Is it safe to put Vaseline on lips?

Author: Prof. Guido Wintheiser  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Vaseline® Healing Jelly is an excellent choice as it forms a protective layer on the lips and penetrates deep down to rehydrate the skin and speed up the its natural renewal process. As the jelly tackles the problem deep down at the source, the outer layers of skin begin to benefit, becoming smoother.

Is it OK to put Vaseline on your lips?

Yes, you can apply Vaseline (petroleum jelly) on your lips. It acts as an effective moisturizer and creates a barrier that helps lock in moisture, preventing dryness and chapping. It's especially useful in cold or dry weather. Just apply a small amount to your lips as needed.

What happens if I leave Vaseline on my lips overnight?

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.

Do dermatologists recommend Vaseline for lips?

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. Even in the winter, it's important to protect your lips from the sun.

What are the side effects of petroleum jelly on lips?

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.

Mix Vaseline with Lemon and you will be shocked! If only I had known about this earlier!

Why do dermatologists like Vaseline?

The vital benefit of petrolatum is that it improves the skin's barrier function by inhibiting water loss through the skin, called trans-epidermal water loss. Increased trans-epidermal water loss is the key factor that leads to the development of skin conditions such as eczema and chapped lips.

Is Vaseline or Aquaphor better for lips?

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.

What can I use if I don't have ChapStick?

Best ChapStick Alternatives for Sensitive and Dry Lips
  • Aloe Vera: Aloe vera can hydrate your lips effectively. ...
  • Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is found in many beauty products because it can soften hair, skin,and lips. ...
  • Cucumber: This may sound strange but a cucumber can improve sensitive, dry lips.

Is Vaseline for lips the same as petroleum jelly?

Trust the unique quality of Vaseline Lip Therapy Original Lip Balm Tin. It contains pure petroleum jelly, which provides long-lasting moisturisation to the top, protective layer of your lips while also penetrating deeper into the skin to moisturise and instantly soften and soothe chapped, dry lips.

Can lips become dependent on Vaseline?

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.

What is the most hydrating lip balm?

Our top picks
  • Best Overall: Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm.
  • Best Budget: Vaseline Lip Therapy Cocoa Butter.
  • Best for Sensitive Skin: CeraVe Healing Ointment.
  • Best Lipstick Alternative: Tower 28 JuiceBalm Tinted Lip Balm.
  • Best Lip Oil: Ami Colé Lip Treatment Oil.

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.

Is petrolatum bad for lips?

Often we end up applying the petroleum jelly around the mouth region. This may clog pores and lead to breakouts. Since petrolatum is derived from fossil fuels, it is not a nature-friendly ingredient. Thus it is advised to opt for natural alternatives to petrolatum for chapped lips.

Where should you not use Vaseline?

Never use petroleum jelly in or around nostrils, especially on children, says Dr. Parcells. You may end up with a condition called lipid pneumonia, an infection caused by the inhalation of fats. Though rare, it can lead to serious and long-term health problems.

What does sleeping with Vaseline on lips do?

Vaseline Lip Therapy doubles as a soothing treatment similar to a lip mask and a plumping gloss, sans the sticky formula and drying nature of conventional lip glosses. As an overnight treatment, I slather it on in a thick layer.

Is Vaseline good for your lips?

The secret to dealing with dry, sore, chapped lips is to find a way to lock in moisture and protect the lips from the cold, dry air. Vaseline® Healing Jelly is an excellent choice as it forms a protective layer on the lips and penetrates deep down to rehydrate the skin and speed up the its natural renewal process.

What can I put on my lips if I am allergic to chapstick?

STOP all chapsticks, Burt's Bees products, and lip balms such as Carmex, Blistex, or EOS. All of these can contain allergy-causing flavorings. 2. Use only pure Vaseline petroleum jelly for lips (no fragrance or flavoring) or Vanicream Ointment.

How to train your lips to not need chapstick?

Here are some alternatives to lip balm that can help keep your lips hydrated and happy:
  1. Stay hydrated inside and out. ...
  2. Use a humidifier. ...
  3. Avoid spicy foods. ...
  4. Avoid licking your lips. ...
  5. Change your toothpaste. ...
  6. Skip the manual exfoliants. ...
  7. Don't pick!

Do dermatologists recommend Vaseline or Aquaphor?

According to Dr. Paul, Aquaphor can also be better for extremely dry, cracked skin and healing minor skin irritation. “It provides additional hydration and barrier protection beyond what Vaseline offers,” she says. In other words, break out the Aquaphor when your skin has extra needs beyond basic moisturizing.

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.

Is petrolatum safe?

Petrolatum has a waxy, rich texture and a jelly-like, semi-solid consistency. It's considered to be a highly effective and safe moisturizing ingredient—and it's even sometimes used for post-surgical wound care.

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 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 natural alternative to Vaseline?

NATURAL RAW MATERIALS TO USE IN PLACE OF PETROLEUM JELLY
  • Shea Butter.
  • Beeswax.
  • Olive Carrier Oil.
  • Cocoa Butter.
  • Coconut Carrier Oil.
  • Mango Butter.
  • Avoid byproducts of Petroleum – This includes mineral oil, paraffin wax, petrolatum, naphtha, and formaldehyde.

Previous article
How to deep wash your hair?
Next article
How to protect a new tattoo from sand?