Vaseline, which is a brand of petroleum jelly, is widely used for a variety of skincare and household purposes due to its ability to seal in moisture and protect the skin.
- Moisturizing dry skin: Vaseline creates a barrier that locks in moisture, helping to keep skin, lips, and even eyelids hydrated and protected from dryness[1][2][5].
- Assisting wound healing: Applied to minor cuts, scrapes, and burns, Vaseline helps keep the wound moist, preventing the formation of scabs and large scars while supporting the skin’s natural healing process[2][3][5][6].
- Preventing and treating chafing: Vaseline acts as a lubricant to reduce friction between skin or against clothing, which prevents and eases chafing on areas like thighs and underarms[1][4][5].
- Soothing diaper/nappy rash: Used on babies, Vaseline forms a protective layer that shields delicate skin against moisture, helping to prevent and treat diaper rash[1][3][5].
- Softening rough skin: Application to dry areas such as heels, feet, hands, or cuticles helps soften and repair rough or cracked skin[1][3][4][5].
- Alleviating itching and eczema: Vaseline can be used to soothe itching associated with dry skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and eczema in both adults and infants[2][6].
- Beauty and cosmetic uses: Vaseline can be used as a makeup remover, to shape eyebrows, as a highlighter, to exfoliate lips, or protect the skin during hair dye application[4].
- Protecting pet paws: A small amount of Vaseline can be applied to cracked or dry pet paws to aid healing and comfort[3].
- Miscellaneous household uses: Vaseline can lubricate door hinges, release stuck locks, or facilitate the removal of stuck rings[4].
It is important to note that Vaseline should not be used with latex condoms, as it can cause them to break, and large ingestions should be avoided, especially for children and pets[6].