You've probably seen it all over TikTok. People are literally slathering their faces in petroleum jelly before bed, claiming it’s the secret to "glass skin." They call it slugging. It sounds messy. Honestly, it is messy. If you value your silk pillowcases, you might want to look away now. But behind the social media hype, there is some serious science regarding what happens if you put vaseline on your face, and it isn’t just about looking like a glazed donut.
Vaseline is basically just 100% white petrolatum. It’s been around since the 1870s when Robert Chesebrough noticed oil workers using a byproduct of the drilling process to heal their cuts. It’s a "thick" ingredient. It doesn't sink in. Unlike that expensive hyaluronic acid serum sitting on your vanity, Vaseline doesn't actually add moisture to your skin. Instead, it sits on top of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of your skin) like a literal plastic wrap. It's an occlusive. This means it traps the moisture that is already in your skin, preventing it from evaporating into the dry air.
Does it work? Yes. But there are some major caveats you need to know before you dive headfirst into a tub of grease.
The Science of the Seal: Why Slugging Actually Works
The primary thing to understand about what happens if you put vaseline on your face is the concept of Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL). Every single day, your skin loses water to the environment. If you live in a dry climate or have the heater cranked up in the winter, your skin barrier starts to crack and feel like sandpaper.
According to various dermatological studies, white petrolatum is the most effective occlusive on the market. It can reduce TEWL by more than 98%. That is massive. By comparison, ingredients like lanolin or mineral oil only reduce it by about 20% to 30%. When you seal that moisture in, your skin has the space it needs to repair itself. It’s like putting a band-aid over a scrape—it protects the area so the body can do its job.
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But here is where people get it wrong.
You cannot just slap Vaseline on a dirty face. If you trap dirt, sweat, or leftover makeup under that seal, you are basically creating a petri dish for bacteria. You have to be meticulous about your double cleanse. First, an oil-based cleanser to melt the day away, followed by a gentle, hydrating water-based cleanser. Only then, while your skin is still slightly damp, should you apply a thin layer of the jelly.
The Breakout Risk: Who Should Avoid It?
"Wait, won't it clog my pores?"
Technically, no. Vaseline is non-comedogenic. The molecules are actually too large to physically enter your pores and clog them. However—and this is a big however—it can trap other stuff that does clog your pores. If you have naturally oily skin or you’re prone to cystic acne, what happens if you put vaseline on your face might be a total disaster.
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If your skin produces a lot of sebum (oil), and you seal that sebum under a layer of petrolatum, you’re asking for trouble. It can cause a backup. Suddenly, you're dealing with "milia"—those tiny, hard white bumps that feel like grains of sand under your skin. They aren't pimples, and you can't pop them. You usually have to see a pro to get them extracted.
A Quick Reality Check on Acne
If you're currently using actives like Retinol, Tretinoin, or Glycolic Acid, you need to be extremely careful. Slugging increases the "potency" of whatever is underneath it. If you put a strong prescription retinoid on your face and then seal it with Vaseline, you are essentially "driving" that medication deeper into the skin. It can lead to massive irritation, peeling, and redness. Many dermatologists suggest skipping the Vaseline on nights you use your heavy hitters.
The Anti-Aging Myth and the Truth
Can Vaseline stop wrinkles? Not really.
It won't stimulate collagen. It won't erase the fine lines you got from laughing too hard. But, it does make the skin look temporarily plumper. When skin is hydrated, it reflects light better. It looks bouncy. Dehydrated skin looks crepey and dull. So, while it’s not a fountain of youth in a blue-capped jar, it provides the optimal environment for your skin to stay resilient.
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Dr. Shari Marchbein, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at NYU, has often pointed out that the skin barrier is our first line of defense. When that barrier is compromised—due to harsh scrubs or cold weather—everything goes south. Vaseline acts as a temporary barrier. It’s a "safety net" for your face.
Surprising Benefits You Might Not Know
Most people think of the cheeks and forehead, but what happens if you put vaseline on your face also applies to the delicate areas.
- Eyelid Dermatitis: If your eyelids get flaky and itchy, a tiny bit of Vaseline can be a lifesaver. It's one of the few things safe enough to use around the eyes.
- Wound Healing: If you have a picked pimple (don't do it, but we all do) or a small scratch, Vaseline keeps the wound moist. Moist wounds heal up to 50% faster than dry ones and are less likely to scar.
- Lip Barrier: Your lips don't have oil glands. They are the first to suffer. A layer of Vaseline over a lip balm can stop that "chronic peeling" cycle.
How to Do It Without Making a Mess
If you’re going to try this, don't use a handful. You need a pea-sized amount for your entire face. Rub it between your palms to warm it up so it spreads thinly.
- Cleanse: Thoroughly. No shortcuts.
- Hydrate: Use a glycerin-based serum or a light moisturizer.
- Seal: Apply the Vaseline.
- Wait: Give it 15 minutes before hitting the pillow.
Honestly, some people hate the feeling. It’s sticky. You might feel like a grease monkey. If that's the case, you can just do "spot slugging." Apply it only to the dry patches around your nose or on your lips.
The Verdict on Petroleum Jelly
Is it a miracle? Maybe for some. For others, it’s a recipe for a breakout. The key is understanding your own skin's "ecosystem." If you have dry, eczema-prone skin, this might be the best $5 you ever spent. If you’re struggling with active acne, keep the jar in the medicine cabinet for your elbows and heels instead.
Actionable Next Steps for Better Results
- The Patch Test: Before going full-face, apply a small amount to your jawline for three nights. If you wake up with bumps, your skin doesn't like the occlusion.
- Check the Weather: Use this technique specifically when the humidity drops below 30%. In the humid summer months, it’s usually overkill.
- Avoid the "Active" Trap: Never slug over high-strength BHAs or AHAs unless you want a chemical burn-lite experience. Keep it simple with hydrating ingredients like ceramides or panthenol.
- Wash It Off Properly: In the morning, you need a proper cleanse. Use a warm washcloth to ensure all the residual petrolatum is gone before you apply your daytime SPF.
At the end of the day, Vaseline is a tool, not a cure-all. It’s one of the most studied ingredients in the history of skincare, and for a good reason—it’s simple, it’s cheap, and it does exactly what it says on the tin. It protects. Just make sure you’re not trapping the wrong things underneath it.