas, to help combat the dry skin symptoms.
However, as it is oil-based and it's not the best environmental choice, this might be a reason why some vegans abstain from using the products. There are no animal products used to make Vaseline's petroleum jelly. Historically bone char was used in the manufacturing process, but that practice is now uncommon.