Vaseline® Jelly is a triple-filtered, guaranteeing it is truly free from impurities and safe to use. This means that is sometimes used to protect and repair the skin. Moms love it for preventing diaper rash, but it can also be used to protect minor cuts and burns, to soften skin, and to lock in moisture in dry or cracked skin.
While Vaseline can be used as a lubricant, it can also be used as a moisture insulator for local skin conditions characterized by tissue dehydration.
Vaseline has been reported to be highly refined, triple-purified and regarded as non-carcinogenic.
What is Vaseline made of?
Vaseline (also called petrolatum) is a mixture of mineral oils and waxes, which form a semisolid jelly-like substance. This product hasn’t changed much since Robert Augustus Chesebrough discovered it in 1859. Chesebrough noticed that oil workers would use gooey jelly to heal their wounds and burns. He eventually packaged this jelly like Vaseline.
Vaseline’s benefits come from its main ingredient petroleum, which helps seal your skin with a water-protective barrier. This helps your skin heal and retain moisture.
Benefits and uses for petroleum jelly
1. Heal minor skin scrapes and burns
A study that petroleum jelly is effective in keeping skin moist during post-surgery healing. This may be particularly good for regular, less dramatic skin injuries.
Make sure that the surface you apply petroleum jelly on is properly cleaned and disinfected. Otherwise, bacteria and other pathogens can get trapped inside and delay the healing process.
2. Moisturize your face, hands, and more
Face and body lotion: Apply petroleum jelly after a shower. As an occlusive moisturizer, it prevents your skin from drying out. You can also use it for dry noses during cold or allergy season.
Cracked heels: Soak your feet in warm water with some salt added to it. Towel-dry thoroughly and apply petroleum jelly and clean cotton socks.
Improve your gardening hands: After washing and drying, use some petroleum jelly and a clean pair of gloves to help lock in moisture and accelerate healing.
Chapped lips: Apply to chapped lips as you would any chapstick.
3. Help for pet paws
Your dog’s pad skin can crack and produce a great deal of discomfort. Clean their paws with cotton gauze, dry, and apply the jelly. Ideally, this should be done after a walk or when your pet is resting.
4. Prevent diaper rash
Petroleum jelly has been to reduce the incidence of diaper rash in babies. Clean and towel-dry your little one’s skin properly before applying. Petroleum jelly will form a protective barrier that will help protect the skin from constant exposure to moisture. Make an appointment with the doctor if there is a persistent rash.
5. Remove eye makeup
Oil is an effective way to remove makeup, and petroleum jelly is safe to use in the eye area, according to a study on eye ultrasounds. Use a cotton pad or Q-tip (for hard-to-reach areas), and press gently without tugging too ■■■■■■■ your skin. Make sure to close your eyes as you wipe. Some people also swear by using it on crow’s feet lines.
6. Save split ends
Sun and wind exposure, as well as pool water, can dry up your hair. Petroleum jelly can reduce the look of split ends and add shine to your hair. Rub a small amount of jelly between your palms and apply to hair ends.
7. Prevent skin stains from hair dye or nail polish
Apply petroleum jelly along your hairline to prevent hair dye from staining your skin. This also works if you like to paint your nails at home. A barrier of petroleum jelly is easy to wipe away when you’re done.
8. Preserve perfume scents
Using petroleum jelly as a base for your perfume can help it last longer.
9. Use as ■■■■ for stuck objects
If a ring is stuck on your finger, put some jelly on your finger, making sure you get some around and under the ring. This will help the ring slip off your finger.
For door hinges, apply a bit of jelly right on the hinge and swing the door a few times to spread evenly. Wipe off the excess.
Summary
The most common use of vaseline is moisturization of skin, however, there are other advantages of vaseline mentioned as well.
13 Life-Changing Beauty Hacks Using Vaseline
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Keep perfume from fading. Rub Vaseline on your wrists and behind your ears to make your perfume last longer.
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Soothe dry heels. Summer sandals plus the sun and sand can make the skin on your feet super dry and flakey. Spread Vaseline on your feet before you go to bed, and cover with fuzzy socks. You’ll wake up with soft skin that will look and feel like you got a pedicure.
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Remove eyelash glue. Rocking faux-lashes for a big event? It can be tricky to get them off without pulling out your natural lashes, too. Rub a bit of Vaseline on your lash-line and the falsies will come off much easier.
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Perfect your mani. Line your nails with Vaseline before you paint them. The jelly will keep polish from spreading outside your nail.
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Make your legs glow. Mix Vaseline with your fave liquid bronzer. Spread the formula on your legs for a shiny, glow-y look.
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Get thicker-looking lashes. You don’t even need mascara to get lush lashes. Apply a little Vaseline to your lash line for a shiny, voluminous look.
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Keep nail polish lids from drying shut. Spread Vaseline around the inside of the polish lid for super-easy opening next time you use it.
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Put pierced earrings in more easily. You know how when you haven’t worn earrings for a while, it can be hard to get them through the hole? Sometimes, it hurts! Rub Vaseline on your lobes, and you’ll have a much easier time.
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Hide split ends. If your hair looks totally fried, rub a little Vaseline through your ends. You can fake smooth ends until you get a haircut.
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DIY a lip stain. Mix a packet of Kool-Aid (like cherry!) with a tablespoon of Vaseline. When you apply it to your lips, the balm will give you a red lip that lasts.
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Protect your skin from hair dye. If you’re coloring your hair from a box, it’s easy to get dye on your forehead or around your ears. Vaseline blocks the color from seeping into your skin, so apply a little around your hairline first.
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Tame your brows. Keep unruly eyebrows in place by smoothing Vaseline over your arches. They won’t move all day long.
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Highlight your eyelids and cheeks. Using a bit of Vaseline is a super affordable way to get the dewy look when you don’t have highlighter handy. Dab it on your brow bones, lids, or the apples of your cheeks.
How to use Vaseline
There are several ways to use Vaseline on your hair, depending on the benefits you’re looking for. While there’s not much evidence that you’ll get noticeable results, there isn’t much risk in trying, either.
Make sure to do a patch test first if you’ve never used Vaseline before. This involves applying a small amount to an inconspicuous area of skin and watching the area for any signs of irritation or an allergic reaction for 24 hours.
For hair health
Even though there’s no research to support hair growth, you may want to try putting a tiny amount of Vaseline on your finger — aim for no bigger than the size of a pea. Gently massage it into your scalp. Do this process once per week.
You can also try applying a small amount onto the ends of your hair each day to potentially prevent breakage.
Some people swear by Vaseline hair masks for healthier looking locks. You can try applying Vaseline and leaving on overnight or for just a few hours.
Alternatively, you can try applying Vaseline over your favorite moisturizing hair mask. Vaseline’s protective properties may help to lock in moisture from the treatment.
If opting for an overnight mask, don’t forget to cover your head with something like a shower cap to avoid staining your sheets.
For eyebrows and lashes
For eyebrows, apply a very small amount — think smaller than a grain of rice — a couple of times a day. Vaseline can also be applied to eyelashes before bed. Use your finger or a cotton swab and go from the root outwards.
Although Vaseline claims its product is noncomedogenic, the AAD warns against putting it on your face if you’re prone to breakouts.
Be sure to keep petroleum jelly out of your eyes. If it does enter your eye, flush it out with warm water.
For dandruff or dry scalp
To combat flakiness, try massaging a small amount of Vaseline into your scalp before rinsing with shampoo.
How to remove Vaseline from your hair
There’s one very important thing to remember here: Vaseline is incredibly difficult to get out of hair, especially if you use too much of it.
When you do want to remove it from your hair, shampoo is your best bet. You may need to wash your hair with warm water several times to get rid of the greasy feeling. If your usual shampoo formula doesn’t seem to be having much effect, try adding a teaspoon of baking soda.
Dangers of petroleum jelly
While petroleum jelly has many benefits, it should be for external use only. Do not eat or insert petroleum jelly. According to Reuters, a study of 141 women found that 17 percent used petroleum jelly internally and 40 percent of them tested positive for bacterial vaginosis.
The brand and type of jelly you purchase may cause different reactions. These include:
Potential side effects
Allergies: Some people are more sensitive and can develop allergies if they use petroleum-derived products. Always keep an eye out for irritations and adverse reactions when using a new product.
Infections: Not allowing the skin to dry or cleaning the skin properly before applying petroleum jelly can cause fungal or bacterial infections. A contaminated jar can also spread bacteria if you insert jelly vaginally.
Aspiration risks : Check with your doctor before using petroleum jelly around the nose area, especially in children. Inhaling mineral oils may cause aspiration pneumonia.
Clogged pores: Some people may break out when using petroleum jelly. Make sure you clean the skin properly before you apply the jelly to reduce the risk of breakouts.
Comparison Table between Vaseline and Petroleum Jelly
| Parameter Of Comparison | Vaseline | Petroleum Jelly |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | It is a patented brand of medicinal petroleum jelly. | It is a mineral extracted from the ores. |
| Alternative Names | It itself is a brand name for a medicinal petroleum jelly product. | Petrolatum or soft paraffin. |
| Constituents | Hydrocarbons, mineral oils, and smoothening substances. | 1,1,2 – trimethylbenzeindole as the main constituent alongwith other hydrocarbons. |
| Utility | Used as a healer for dry skin, anti-rash lotion, and in hair-care. | Used as an anti-corrosive coating, leather conditioner, machine lubricant, and in explosive manufacturing. |
| Beginning Ingredient | Made from rod wax. | Made from paraffin wax. |
Summary:
The major difference between vaseline and petroleum jelly is that vaseline is the brand of petroleum jelly and it got so popular while petroleum jelly is a mineral extracted from ores.
Does petroleum jelly cause cancer?
We checked in with multiple dermatologists to hear their thoughts. Turns out, there’s no need to worry about it causing cancer.
“There are no clinical studies that demonstrate that the use of petrolatum promotes cancer,” says Dr. Marina Peredo, M.D., F.A.A.D. “Today’s formulas have been purified and tested and are cleaner and healthier than ever before.”
Scott Rackett, M.D. and Nourage Ambassador agree: “There is no scientific evidence that short-term or long-term use of Vaseline causes cancer or any other health risks.” And to put you at even more ease, Rackett says there have been no reported cancer cases on record.
At most, you should be wary if you bought petroleum jelly from a not-so-reputable brand, which may not follow reliable refining practices. The Environmental Working Group regularly reviews branded products like Vaseline (arguably the most popular petroleum jelly) to determine their dangerous effects.
Vaseline (which is purified three times) has a current overall hazard ranking of “low,” accompanied by a zero risk for cancer and a zero risk for developmental and reproductive toxicity.
What else can Vaseline be used for?
The time you should stop using petroleum jelly is if it causes a breakout. “Even though Vaseline is considered non-comedogenic, it’s best to avoid use on the face if you are at all acne-prone,” explains Rackett. Wnek agrees, saying, “The downside to petrolatum is that it can feel heavy, tacky, and greasy. So you may want to avoid using it on the face — especially if you have oily skin.”
How to Make Vaseline
Vaseline (petroleum jelly) is one of the most versatile beauty and skincare products you can have in your bathroom. Unfortunately, many people are uncomfortable using Vaseline because of the possibility of toxicity that comes with using a byproduct of petroleum.
If you’re nervous about using Vaseline, the good news is that you can whip up all-natural versions at home. Whether you want to keep it simple with just two ingredients, make a highly moisturizing version, or create a vegan option, you can easily make your own “Vaseline” so you never have to buy another tub again.
Preparing Simple Two-Ingredient “Vaseline”
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Combine the beeswax and olive oil. Add 1 ounce (28 g) of beeswax and ½ cup (118 ml) of olive oil to a small sauce pan. There’s no need to stir the ingredients because they won’t combine until the beeswax begins to melt.
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It’s usually easier to use beeswax pellets instead of a block. They’re easier to measure and usually melt more quickly.
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Be sure to choose yellow beeswax pellets rather than white pellets. White pellets have undergone a refining process so many of their natural properties have been stripped away.
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Melt the mixture on the stove. Place the saucepan on the stove and turn the heat to low. Allow the mixture to heat until the beeswax melts completely, which should take approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
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As the beeswax starts to melt, stir the mixture occasionally to ensure that the ingredients combine fully.
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Pour the mixture into a container and let it cool. Once the beeswax has melted and combined with the olive oil, remove the pan from the heat. Carefully pour it into a glass jar or container, and allow it to cool for a couple of hours. That will allow the mixture to solidify slightly so it has the same texture as Vaseline.
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Choose a container for the mixture that has a lid so dust, dirt, and other debris don’t wind up in your “Vaseline.”
Whipping Up Highly Moisturizing “Vaseline”
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Pour water into a pan and place a glass bowl in the pan. Fill a large saucepan approximately halfway with water. Next, place a glass bowl in the pan to create a double boiler.
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Add the coconut oil and wax and heat until they melt. When you’ve set up the double boiler, add ¼ cup (50 g) of coconut oil and 2 tablespoons (28 g) of beeswax to the bowl. Place the pan on the burner, and heat on medium-low until the ingredients melt completely, which should take approximately 5 minutes.
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The mixture will melt more quickly if you use beeswax pellets rather than a block of beeswax.
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Stir the mixture periodically as it’s melting to ensure that the coconut oil and beeswax combine completely.
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Take the pan off the heat and mix in the olive oil. Once the coconut oil and beeswax have melted, remove the pan from the heat. Stir the mixture again so it’s smooth. Next, stir in ⅛ cup (30 ml) of olive oil and whisk the ingredients until they are creamy but you can still pour them.
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If you want to give your “Vaseline” a pleasant scent, you can whisk in two to three drops of tea tree, peppermint, or another essential oil.
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Transfer the mixture to a container and allow it to cool. When you’ve finished whisking the “Vaseline” mixture, carefully pour it into a glass jar or container with a lid. Let the “Vaseline” cool for two to three hours so it has time to solidify before you start using it.
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The homemade “Vaseline” will stay fresh at room temperature for up to a year.
Creating Vegan “Vaseline”
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Mix equal parts of the cocoa butter wafer and sunflower oil. To create a healthy, vegan “Vaseline,” you’ll need equal parts organic cocoa butter wafers and organic cold-pressed sunflower oil. Adjust the amounts based on how large a batch of “Vaseline” you want, and add them to a small or medium saucepan.
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For a small batch of the “Vaseline,” use approximately 1 tablespoon each of the cocoa butter wafers and the sunflower oil.
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For a larger batch of the “Vaseline,” use approximately ½ cup each of the cocoa butter wafers and the sunflower oil.
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Heat the mixture over low heat until it melts. Place the saucepan with the cocoa butter wafers and sunflower oil on the stove, and turn the heat to low. Let the mixture warm until the cocoa butter wafers melt completely, which should take 5 to 10 minutes.
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Stir the mixture periodically as it’s melting to ensure that the ingredients blend completely.
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Pour the mixture into a container and allow to cool. Once the cocoa butter wafers have melted completely, remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully transfer the “Vaseline” mixture to a glass jar or bottle, and allow it to cool for two to three hours before using.
Frequently Asked Questions 
1- Is it good to put Vaseline on your face?
Vaseline is a moisturizing product that is safe for most people to put on their face. People can apply Vaseline to help with short-term skin concerns, such as temporary skin dryness or irritation. Vaseline is also suitable as a long-term moisturizer.
2- Why you should not use Vaseline?
Though generally regarded as safe, the components that are removed from the oil during the refining process of petroleum jelly are carcinogenic in some cases. According to Denno, Petroleum jelly can create the illusion of moisturized, hydrated skin, all the while suffocating your pores.
3- Can I put Vaseline anywhere?
Of healing products, it’s important to use it for external purposes only. Translation: Do not eat or insert it anywhere inside your body. (Using Vaseline as a lubricant can lead to bacterial infections.) Apart from that, always remember to clean your skin properly and allow it to dry before application.
4- Is Vaseline good for face at night?
Vaseline is an occlusive moisturizer that can be used effectively on dry skin and eyelashes. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, don’t use Vaseline or petroleum jelly on your face. Vaseline may be best used at night, when you’re not planning on applying makeup, such as mascara, to your eyelashes
5- What are the side effects of Vaseline (Topical)?
- skin redness or tenderness;
- itching; or.
- swelling.
6- Do you wash off Vaseline?
Oil can stain some materials. The amount of Vaseline to apply varies depending on an individual’s dryness level, skin sensitivity, and intended results. It’s best to wash off any remaining Vaseline in the morning then use your normal moisture, as the thickness of Vaseline can cause greasy skin throughout the day.
7- Is Vaseline good for dark circles?
Petroleum Jelly – Petroleum Jelly can lock the moisture under the skin, which is an excellent trait. It helps in reducing dark circles by nourishing the killed cells of the skin. Apply petroleum jelly over the dark circle and leave it overnight.
8- Does Vaseline help dark spots?
Vaseline is a popular brand name of petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly is mixture of easily spreadable minerals and waxes. So to answer if vaseline removes dark spots - No, regular Vaseline is just petroleum jelly and doesn’t contain any ingredient that would remove dark spots.
9- Why is Vaseline bad for your lips?
Drawbacks. Vaseline is known as an occlusive, which means it can hold in moisture. If you use Vaseline on your lips before they’re dry and chapped, you may be able to stave off dryness. On the other hand, humectants can actually pull moisture from the air into the skin and lips.
10- Is Vaseline cancerous?
Vaseline is one of the most popular commercial forms of petroleum jelly, and according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), it has a low risk of exposing users to carcinogens and other dangerous ingredients.
Conclusion:
Petroleum jelly has been a staple in the medical and beauty industry for a long time due to its emollient properties, ability to help with skin healing, and also due to its safety record. Be sure to choose triple-distilled, purified products (the well-known old-timer Vaseline is one of them) in order to avoid putting any toxic contaminants on your skin, some of which are potentially carcinogenic.
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