Petroleum jelly (often known by the brand name Vaseline) is a versatile, semi solid mixture of hydrocarbons with many everyday uses.
Most common applications:
Personal Care & Health
Skin moisturizer: Locks in moisture for dry hands, feet, elbows, and lips
Lip balm: Prevents and heals chapped lips
Minor wound care: Protects small cuts, burns, and scrapes by sealing in moisture
Diaper rash prevention: Acts as a barrier against moisture and irritation
Makeup remover: Gentle on skin, even for waterproof makeup
Cuticle care: Softens dry cuticles and prevents cracking
Cracked heels treatment: Works best when applied and covered with socks overnight
Beauty & Grooming
Hair styling: Adds shine and smooths flyaways (use sparingly)
Eyebrow & eyelash grooming: Shapes brows and adds lash shine
Perfume extender: Applying to pulse points helps fragrance last longer
Highlighter substitute: Adds a glossy glow to cheekbones or eyelids
Beard care: Softens beard hair and soothes skin underneath
Medical & First Aid
Post procedure skin protection: Used after minor dermatological treatments
Prevents skin irritation: From casts, bandages, or medical devices
Nasal dryness relief: Helps soothe dry nasal passages (external use only)
Household & Utility Uses
Lubricant: For hinges, zippers, drawers, and stuck screws
Rust prevention: Protects metal tools and blades
Battery terminal protection: Prevents corrosion
Leather care: Conditions shoes, bags, and belts
Stain removal: Helps remove gum, makeup, or crayon marks
Paint protection: Applied to skin or trim to prevent paint sticking
Industrial & Technical Us
Corrosion inhibitor: Used in machinery and metal storage
Electrical insulation: Helps protect non-conductive components
Mold release agent: Prevents materials from sticking during manufacturing
Safety Tips
Use medical grade or cosmetic grade petroleum jelly on skin
Do not apply to deep wounds or burns
Avoid internal use unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional
Not compatible with latex (can weaken condoms and gloves)
Below is a tailored breakdown by use case, followed by simple DIY recipes using petroleum jelly.
Medical Uses (Practical & Clinical)
Best for skin protection and moisture barrier not for deep wounds.
Wound protection: Covers minor cuts, scrapes, and burns to prevent drying and scab formation
Post-procedure care: After laser treatments, chemical peels, or stitches (if advised by a clinician)
Pressure sore prevention: Reduces friction on at risk skin areas
Diaper rash barrier: Prevents moisture contact with skin
Eczema-prone skin: Seals in moisture after bathing (not a medication)
Radiation therapy support: Helps soothe dry, irritated skin (only if approved by provider)
Do not use on infected wounds or deep burns
Cosmetic & Beauty Uses
Excellent occlusive locks in moisture but doesn’t hydrate on its own.
Lip care: Overnight lip mask or daily balm
Slugging: Final nighttime skincare step to prevent moisture loss
Makeup remover: Effective for waterproof mascara and eyeliner
Glossy makeup looks: Dewy eyelids, cheekbones, and lips
Brow & lash grooming: Shapes and conditions
Cuticle & nail care: Prevents splitting and dryness
Hairline protection: Prevents hair dye from staining skin
Not ideal for acne-prone skin on the face.
Household Uses
Cheap, effective, and surprisingly versatile.
Lubrication: Hinges, zippers, drawers, and stuck screws
Rust prevention: Coats tools, razor blades, and metal parts
Battery terminal protection: Prevents corrosion
Leather conditioning: Shoes, belts, handbags (test first)
Stain removal: Gum, candle wax, makeup, crayons
Paint barrier: Apply to trim or skin before painting
Industrial & Technical Uses
Used for protection, lubrication, and sealing
Corrosion inhibitor: Long-term metal storage
Assembly lubricant: For rubber, plastic, and metal parts
Electrical moisture barrier: Non-conductive protection
Thread lubrication: For bolts and fasteners
Mold release agent: Plastics, rubber, and resins
Tool preservation: Prevents oxidation during storage
DIY Recipes Using Petroleum Jelly
DIY Lip Balm
Ingredients
1 tbsp petroleum jelly
Optional: 2–3 drops food-grade flavor oil or vitamin E
Steps
- Gently melt petroleum jelly (double boiler or microwave)
- Stir in additives
- Pour into a small container and cool
Healing Hand Salve
Ingredients
2 tbsp petroleum jelly
1 tsp coconut oil
5 drops lavender or chamomile oil
Use: Apply overnight and wear cotton gloves.
Solid Perfume
Ingredients
1 tbsp petroleum jelly
10–15 drops fragrance oil
Steps
- Melt jelly
- Mix in fragrance
- Pour into tin
- Apply to pulse points
Cuticle & Nail Balm
Ingredients
1 tbsp petroleum jelly
5 drops vitamin E oil
5 drops jojoba or almond oil
Use: Massage nightly for stronger nails.
Leather Conditioner
Ingredients
Soft cloth
Steps
- Apply thin layer
- Let absorb 10–15 minutes
- Buff to shine
Not recommended for suede or nubuck
Important Safety Notes
Not compatible with latex condoms or gloves
Can clog pores if overused on face
Use cosmetic or medical grade only
External use unless directed by a professional
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