From Nanna’s Nightstand to Skincare Royalty: The Vaseline Revival

I want to shine a soft, glowy light on one of the most underrated—and often misunderstood—staples sitting quietly in bathroom cabinets across the globe: Vaseline. Yes, that iconic little tub of petroleum jelly your gran probably swore by.

In the age of serums with fifteen-syllable ingredients and creams that cost more than dinner for two, Vaseline might seem a little... well, basic. But here’s the truth: basic doesn’t mean ineffective. In fact, Vaseline has stood the test of time for a reason. Let’s dig into why it still deserves a front-row seat in your skincare routine—and when it might be best left on the shelf.

Vaseline is a brand name, but it’s often used synonymously with petroleum jelly, a by-product of oil refining that’s been purified and triple-filtered for safe cosmetic use. It was first discovered in the 1800s and has since become a go-to for everything from chapped lips to baby bums.

Why Vaseline is Good for Your Skin

It's an Occlusive Powerhouse. In skincare lingo, Vaseline is an occlusive, meaning it forms a protective barrier on the surface of the skin. It doesn’t add moisture, but it locks in existing moisture and prevents trans-epidermal water loss (that’s a fancy way of saying it stops your skin from drying out).

Apply it as the last step in your routine—especially at night—and you’ll wake up with a noticeably softer, smoother face.

It’s Non-Comedogenic (Yes, Really!). Here's one of the biggest myths I need to lovingly correct: “Vaseline clogs pores.”

False! The version used in skincare (white petroleum jelly) is highly refined and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. What it does do is sit on top of your skin, which can feel heavy—but it’s not going to sneak into your pores and cause spots.

That said, if your skin is already congested, you might not want to slather it all over your face—more on that in a bit.

Soothing & Healing. Vaseline is brilliant for compromised skin barriers, minor burns, cuts, and post-procedure healing. Dermatologists often recommend it after treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy. It creates a protective seal while allowing your skin to repair itself without drying out.

I personally use it when I’ve gone a little too hard with exfoliation (oops!) or if the winter wind has left my cheeks raw and chapped.

Multi-Tasking Wonder. Vaseline isn’t just for your face! Here are a few more places it can work its magic:

Lips: Goodbye cracked lips, hello plush pout.
Elbows & Heels: Slather it on before bed with socks or gloves and wake up to baby-soft skin.
Cuticles: Rub a tiny dab in for instant hydration and shine.
Lashes & Brows: Some people swear it helps them grow longer; at the very least, it’ll condition them beautifully.

While Vaseline is a star, it isn’t for everyone, every day.

Acne-prone or oily skin: If you have active breakouts or excess oil, slathering on a thick layer might feel too heavy or suffocating. It won’t cause acne, but it can trap bacteria or sweat if not applied to clean, dry skin.

During hot, humid weather: Occlusives like Vaseline can feel sticky and greasy in warmer months. Save it for winter or indoor use.

Not a moisturiser on its own: It doesn’t add hydration. You still need a humectant (like hyaluronic acid) or emollient underneath.

Pro tip: Apply a light moisturiser first, then seal it in with a thin layer of Vaseline—this technique is known as slugging and is wildly popular for dry or sensitive skin.

There’s something nostalgic and comforting about Vaseline. Maybe it’s because it reminds us of childhood—of mums dabbing it on sore noses during cold season, or the ritual of smoothing it on our lips before bed.

In an industry that’s always chasing the “next big thing,” Vaseline reminds us that sometimes simple is best. It’s gentle, reliable, and doesn’t need a marketing campaign to prove its worth.

So, is Vaseline good for skin? Absolutely. But, like every product, it shines when used with intention. Know your skin, use it wisely, and you’ll unlock the magic this humble jar has been holding all along.

PS: Always patch test if you're trying anything new—and trust your skin’s signals.