Yep, the thick petroleum jelly that’s been around for literally hundreds of years. What’s it good for? From a body lubricant to highlighting your cheekbones – it’s the $2.99 multipurpose petroleum jelly you can’t be without.
We’re talking Vaseline, guys. Your nanna had a tub, your mum had it and now you also have a tub. It’s the medicine cabinet staple passed on from one generation to the next, but WHY?
What is Vaseline actually used for? Let us help you count the ways!
According to Healthline, petroleum jelly hasn’t changed much at all since first discovered way back in 1859 by Robert Augustus Chesebrough. The same chap went on to package the petroleum jelly, branded Vaseline.
14 Handy Uses for Vaseline
[mc_block_title custom_title=”1. Healing minor skin scrapes and burns”]
An obvious one. Originally, healing minor scrapes and burns is how petroleum jelly was used back in its heyday. Applying a thin layer of Vaseline to clean and dry (not open) abrasions help keep the area moist and can reduce itching and scarring as it heals.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”2. A top-notch moisturiser”]
I know, it sounds less than appealing, given how THICK emollient petroleum jelly is. BUT (and hear me out) when applied to particularly dry areas after a shower – think elbows, knees and feet – it’s the perfect drink for your skin. It absorbs right in!
[mc_block_title custom_title=”3. Cracked heels and dry summer feet”]
A good one to do before bed – soak your feet in warm water, towel dry, lather in Vaseline and pop on a pair of clean cotton socks. Your heels will thank you in the morning.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”4. Cheap as chips face highlight”]
Heading out and forgot your favourite highlighter in your cosmetic bag? Vaseline to the rescue with a light finger dab to make those cheekbones POP.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”5. Chapped lips fixer-upper”]
The ultimate weapon against chapped lips. Vaseline restores a pout back to their glorious, silky smooth former selves.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”6. Fix a dry, rough nose”]
If you’re battling a cold or allergies and there’s a LOT of nose-wiping or blowing happening resulting in a dry, chaffed nose, apply a slick of Vaseline to the area to help roughed up noses heal.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”7. Pet paws”]
Give your pup’s paws a little bit of extra protection from dryness and cracking by rubbing on a thin layer of Vaseline to paw pads. A great time to do it is after a walk when they’re plum tuckered and resting.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”8. Removing makeup”]
Got a mascara that refuses to budge? Try Vaseline! Apply by smearing on to eyelashes of CLOSED eyes, then wiping away mascara with a makeup remover pad.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”9. DIY cream blush”]
Dropped your favourite blush and it’s shattered into pieces? Mix the fine powder with a small amount of Vaseline to create a cream blush. Winning!
[mc_block_title custom_title=”10. Protecting babies’ bums”]
Vaseline helps provide a barrier against moisture which is perfect for warding off a nappy rash on sensitive baby bums. Apply Vaseline to a clean toosh!
[mc_block_title custom_title=”11. Freeing stuck objects”]
Vaseline is awesome for things that are stuck. Tried on that old ring and now it’s firmly stuck on your finger? The toddler got his knee wedged in the cot railings? Apply Vaseline liberally to the area, pushing it under and around the trapped ring (or knee) should help it slide free.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”12. Squeaky door hinges”]
Put an end to that annoying noisy door! Push a little Vaseline onto the door hinge, swing the door closed and open a couple of times and wipe the excess away with a clean cloth. Heavenly silence, no more squeaks!
[mc_block_title custom_title=”13. Chaffing eliminator”]
The chafing struggle is real. Apply Vaseline to your inner thighs to help relieve the symptoms of chafing. You can also apply Vaseline before heading out on that run – just bear in mind, it might stain your running shorts.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”14. A body lubricant”]
In a grind bind? Using Vaseline as a personal lube for between the sheets comes with risks for those using contraception. The oil-based product is designed for external use only and can damage latex condoms and sex toys and trap bacteria.
Plus it can stain clothing and bedsheets which is annoying. HOWEVER, it’s a great lubricant for newly waxed bits and preventing blisters when wearing new shoes – so it can still be a great body lubricant. YAY!
Things to remember:
- You need a triple-distilled, purified product such as Vaseline to avoid putting any toxic contaminants on your skin.
- Your skin needs to be SQUEAKY clean and completely dry before applying Vaseline or it could cause fungal or bacterial infections.
What say you? Have you been a long-time Vaseline user? We’d love to hear what your favourite use or hack for it is. Leave us a comment below to let us know.
