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.
Occlusive Nature: While petroleum jelly creates a barrier that locks in moisture, it doesn't provide hydration itself. If used excessively on the lips, it can lead to a cycle of reliance, where the lips may become drier once the product wears off.
Petroleum jelly is made from a blend of natural waxes and mineral oils. People often refer in general to petroleum jelly as “Vaseline®”, but the real Vaseline® petroleum jelly is different. The real Vaseline® petroleum jelly is triple purified to remove impurities. It is gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin.
Using a tinted lip balm (such as Vaseline Tinted Lip Balm) overnight will generally not darken your lips, but long-term use may cause lip color changes. It is recommended to choose non-irritating, mild ingredients to keep your lips moisturized and avoid over-reliance on colored products.
“I always recommend using thicker moisturizing ointments like Vaseline or Aquaphor in colder weather. Lighter lip moisturizers like balms or Chapstick are generally better-suited for warmer, more humid months, when lips are less prone to drying and cracking.”
Best lip balm overall
I hate to do this — to tease you with the possibility of a fancy lip balm — when the truth is that Vaseline, the classic, the staple, is the best overall pick. It outperformed our previous go-to, Burt's Bees, which is nicely scented and works well enough but doesn't coat your lips in the same way.
Apply a non-irritating lip balm (or lip moisturizer) several times a day and before bed. If your lips are very dry and cracked, try a thick ointment, such as white petroleum jelly. Ointment seals in water longer than waxes or oils. Slather on a non-irritating lip balm with SPF 30 or higher before going outdoors.
Vaseline isn't a humectant, meaning it doesn't add moisture to the lips or skin—it just seals it in. One of the most effective occlusive moisturizers on the market, Vaseline can reduce water loss through the skin by nearly 99%.
Best for the job: While both products can work, Aquaphor may be a better choice for lips. It has occlusive, emollient, and humectant (moisturizing) ingredients.
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 the Difference Between White and Yellow Vaseline? White petroleum jelly or white Vaseline is more refined and purer, making it suitable for cosmetic and medical uses, while yellow Vaseline, being less refined, is typically used for industrial purposes.
Lip balm has no ingredients that can cause dependency. And ingredients in these products can't short-circuit your skin's ability to make natural moisture. Yet dermatologists still get questions about lip balm addiction and lips that stay dry despite regular balm use.
Topical therapies: Topical therapies with ingredients like hydroquinone, kojic acid, or vitamin C may be successful in reducing lip hyperpigmentation. Chemical peels: Chemical peels containing trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can reduce lip hyperpigmentation-related darkening.
Even if the ingredient is similar to the main ingredients in artificial tear lubricants (mineral oil), it still should not be used because it is not an antibiotic and it is also not sterile! If you do have a corneal abrasion, you could be adding bacteria by applying the non-sterile petroleum jelly.
You may develop dry, chapped lips if you don't get enough B vitamins, zinc, iron, or water through your diet. Other factors, such as medications, excess vitamin A, nighttime breathing devices, and dry climate may also lead to dry lips.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment® is uniquely formulated with Petrolatum (a skin protectant), Glycerin, and Panthenol to restore smooth, healthy skin. Apply this to help relieve dry, chapped or cracked lips.
Absolutely! Coconut oil is a natural wonder for lip care. Rich in lauric acid, it deeply moisturizes, forming a protective barrier to keep lips soft and supple. Its antibacterial properties also help fend off infections, making it a go-to for chapped or cracked lips.
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. Dr. Davis: A lot of people also ask about using petroleum jelly in the nares, or in the breathing holes of the nose.
When people talk about petroleum jelly, they're usually referring to Vaseline® Healing Jelly – the product originally refined by Chesebrough.
“Dehydration, weather changes, certain lip balm ingredients (like menthol, camphor, phenol, and salicylic acid), vitamin deficiencies (specifically iron, zinc, and Vitamin B12), sun damage, and lip-licking can all cause dry lips,” explains Jennifer Weiss, a PA at Marmur Medical.
Our overall favorite lip scrub is the Poppy and Pout Natural Lip Scrub, a gentle, brightening scrub that exfoliates and smooths. We also love our budget option, the e.l.f. Cosmetics Lip Exfoliator, which gently removes rough skin and hydrates skin for seamless lipstick application.