Is it safe to use Vaseline on eyelids? and face?

Vaseline, a brand-name form of petroleum jelly, can moisturize dry skin all over the body, including the eyelids.

Petroleum jelly is a thick jelly that creates a moisture barrier, helping to trap moisture in the skin and protect the skin from the elements. Unless a person has an allergy or finds petroleum jelly uncomfortable, it is safe to use Vaseline on the eyelids.

Keep reading to learn more about the safety and effectiveness of using Vaseline on the eyelids.

Does Vaseline work on dry eyelids? 

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Vaseline can help with a number of dry eyelid conditions. People who notice that their skin is dry or irritated during the dry, cold winter months can use it to prevent moisture loss from the eyelids. Some people also use it as a moisturizer to reduce the risk of wrinkles, or as a supplement to traditional eye creams.

Some doctors also recommend Vaseline for specific dry eye conditions. It may help with blepharitis, which causes dry and irritated eyelids, as well as dysfunction in the meibomian glands that lubricate the eyes.

Petroleum jelly from Vaseline can also help keep wounds moist. This may help prevent scarring. The skin on the eyelids is very thin and has a higher risk of scarring with exposure to the sun.

Petroleum jelly is not really a moisturizer, like some lotions or serums. Instead, it creates a moisture barrier. This means that it prevents moisture from leaving the eyelids and can make it more difficult for moisture to get through. For this reason, it works best when a person applies it after other moisturizing products.

Is it safe? 

Petroleum jelly is safe when a person uses it properly, but like all skin treatments, it presents some risks.

Unrefined petroleum jelly is the precursor to petroleum jelly. The petroleum jelly in Vaseline is refined. The unrefined form may contain carcinogens and other toxic chemicals. A person who purchases generic products should ensure the products come from a trustworthy manufacturer.

It is not safe to inhale petroleum jelly, including Vaseline. A person should avoid putting it in their nose or rubbing the nose after applying petroleum jelly. While inhaling small quantities of Vaseline is likely harmless, prolonged inhalation or exposure can cause a rare type of pneumonia called exogenous lipoid pneumonia.

Putting Vaseline into the eye can cause temporary blurred vision. Vaseline is a moisture barrier, and it may prevent certain creams and treatments from penetrating the eyelid or the eye. People using other moisturizers or prescription drops should apply those first, before using Vaseline.

There is no evidence that the refined petroleum jelly in Vaseline causes cancer. The risk of allergies is low, and researchers have not found that Vaseline can cause reproductive harm or other serious health issues.

Doctors often use Vaseline in medical settings, including for procedures on the eyes. A 2014 study even recommends it for use on newborns, to reduce the risk of developing atopic dermatitis.

How to use

People with severely dry eyelids or cracked skin should speak with a doctor before trying Vaseline. However, for those without allergies or serious dry skin conditions, Vaseline is generally safe.

To use Vaseline, try the following:

1. Apply eye drops or artificial tears, if applicable.
2. Apply eye moisturizers or serums.
3. Apply sunscreen.
4. Apply Vaseline to the eyelids. Use a thin coat, and avoid rubbing Vaseline next to the tear ducts or along the lash line, as this can cause it to get into the eyes.
5. Wash hands after applying Vaseline, to reduce the risk of getting it into the mouth or nose.

A person with very sensitive skin should consider patch-testing first. Apply Vaseline to a corner of the eyelid, then wait 24–48 hours to see if there is a reaction. If there is no skin reaction, it is safe to use.

Some people find that Vaseline works best right before bed. This is because the thick consistency can interfere with makeup, or smear. Applying before bed gives it time to absorb and reduces the risk that it will interfere with the absorption of other eye care products.

Alternatives for dry eyelid treatment

Certain dry eye and dry eyelid conditions may need medical treatment. For example, a doctor may recommend medication, anti-dandruff shampoo, or warm compresses for blepharitis.

Some alternatives for dry eyelids include:

• protecting the eyes from the sun with sunglasses and sunscreen
• using eyelid moisturizers or serums
• using artificial tears if the eyes themselves feel dry

A person should contact a doctor if Vaseline or other home treatments do not improve the skin within a few weeks, or if the skin is very flushed or painful.

People who notice that their eyelids look dry or irritated after using Vaseline or any other moisturizer may have an allergy or sensitivity. They should stop using the product and contact a doctor.

Summary 

Vaseline is a safe moisture barrier that can help with many minor dry skin conditions, including the eyelids.

People using Vaseline on their eyelids must be careful not to let any enter the eye.

A person should avoid using it if they have a history of allergic reactions to petroleum jelly or Vaseline.

Contact a doctor if dry skin conditions get worse.

Last medically reviewed on February 5, 2021

Is Vaseline safe to put on the face?

SVaseline is safe for most people to use as a moisturizing product.

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.

Benefits

Below, we discuss some of the benefits of using Vaseline on the face.

Moisturizing

Petroleum jelly is an oil-based product that forms an oily film over the surface of the skin. This oily film seals in moisture, helping keep skin hydrated and soft.

According to a 2016 review article, Vaseline prevents more than 98% of water loss from the outer layer of the skin. This type of water loss is known as transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

In comparison, similar oil-based moisturizers, such as mineral oil and lanolin, reduce TEWL by about 20–30%.

Creating a physical barrier

The same oily film that seals in moisture also creates a physical barrier on the skin. This barrier protects against harsh elements and environmental pollutants that can damage the skin.

Risks

While Vaseline is typically safe to use on the face, it may not be suitable for everyone. Below are some potential risks of using Vaseline on the face.

Increased breakouts

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.

However, according to Vaseline’s company website, Vaseline is noncomedogenic, meaning that it will not clog or block pores.

Nonetheless, people who have oily or acne-prone skin may not like the greasy feeling that Vaseline leaves on the skin.

Skin irritation

According to a 2016 review, there are no reports of people experiencing a severe allergic reaction to Vaseline. Less severe allergic skin reactions are also rare.

However, anyone who develops any of the following symptoms after applying Vaseline should stop using the product:

• skin redness or soreness
• itching
• swelling or inflammation

How to use

According to the AAD, it is best to apply Vaseline to slightly damp skin. As such, the best time to apply it is after having a shower or washing the face.

People typically apply Vaseline using their fingertips. Before applying the product, a person should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water to avoid introducing any bacteria onto the facial skin.

A person can then apply a thin layer of Vaseline to dry areas of the skin, taking caring to avoid the mucous membranes of the eyes.

Uses

Vaseline has many potential uses as a skin care product, including those below:

Soothing dry skin

The AAD recommend applying Vaseline to parts of the face that are prone to dryness, such as the lips and eyelids. They suggest applying a small amount of Vaseline to slightly damp skin to help seal in moisture.

Alleviating itching

Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes patches of dry, flaky, and itchy skin.

Dermatologists often recommend petroleum jelly and similar ointments as a treatment for atopic dermatitis. These ointments seal in moisture, thereby reducing the skin dryness and flakiness that contribute to itching.

Assisting wound healing

According to the AAD, petroleum jelly may aid in the healing of minor wounds, such as cuts, scrapes, and scratches. The petroleum jelly locks in moisture, preventing the wound dryness and scabbing that ordinarily prolong wound healing.

By speeding up wound healing, petroleum jelly may also prevent the formation of large, deep, or itchy scars.

Sealing in other skin treatments

A person can apply serums or other active ingredients to their skin before applying Vaseline as a moisturizer. The Vaseline will help seal in the other skin care products, allowing them more time to work on the skin.

Cosmetic uses

Some people apply Vaseline to the apples of the cheeks as an alternative to blush or highlighter.

Alternatives

Several different moisturizing ingredients are suitable for use on the face. They typically fall into one of three categories: occlusives, emollients, and humectants.

Often, the manufacturers of skin care products will combine more than one type of moisturizer to enhance the moisturizing ability of the product.

Below are the three different types of moisturizers, along with some examples.

Occlusives

Occlusives, such as petroleum jelly, create a barrier over the skin, helping prevent water loss.

Two other common occlusive moisturizers are lanolin and mineral oil. However, a 2016 review notes that these ingredients may have a higher tendency to cause allergic reactions.

Emollients

Emollients are oils and high fat compounds that soften and smooth the skin.

Some examples of emollient moisturizers include:

• plant oils, such as grapeseed, sesame seed, and jojoba
• nut butters, which include cocoa butter and shea butter
• squalene

Humectants

Humectants are ingredients that bond with water molecules, thereby attracting water into the skin.

Two common humectant moisturizers are glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

Summary

As long as a person is not sensitive or allergic to Vaseline, this product is typically safe to apply to the face. In fact, Vaseline has many uses, from improving skin hydration to promoting wound healing.

Vaseline is an occlusive moisturizer, meaning that it seals moisture into the skin. To boost moisturization, people should apply the product to slightly damp skin.

People can use Vaseline alone or in combination with other moisturizers and skin care products.

Anyone who notices any skin irritation after using Vaseline should stop using it straight away.