What was the original purpose of Vaseline?

Author: Kaelyn Ernser  |  Last update: Saturday, January 10, 2026

The history of Vaseline® Jelly starts in 1859, when Robert Chesebrough travelled to Titusville, a small town in Pennsylvania. That's where oil workers had been using rod wax, an unrefined form of petroleum jelly – then just a simple by-product of the drilling they were working on – to heal wounded or burnt skin.

What was the Vaseline invented for?

Chesebrough was told it was a nuisance, except when someone had a cut or burn; they found that if it was rubbed on an injury, then it would lessen the pain and make the injury heal quicker. He then trade-named the jelly as Vaseline.

What is Vaseline original used for?

The original wonder jelly can be used on dry skin, stressed skin, and sensitive skin to protect it from windburn or chapping. Vaseline provides dry skin relief and helps protect minor cuts, scrapes and burns. Petroleum Jelly is hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested and non-comedogenic, so it will not clog your pores.

What is the actual use of Vaseline?

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 can Vaseline not be used for?

In addition to being occlusive, it is non-sterile, promotes bacterial proliferation on the surface of the wound, and may lead to infection.1,2 We propose that the manufacturers change their labelling system, to clearly state that Vaseline is not to be used as an immediate first aid measure for burns, but can be used as ...

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

Why do soldiers use Vaseline?

Vaseline® Jelly has been a first aid kit essential since the First World War when U.S. soldiers and medical officers would use it to treat minor cuts and bruises, and to ease minor sunburn.

What 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.

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.

What is the unexpected use of Vaseline?

Petroleum jelly can also sometimes be used as a secret stain remover. If you happen to get makeup marks on towels, sheets, or pillows, you can use a damp cloth and a tiny amount of Vaseline to lift up the stains before washing.

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.

What did Marilyn Monroe use Vaseline for?

Marilyn Monroe applied a lot of Vaseline under foundation to make her skin glow. It's said that she wouldn't even leave her house without some Vaseline in her purse. Audrey Hepburn had a hair mask created just for her by Philip Kingsley, Elasticiser (it's still available today).

Why do Africans use Vaseline?

From using petroleum jelly to protect skin from the elements, such as the bitter winter months, to using it to lock-in moisture to provide skin with a healthy appearance, slugging has always played a part in the personal care routine of many Black and Brown households.

What is Vaseline intended for?

What is Petroleum Jelly Used For? Petroleum jelly is hugely versatile, and it's used all over the world to protect and heal dry skin, from dry, cracked hands to hard skin on heels, as well as for beauty purposes, like softening the lips or highlighting the cheekbones!

Can you put Vaseline on your face?

Vaseline® has been a fixture in homes for decades. This much-loved product is safe to use on your body and your face. The triple-purified petroleum jelly helps restore the skin and seal in moisture making it ideal for use on the face.

What do men use Vaseline for?

Moisturize dry, irritated skin with Vaseline® lotions for men. Skin is bombarded with external aggressors like sun exposure, pollution and windburn every single day. Couple this with harsh cleansing, exercising, sweating, even shaving, and the result is dehydrated and dry skin.

Is Vaseline good for 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.

Does Vaseline help eyelashes grow?

Solid no. There's zero evidence that using petroleum jelly on your eyelashes will cause them to grow faster, longer, thicker, or darker. In fact, it doesn't even moisturize your lashes. It can keep moisture already in your skin and hair inside, but the solution itself contains no moisturizing ingredients.

Can I put Vaseline on my private area after shaving?

Rubbing on petroleum jelly, found in products like Vaseline or Aquaphor, can help with vaginal itching. Using conditioners and moisturizers (topical beta glucans may especially help with razor burns)3.

What drug is Vaseline used for?

This medication is used as a moisturizer to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin and minor skin irritations (such as diaper rash, skin burns from radiation therapy). Emollients are substances that soften and moisturize the skin and decrease itching and flaking.

Did Native Americans use Vaseline?

In the 15th century, members of the Native American Seneca tribe, who dug oil pits in northwestern Pennsylvania, used petroleum jelly on human and animal skin to protect wounds, stimulate healing and keep the skin moist.

What does putting Vaseline on your face before a fight do?

early in the first round. Vaseline makes your face slippery. which makes it so punches slip off your face. rather than sticking to your skin.

Is it safe to put Vaseline in your eyes?

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.

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