If you swallow Vaseline, the truth is that you'll likely be fine. Having said that, depending on the amount you swallow, you may experience loose stools, diarrhea or other unpleasant effects. For some, Vaseline acts as a laxative. For small children, Vaseline can cause choking because of its thick consistency.
Vaseline, or petroleum jelly, is minimally toxic. If your child swallowed Vaseline, give them a few sips of water and watch for coughing, vomiting and diarrhea. If your child develops symptoms, call IPC at 1-800-222-1222.
Just like the name suggests, petroleum jelly (petrolatum) is derived from petroleum, a toxic crude oil, which means it is not sustainable or eco-friendly. When properly refined, petrolatum is said to have no known health concerns.
According to the article “The Amazing History of Vaseline” by Daniel Ganninger, an author and researcher, the process of inventing petroleum jelly began in 1859. It began with Robert Chesebrough, a 22-year-old American chemist losing his job of extracting kerosene from the oil of sperm whales.
The bottom line. Vaseline can be used as a lube. However, it's not always a good option for personal lubrication during intercourse. While it may reduce friction during sex, it can also introduce bacteria that can lead to an infection.
The inventor of Vaseline, Robert Chesebrough, believed in the product so much that he ate a spoonful of it every day until his death at 96.
It is colorless (or of a pale yellow color when not highly distilled), translucent, and devoid of taste and smell when pure.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using white petroleum jelly throughout the day and before bed to moisturize and sooth dry, cracked lips. Petroleum jelly seals in water longer than oils and waxes. It's also inexpensive and easy to find online and in drugstores.
Vaseline is an occlusive moisturizer that can be used effectively on dry skin and eyelashes. It can't make eyelashes grow faster or longer, but it can moisturize them, making them look fuller and lusher.
Although Vaseline® Healing Jelly doesn't directly treat acne, its protective formula means it could help your skin recover faster from a breakout.
Death. Chesebrough lived to be 96 years old and was such a believer in Vaseline that he claimed to have eaten a spoonful of it every day. He died at his house in Spring Lake, New Jersey. He also, reportedly, during a serious bout of pleurisy in his mid-50s, had his nurse rub him from head to foot with Vaseline.
What happens if someone swallows petroleum jelly? They will be fine. Eating a small amount of petroleum jelly will likely not cause any symptoms. If someone swallows a lot of petroleum jelly—more than a mouthful—they could have diarrhea or stomach cramps, or possibly throw up.
Vaseline was discover in 1859 when Robert Chesebrough visited an oil field and saw that workers were complaining about 'rod wax', an annoying waxy substance that had to continuously be removed from pumps because it was clogging them up.
Ultimately, the only main difference between Vaseline and petroleum jelly is that Vaseline is made up of pure petroleum jelly which contain minerals and microcrystalline wax so it is smoother, while petroleum jelly is made up of a partial solid mix of hydrocarbons that comes from mines.
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.
What should I avoid while taking Aquaphor? Avoid getting Aquaphor in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this does happen, rinse with water.
Both Aquaphor and Vaseline work for lips
Both Aquaphor and Vaseline can be used on lips. Aquaphor can restore moisture to lips that are already dry. Vaseline is best used to prevent dry or chapped lips.
Avoid all over the counter creams or ointments, except Aquaphor or A&D Ointment, either of which can be applied for dryness or irritation as needed. If you feel you need a lubricant during intercourse, these products can sometimes be a significant source of irritation.
Indeed, such was his faith in petroleum jelly, he used to eat a spoonful of it every day. Chesebrough lived to be 96 years old and credited his longevity to the simple wizardry of Vaseline.
The first known reference to the name Vaseline was by Chesebrough in his U.S. patent (U.S. Patent 127,568) in 1872. "I, Robert Chesebrough, have invented a new and useful product from petroleum which I have named Vaseline..."
"Vaseline is incredibly effective at softening severely cracked, dry, and inflamed areas. It also works by preventing loss of water in the skin, which allows natural oils to nourish and repair," says Engelman.
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.
It might protect your hair against breakage and dryness, but it won't encourage your hair to grow at a faster rate. Some people also warn against applying Vaseline to your scalp or face, claiming that it can create a breeding ground for bacteria or even block hair follicles.
"I would never recommend this method to any patient," San Francisco-based dermatologist William Kwan, MD, tells Health. "Vaseline can clog pores and applying plastic wrap is physically occluding the pores.