Why not to use Vaseline?

Author: Ms. Lavinia Conroy DVM  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 4, 2025

While Vaseline helps seal moisture into the skin, some experts have suggested that it may also trap in oil and dirt. As such, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) warn that people who are prone to acne may experience breakouts after applying Vaseline to the face.

Why shouldn't you use Vaseline on your skin?

Additionally, as detailed below, petrolatum or mineral oil jelly and mineral oils can cause skin damage. Petrolatum may interfere with the body's moisturizing mechanism, leading to dry skin and chapping despite its cosmetic use as lip and skin protection.

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.

What should you not use Vaseline for?

Vaseline is a petroleum jelly. It should be applied on areas where you have cracked or peeled off skin, wounded and injured areas, as a makeup remover, dry skin. If you have oily, sensitive or acne prone skin then applying Vaseline would be the worst decision of your life because Vaseline can completely clog pores.

Why should you stop using petroleum jelly?

Petroleum products are sealants. They trap moisture and bacteria against your skin and your eyes. This makes them comedogenic, acnegenic, and at high risk of causing infection or blockage. You risk blocked tear ducts, impacted lash follicles, conjunctivitis, cystic acne, milia, and a variety of other issues.

25 Ways Vaseline Will Change Your Life (You’re Using It Wrong!) ✨️

Do dermatologists recommend Vaseline?

Dawn Davis, M.D.: Petroleum jelly is great, and it's one of a dermatologist's main tips and tricks. Mr. Olsen: Dermatologist Dr. Dawn Davis says that's because this odorless nearly colorless jelly is so versatile.

Is petroleum jelly banned in Europe?

Regulatory Status. In the European Union, petrolatum can only be used in cosmetics “if the full refining history is known and it can be shown that the substance from which it is produced is not a carcinogen.” iv There is no parallel restriction in Canada.

What are the side effects of using Vaseline?

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.

What is a safer alternative to Vaseline?

Choose products that are free of petroleum jelly – Instead, look for ingredients such as Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, and Shea Butter that is equally as effective while being kinder to your skin and to the environment.

Do doctors recommend Vaseline?

To save on skin care, dermatologists recommend using petroleum jelly to: Relieve dry skin, including your lips and eyelids.

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.

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's the difference between petroleum jelly and petrolatum?

The main difference between petroleum jelly and petrolatum is their purity level. Petroleum jelly is a mixture of semi-solid hydrocarbons that may contain some impurities, while petrolatum is a purified form of petroleum jelly that is free of impurities.

Why is petrolatum bad?

Petrolatum has been a subject of controversy due to concerns about potential impurities and the possibility of skin suffocation. Regulatory measures, such as FDA classification and European Union regulations, are in place to ensure the safety and purity of petrolatum in skin care products.

Is it bad to put on Vaseline everyday?

It is dermatologically approved and is safe for daily use. It should be a staple in your skincare routine due to its skin restoring and replenishing properties. Use it daily and enjoy the Vaseline® Petroleum Jelly benefits for your face.

When should you not use Vaseline?

While Vaseline helps seal moisture into the skin, some experts have suggested that it may also trap in oil and dirt. As such, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) warn that people who are prone to acne may experience breakouts after applying Vaseline to the face.

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 Vaseline a hormone disruptor?

Avoid - Vaseline, mineral oil, paraffin wax, liquid paraffin, liquid petrolatum, mineral grease and mineral jelly. Phthalates (DBP, DEHP, DMP, DEP) These are known endocrine disruptors and respiratory toxicants and may cause birth defects, male infertility and allergies associated with the skin, eyes and lungs.

What precautions should be taken when using Vaseline?

Follow all the directions on the label for proper use. Apply to the skin only. Avoid sensitive areas such as your eyes, inside your mouth/nose, and the vaginal/groin area, unless the label or your doctor directs you otherwise.

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 is petroleum jelly controversial?

The primary ingredient in petroleum jelly is petroleum, a byproduct of the oil refining process. This ingredient creates a barrier on the skin, preventing it from breathing and releasing toxins. This can lead to clogged pores, which can lead to acne and other skin irritations.

Should I avoid petroleum jelly?

When properly refined, petrolatum has no known health concerns. However, petrolatum is often not fully refined in the US, which means it can be contaminated with toxic chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Why is retinol banned in Europe?

This was driven by concerns over skin irritation and systemic absorption. These could pose health risks, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women. The ban reflects a broader precautionary approach by the EU.

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