It’s one of the age-old skin care queries: is Vaseline good for skin?! And if it is, how the hell do you actually apply it right? Well, we found out, thanks to a trusty chat with Cosmetic Doctor Dr. Yalda Jamali from Epios Cosmetic Clinic. Here’s what an expert had to say on the subject – apply accordingly…
Is Vaseline good for skin?
“Yes and it has many benefits“, Dr. Jamali tells us. “[It can help to address varied skin types and concerns ranging from] dry and dehydrated skin, sensitive and eczema-prone skin, chapped lips, cracked heels, small cuts and minor burns.”
“Vaseline is petroleum jelly and it is an occlusive. Occlusives protect the skin barrier as they seal in moisture”, Dr. Jamali explains. “They prevent trans epidermal water loss and lock in any skin care that is applied before the application of Vaseline.” That’s certainly something we’d appreciate help with!
“It is particularly great when used in harsh cold environments and to aid the healing of wounds”, she notes. “[This product] is also used in areas that are prone to chafing such as inner thighs. It is still one of the most popular ingredients to be used on the lips to protect against dryness and cracking. I do recommend it frequently for those who would be suitable and for certain skin concerns. It is inexpensive and extremely accessible.”
Correct! You can nab a 100g tub for just $5.50 at Big W! Basically an ideal situation.
Can you put Vaseline on your face?
“Yes, but I wouldn’t say it is suitable for all skin types,” Dr. Jamali tells beautyheaven. “It is usually great for dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin. I wouldn’t be in a rush to recommend it for oily/acne-prone skin as it can increase congestion and breakouts.”
Can you put Vaseline on your face overnight?
“If your skin is dry and dehydrated then using Vaseline overnight can be beneficial to retain skin’s natural moisture”, Dr. Jamali explains. “It can also be used at night to ‘slug’ which is a recent skin care trend that involves applying a thick layer of an occlusive such as Vaseline before bed. Often hydrating serums are applied under to lock in extra hydration and prevent water loss overnight.”
However, Dr. Jamali does have a caveat when it comes to the regularity of use she’d recommend: “I wouldn’t use Vaseline every night as it can slow down natural exfoliation of the skin leading to a dull complexion.”
Does Vaseline absorb into the skin?
Wondering why your Vaseline is sitting on your skin instead of sinking in? Well, that’s actually what it’s supposed to do. “It is not absorbed into the skin; it creates a protective barrier on the skin’s surface”, Dr. Jamali explains, highlighting why it’s such great stuff for getting in on the slugging trend.
Does Vaseline clog pores or cause blemishes?
In a nutshell, it (unfortunately) can, especially for those with a blemish-prone skin type, although it’s not necessarily the product itself clogging your pores. “I don’t recommend Vaseline for those who are blemish-prone because although it is non-comedogenic (cannot clog up pores), it can trap other substances, such as dirt or bacteria”, Dr. Jamali shares.
Does Vaseline cause milia?
That does tend to be the potential downside. “I do believe that overuse of Vaseline can increase the likelihood of milia formation, as it doesn’t allow for usual and natural exfoliation of the skin”, says Dr. Jamali. However, this differs per person, so Vaseline could still be the right fit for you. FYI, two of Hollywood’s most luminous Jennifers (Lopez and Aniston) have both confessed to being fans of this humble hydrator.
Where to buy Vaseline
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly Original
From $5.50 at Big W
If you’ve assessed that based on Dr. Jamali’s advice, Vaseline could be a help for your skin type and/or concerns, here’s where you can grab some. She wasn’t wrong when she dubbed it affordable and accessible (AKA our very favourite combo!).
Key features:
- Designed to help you ‘slug’ your skin, to lock in all the great skin care you’ve applied underneath
- Lasts forever (seriously, try emptying a tub even with everyday use)
- Dermatologically-tested (and great for working to address signs of thirsty skin)
Available at:
- $5.50 at Big W
- $5.50 at Coles
- $5.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Main image credit: Getty
Have you used Vaseline on your skin before? Have you tried a slugging method?
I’ve only ever used it for my lips
So at $5.50 a jar, Vaseline Petroleum Jelly Original is worth trying. If it doesn’t do what you want it to you can throw it away
Handy in the first aid box
I’ve used it on my lips or around my brows and eyelash for tinting.
yes it is handy for both those jobs
I’ve been a fan.
I prefer to use the Cerave balm. Same consistency with better ingredients.
good to know !
I am not keen on petroleum Jelly but have used it on dry lips
I was hoping they would say its good because I use it all the time!
I used to but I only use it occasionally now. I am one of those people who had milia on their face when they were using it.
I haven’t used vaseline but have used other occlusive balms, but only in the winter when my skin is really dry.
What is a slugging method?
Applying a product at the end of your skincare routine to seal it all in.
This is a really helpful and topical article – thanks.
I always have a jar of Vaseline on hand.
Good for lips and cuticles too
It’s also good for protecting the hairline when colouring hair
yes very good for that !
My late nan told me she used to wear Vaseline on her eyelids when she was young. She claimed all her friends did that, too. Instead of eyeshadow? It didn’t make sense to me.
No definately not, why would you want to use a highly processed product that starts from crude oil? There are much better healthier and natural alternatives like paw paw ointment for starters.
I wouldn’t use it on my face
Always handy to have in my makeup kit
I use Vaseline around my hairline every time I tint my hair so the dye doesn’t stain my skin. Works every time.
Interesting to read it’s also good for eczema-prone skin. I will recommend this to my friend.
Yes this is a good idea and I think Vaseline is used when I have my eyebrows tinted.
It sure is cheap. Handy product
I dont think I would use Vaseline on your face on my face am thinking it would be very greasy?
I have used it as a lip balm.
I often overlook this old fave.
Its not something I would be comfortable using on my face. I think I will stick with the products im already using thanks
Agree completely, @Meedee. Where has your avatar gone?
I can’t cope with the feel of this in any way. Interesting article though.