
Petroleum jelly is a hydrocarbon and petroleum-based product that serves as the basis for many cosmetic products. However, thanks to its composition, it has been determined that there are multiple applications and benefits that make it a star product for everyday life.
In this oneHOWTO article we show you 25 uses of petroleum jelly so you can get the most out of this fantastic ingredient. Take note!
Types of Vaseline
You can find petroleum jelly in two main formats:
- Solid Vaseline: very useful for treating specific areas of the body such as chapped lips or irritations.
- Liquid Vaseline: it is the most used format, as it can be used to hydrate, lubricate and nourish the skin, nails and hair. This type of petroleum jelly can also be used as a laxative (always under medical prescription).
Both have the same composition, however, one format is better for certain treatments and the other is used for different functionalities.
The main compound in petroleum jelly is paraffin, an oil derived from petroleum. However, petroleum jelly also contains microcrystalline wax, extracted from the degreasing obtained in the refining of crude oil. It is important to keep this in mind so as not to confuse vaseline with paraffin, of a very different composition.
Next, we explain 25 uses of petroleum jelly so that you can identify what type of format will suit you best and how to use Vaseline according to each need.
Vaseline uses: for the skin
Vaseline for the skin has many uses, since it is a product used in creams for wrinkles, for dry face, for blemishes and even to relieve the discomfort caused by chafing. In winter, Vaseline will help you fight cold waves, while in your day-to-day life you can use it to seal makeup or to nourish your skin.
Here we talk about some of the uses of solid and liquid petroleum jelly best known, so do not miss these indications:

Vaseline for dermatitis
Vaseline is an ideal ally for anyone who suffers from dermatitis, however, from UNCOMO we advise you to use it especially if you have babies or small children at home.
The diaper rashAs its name suggests, it occurs on the baby’s skin and can be the cause of great discomfort. For this reason, we recommend that, with each diaper change, you clean and dry the area well before applying a little liquid Vaseline and massaging for a couple of minutes.
Vaseline to remove stains and nourish the face
Among the uses of liquid petroleum jelly, you cannot miss that of removing stains and nourishing the skin, since this product is perfect for reduce excess pigmentation on the face and body. If you want to use petroleum jelly to lighten your skin, we advise you to mix it with a little lemon, an anti-blemish ingredient with incredible properties.
- Mix a little Vaseline with the juice of half a lemon.
- Apply the mixture to your face after you have cleaned your face well.
- Massage your face in circular motions for greater penetration.
If you want more information on How to use lemon to lighten skin, take a look at this other oneHOWTO article.

Vaseline for acne
When we talk about the uses of solid or liquid petroleum jelly for the face, we cannot ignore that it is a most beneficial product for acne.
Not only does Vaseline hydrate the skin in depth, but its properties are very flattering for fight facial inflammation and facilitate the absorption of other creams. Therefore, if you are undergoing acne treatment or want a moisturizing mask that leaves your face soft, do not hesitate to use liquid petroleum jelly.
- Always use very small amounts to avoid greasing the skin.
- Apply the petroleum jelly right after the serum or your moisturizer so that they are well enclosed in your pores.
Vaseline for wrinkles
Vaseline is a very useful treatment against wrinkles, as it is present in anti-aging masks that help tone and hydrate the skin to reduce the signs of aging. By containing vitamins A and E, petroleum jelly prevents the oxidation of skin cells, thus preventing premature wear of the dermis.
Using petroleum jelly for wrinkles is very simple; you just have to wash your face well with a little antibacterial soap and then apply some homemade wrinkle cream based on petroleum jelly like the ones we show you below.
Vaseline and rose oil mask
To prepare this cream you will need:
- 1 teaspoon wheat germ oil
- 1 teaspoon of rose oil (if you don’t have this ingredient and want to learn how to make rose oil, don’t miss this other oneHOWTO article)
- 2 tablespoons of Vaseline
Now follow these steps:
- In a saucepan, mix 2 tablespoons of petroleum jelly with 1 teaspoon of wheat germ oil and 1 teaspoon of rose oil.
- When the petroleum jelly is completely melted into the mixture, remove the pot from the heat and wait for it to cool.
- Apply the mask at night, directly on the areas you want to treat and massage in a circular motion until the cream sets on the skin.
- Let the mixture work for 20 to 30 minutes and wash the skin with cold water.
Vaseline and honey mask
To prepare this cream you will need:
- 2 tablespoons of Vaseline
- The yolk of an egg
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Follow these instructions:
- Melt 2 tablespoons of petroleum jelly.
- Add the egg yolk, the small tablespoon of honey and the tablespoon of olive oil.
- Mix for approximately 10 minutes and when everything is integrated, remove the pot from the heat.
- Once it has cooled down, spread the mask over your face and let it sit for 30 minutes. Afterwards, wash your face with plenty of water.
If you want to discover more honey-based masks to achieve a hydrated and youthful skin, we explain how to make a honey and olive oil mask for the face.
Vaseline and coconut oil mask
To prepare this cream you will need:
- 1 tablespoon of Vaseline
- 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
Follow this step by step:
- Mix the petroleum jelly, aloe vera gel, and coconut oil to form a smooth paste.
- Apply a little mask on the eye contour, dabbing the area with your fingertips.
- Let the mixture act overnight and, when you get up, wash your eyes with plenty of water.
If you are curious and want more information on How to use coconut oil for wrinkles, be sure to read this other article.

Vaseline for eyebrows
To promote the growth and thickness of the eyebrows, liquid Vaseline will be a great ally, since it is an excellent stimulant. In turn, moisturizing and strengthening properties of the petroleum jelly will make the hair grow straight and firm, so you can show off healthy eyebrows both inside and out.
Simply apply Vaseline to your eyebrows every night before going to bed; add a small amount and make upward movements, from the inside to the outside of the brow. Finally, let it act overnight and in the morning wash your face with plenty of water.
For Vaseline to do its job, it is essential that you wash your eyebrows well before applying it; removes any impurities or traces of makeup and thus prevents clogging of pores. You can also combine half a teaspoon of Vaseline with five drops of olive oil, you will noticeably increase the thickness of your eyebrows! For more information on How to grow eyebrows with Vaseline, check out this other article.
Vaseline for eyelashes
As with the eyebrows, the eyelashes are also greatly benefited by the use of petroleum jelly, and the moisturizing properties of this product make it a most effective conditioner.
Apply liquid petroleum jelly to your lashes with a Q-tip or mascara brush; do it from root to tip, without fear. Make zigzag movements to thoroughly impregnate the lashes.
From UNCOMO we recommend applying the treatment just before going to bed, as this will allow the petroleum jelly to act throughout the night and in the morning you will only have to wash your face well before going out. If you want to know more Benefits of Vaseline for eyelashes, do not miss these tricks and home remedies.

Vaseline for the beard
Within the uses of petroleum jelly we also find one of the men’s favorites; the use of petroleum jelly for the beard. If you want to keep your facial hair clean, hydrated and thick to achieve a very thick beard, the use of cosmetics based on petroleum jelly will be essential.
We help you prepare a homemade beard wax based on petroleum jelly, a natural mixture that will stimulate the growth of your facial hair to the maximum. These are the ingredients you will need:
- 2 tablespoons organic beeswax
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa butter
- 7 drops of cinnamon essential oil
- 1 tablespoon of pure petroleum jelly
Now follow these instructions:
- Mix 2 tablespoons …