Is it safe to put Vaseline on your face? Real Pros, Real Cons

Ever thought about slathering Vaseline on your face? 😮 Believe it or not, this classic product is making waves in skincare circles. From TikTok slugging to good ol' grandma’s advice, Vaseline is back, baby!

I first heard about using Vaseline on the face years ago from my cousin in New York, who swore it “saved her skin every winter.” Just last month, a coworker insisted it was the only thing keeping her cheeks smooth after a round of retinol irritation. So, does it work for everyone?

Is the hype really justified or is there a hidden catch? Let's dig in. This post covers every angle—real reviews, expert guidance, trending hacks, surprising risks, and what I learned myself!

What is Vaseline, Anyway?

Vaseline is a brand of pure petroleum jelly—an occlusive “skin sealant” that’s basically odorless and colorless, and has been used as a home remedy since 1870.

It’s not the same stuff as gasoline (thank goodness), but it does come from similar sources, meaning it’s slick, waxy, and forms a sturdy barrier on the skin.

Commonly found in every American household (seriously, check your bathroom!).
Safe for topical use on skin, lips, eyelids, and even minor wounds.
No perfumes, dyes, or fancy additives (usually).

Why Are People Suddenly Obsessed with Putting Vaseline on Their Face?

🔥 “Slugging” — the trend of coating your face in Vaseline overnight — blew up on social media from 2023 onward.

I read a viral thread where folks claimed their skin became "baby soft" after just one night. My aunt in Florida says she’s used it for decades, especially around the eyes.
Major beauty influencers, dermatologists (and even the American Academy of Dermatology!) have weighed in, spotlighting real benefits and some surprising risks.

So, what’s the science behind it? Vaseline forms a thin yet powerful barrier on your face, trapping moisture and protecting against harsh conditions. But let’s get real: it can “trap” dirt and oil, too.

Main Benefits: Why I Keep Reaching for Vaseline

✨ Moisture Sealing – It creates a literal barrier, locking in water after you wash (especially effective after a shower).
🧑🔬 Protects Sensitive Skin – Dermatologists say it’s “safe on rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis,” soothing red or itchy patches.
👁 Eye Makeup Remover – I use it nightly to gently dissolve mascara and stubborn eyeliner, as recommended by many makeup artists.
🔬 Speeds Minor Wound Healing – When I scrape my cheek shaving, Vaseline keeps the cut moist, preventing scabbing and excessive scarring.
💧 Lip Protection – My lips crack every winter; a thin coat of Vaseline fixes them overnight! More gentle than flavored balms.
🌱 Reduces Facial Itch – It's a game-changer for dry, itchy skin (think allergy season or post-peel redness).
👩🎤 Shapes Brows – Just a dab helps tame unruly eyebrows; I do this before Zoom calls.
🕝 Anti-aging Potential? – Some say it “slows aging” by encouraging peptide activity—but the science here is still developing.

Risks and Cons: The Downsides of Vaseline (My Honest Experience)

😓 Breakouts – Dermatologists warn it can trap oil and cause acne, especially for oily or combo skin types. I personally broke out after using a thick layer for three nights in summer!
👃 Greasy Feel – It feels heavy and sticky, especially if you’re prone to sweat.
🤧 Rare Reactions – While allergic reactions are rare, some people report mild redness or itching. Discontinue use if irritation flares up.
🌞 Not for Sunburns – Avoid after a sunburn; Vaseline can trap heat and worsen the damage.
🔍 Not a true "moisturizer" – It doesn’t add moisture, it only seals in what’s already there! Always apply to damp, freshly washed skin.
👓 May Clog Pores – Though Vaseline claims it's non-comedogenic, many users with acne-prone skin find it aggravates pimples.

Quick tip: Wash your hands before applying Vaseline—it’ll keep bacteria off your face!

Anecdotes from Friends and Readers

My friend in Seattle uses a pea-size dot as a protective barrier on her cheeks every night, swears it's her "secret to glass skin."
One Redditor shared, “After slugging for three nights, my acne doubled. But my mom’s skin glows year-round!”
A neighbor told me: “I always put Vaseline under my nose in winter so it doesn’t crack. I never get cold sores anymore!”
A beauty salon owner told me she recommends Vaseline for post-procedure recovery but warns against using it before foundation.

Expert Opinions

Dermatologists say it's generally safe for dry, sensitive, and normal skin, but should be avoided by those with acne-prone or very oily skin. (American Academy of Dermatology)
“Occlusive” products like Vaseline help heal minor wounds faster, minimizing scarring.
Petroleum jelly is FDA-approved for skin use in the US and backed by long-term clinical data.
“Slugging” is popular, but not a silver bullet—success varies by skin type.

How to Use Vaseline Safely on Your Face (My Step-by-Step Guide)

Wash your face with gentle cleanser, rinse off all makeup and impurities.
Pat skin dry, but leave it slightly damp (this is crucial for locking in water).
Take a small amount of Vaseline (pea-size for the whole face).
Warm it between clean fingertips.
Gently spread a thin layer over face, focusing on dry or irritated patches.
If your skin feels greasy after 20min, blot lightly with a tissue.
Never apply directly onto raw wounds, sunburn, or before heavy makeup.
Wash off in the morning with gentle cleanser.

Comparison Table: Vaseline vs. Other Facial Moisturizers

Product	Main Ingredient	Active Benefit	Occlusive (Seals In)	Adds Moisture	Best For	Main Drawback
Vaseline	Petroleum Jelly	Locks moisture, speeds healing	✔️	❌	Dry, sensitive skin; wound care	May cause acne, greasy feel
Ceramide Cream	Ceramides, Humectants	Restores skin barrier	✔️	✔️	All skin types	Expensive
Shea Butter	Shea Fat Extract	Rich, nourishing	✔️	✔️	Normal to dry skin	Sometimes heavy, comedogenic
Aloe Gel	Aloe Vera	Soothes, hydrates	❌	✔️	All skin types, sunburns	May not seal in moisture

Major Takeaways: Should You Use Vaseline on Your Face?

✔️ Great for dry, sensitive, aging, or irritated skin—including lips and eyelids.
✔️ Useful for healing minor wounds, post-treatments, allergy-prone faces.
❌ Avoid if you struggle with breakouts, very oily skin, or dislike a heavy feel.
❌ Not a replacement for true moisturizers with humectants—always use on freshly cleansed, damp skin.
❌ Skip on sunburned skin or open wounds.

As with any skincare, everyone’s experience truly varies. Try for a few nights, check for changes, and adjust based on your own skin’s response.
I still reach for Vaseline during harsh New York winters and never skip my post-cleansing routine!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does Vaseline actually moisturize your face?

A: It locks in existing moisture but does not add any hydration itself. Use after washing face.

Q: Is Vaseline safe for sensitive skin?

A: Yes—most people with sensitive skin do fine, but rare cases of irritation happen. Always patch test!

Q: Does Vaseline cause acne?

A: Some people—especially those with oily or acne-prone skin—report breakouts.

Q: Can I use Vaseline after laser, peel, or cosmetic treatments?

A: Dermatologists often recommend it for post-procedural healing, but always confirm with your doctor.

Q: What’s “slugging” and is it worth the hype?

A: “Slugging” means slathering on Vaseline overnight to seal in moisture. Some see great results; others break out. YMMV!

Q: Can Vaseline be used around the eyes?

A: Yes, it’s gentle enough for the undereye and eyelid areas. Avoid getting it in your eyes!

In Conclusion

Vaseline remains one of the most affordable, accessible, and multipurpose products on the US skincare scene. It’s not perfect, but it’s a classic for good reason.

Try it yourself, watch for personal reactions, and let me know in the comments: what’s your Vaseline story?

Have you found slugging to be your “miracle” or “nightmare”? 👐💧