What was Vaseline originally made for?

Author: Jazmin Schowalter  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 10, 2025

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 are the unexpected uses of Vaseline?

How To Use Vaseline
  • De-Scuff Leather. Similarly, you can get rid of marks and scuffs on leather furniture and shoes by using Vaseline. ...
  • Lubricate Hinges. Goodbye, squeaky doors and hard-to-open windows. ...
  • Keep Light Bulbs From Sticking. ...
  • Remove Sticky Residue. ...
  • Keep Glue Fresh.

What is original Vaseline good for?

Benefits. This triple-purified formula is clinically proven to help heal damaged, cracked, and dry skin. Has occlusive properties that create a protective barrier and help the skin's natural healing process. Perfect to heal minor cuts, wounds, scrapes, burns and scars.

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 models put Vaseline on their teeth?

Vaseline creates a smooth barrier that prevents lipstick from transferring to the enamel's surface. This trick is very popular among fashion enthusiasts, models, and makeup influencers who want their smiles to look flawless under bright light.

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.

What does Vaseline do to the hair?

But it still deserves a place in your medicine cabinet — and maybe even in your hair care routine. Vaseline can have other benefits for hair. You can use it to treat dry hair and prevent further damage, tame flyaway bits, lock in moisture, or soothe split ends. You can also use it for purposes beyond hair.

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).

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 safe to rub 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.

Which celebrity uses Vaseline?

Regina King uses this Vaseline lotion (and regular Vaseline) to keep her skin soft. King told Glamour that her secret to super-soft skin is Vaseline brand cocoa butter lotion, topped with "the O.G. Vaseline" to really maximize moisture.

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 does putting Vaseline on your face every night do?

Locks in Moisture and Prevents Water Loss

But that's not all, because while the Vaseline jelly works to seal moisture into skin, it also locks in all the other beauty products from your night-time routine. Which can help your beauty products to work more effectively.

Can I put Vaseline on my private area female?

Avoid petroleum jelly (for example, Vaseline) as a lubricant. It increases the risk of vaginal irritation and infection. Use a vaginal moisturizer.

Is Vaseline good for hair?

Yes, you can use Vaseline on hair to lock in moisture, tame frizz, and even protect it from the elements. It's particularly beneficial when applied to the ends of the hair to combat dryness and prevent split ends. Use it sparingly to avoid a greasy look and ensure it's thoroughly washed out with shampoo.

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