Are there any downsides to Vaseline?

Author: Santa Luettgen  |  Last update: Saturday, March 22, 2025

While Vaseline helps seal moisture into the skin, some experts have suggested that it may also trap in oil and dirt. As such, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) warn that people who are prone to acne may experience breakouts after applying Vaseline to the face.

Why should you stop using petroleum jelly?

Petroleum products are sealants. They trap moisture and bacteria against your skin and your eyes. This makes them comedogenic, acnegenic, and at high risk of causing infection or blockage. You risk blocked tear ducts, impacted lash follicles, conjunctivitis, cystic acne, milia, and a variety of other issues.

Do doctors recommend Vaseline?

Dr. Davis says because petroleum jelly is chemically similar to proteins in our skin, it's also a good choice for treating everything from chapped lips to dry cuticles, hands and feet.

What are the side effects of Vaseline on the skin?

Stop using petrolatum topical (the active ingredient contained in Vaseline) and call your doctor at once if you have: skin redness or tenderness; itching; or. swelling.

Is it okay to swallow a little bit of Vaseline?

Vaseline is a mixture of natural waxes and mineral oils and is considered minimally toxic when ingested.

Vaseline on Face | Watch FIRST Before Using! 🚨

Is Vaseline good or bad for you?

Share on Pinterest Vaseline is safe for most people to use as a moisturizing product. 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.

Did someone eat a spoonful of Vaseline everyday?

While Vaseline is non-toxic and has beneficial properties for skin protection and wound healing, it is not recommended for consumption. Chesebrough's practices underscored his belief in the product, but it should be used only as a topical ointment. Always adhere to the intended use to ensure safety and efficacy.

What are the disadvantages of Vaseline?

Petroleum Jelly Disadvantages
  • Infection. If petroleum jelly is used on unclean skin, it traps contaminants there. ...
  • Clog Pores. Clogging pores is the most common side effect of petroleum jelly. ...
  • Sunburn. Petroleum jelly is a petroleum-based product, and it absorbs heat. ...
  • Low Melting Point Lubricant.

Is it OK to use Vaseline every day?

It is dermatologically approved and is safe for daily use. It should be a staple in your skincare routine due to its skin restoring and replenishing properties. Use it daily and enjoy the Vaseline® Petroleum Jelly benefits for your face.

Is Vaseline good for under eyes?

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.

What is a safer alternative to Vaseline?

Choose products that are free of petroleum jelly – Instead, look for ingredients such as Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, and Shea Butter that is equally as effective while being kinder to your skin and to the environment.

Why do dentists use Vaseline?

Vaseline is recommended to prepare the buccal cavity, lubricate the sensitive areas and improve sliding of the rubber dam. Composed with healthy pure petrolatum jelly for dental use, the gel is hypoallergenic, unscented, stable and non-water soluble.

Where should you not use petroleum jelly?

Avoid on Fresh Burns and Deep Wounds: Do not apply petroleum jelly on fresh, severe burns or deep wounds. It can trap heat and bacteria, hindering the healing process. Not for Acne-Prone Skin: If you have oily or acne-prone skin, avoid using it on your face as it can exacerbate acne by clogging pores.

What is slugging?

Slugging is basically the process of slathering your face (or, in some cases, your nails) with petroleum jelly overnight. Social media skin care gurus claim it has given them a gorgeous glow. So, how does it work? “Petroleum jelly is a simple and very occlusive ointment,” Dr. Kassouf says.

Are there side effects to Vaseline?

Most emollients can be used safely and effectively with no side effects. However, burning, stinging, redness, or irritation may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Can Vaseline be used as lube?

People should never use Vaseline as a sexual lubricant. Vaseline can damage latex condoms, trap bacteria that can lead to an infection, and stain clothing and bedsheets. Instead of Vaseline, people may want to consider choosing a high quality, water-based lubricant.

Do dermatologists recommend Vaseline?

The American Academy of Dermatology talks about using petroleum jelly to help heal wounds and minimize scars. Dermatologists typically recommend using plain petrolatum for wounds rather than topical antibiotic ointments due to the high rates of contact allergies associated with many topical antibiotics.

What will happen if I apply Vaseline to my hair?

The natural oils reduce friction and lock in moisture. Without it, you may experience hair breakage, split ends, and frizz. Vaseline can act as a stand-in for these natural oils, combating dryness and acting as a protective barrier for your hair. So, it just might be worth using Vaseline on your hair and scalp.

Is Vaseline absorbed by the skin?

This is because unlike most lotions, Vaseline isn't absorbed directly into the skin. Rather, it acts as a surface barrier to "prevent further water loss and lock in hydration," Liu says.

When should you stop putting Vaseline on a wound?

This will help keep the wound moist and allow it to heal faster with less scarring. Continue applying the petroleum jelly until the wound has fully healed. Open wounds heal more slowly. A large wound can take 4 weeks or more to heal.

Is it OK to swallow a little bit of Vaseline?

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.

Is it safe to put Vaseline on your gums?

If you notice you have dry mouth when you wake up in the mornings, you might sleep with your mouth open. You can discuss ways to address this sleeping habit that could harm your oral health with your dentist. They may recommend putting petroleum jelly on your gums so that they can stay hydrated.

Who ate a spoonful of Vaseline?

Chesebrough claimed that he consumed a spoonful of Vaseline each day and lived to the grand age of 96 years old and was laid to rest in Bronx County, New York. Today, petroleum jelly is still used by primary care physicians in the management of early stage eczema, psoriasis, and actinic keratoses.

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