No petroleum product, including Vaseline, can make eyelashes grow faster or thicker. But Vaseline's moisture-locking properties do provide some benefits for eyelashes, which may make them look healthier and lusher.
Let's look at how you can use Vaseline to safely moisturize skin and hair, including the thin skin of the eyelids and eyelashes.
Vaseline is made of 100 percent purified white petrolatum. It's been a dry skin staple in many American homes since its discovery in 1859.
Vaseline is a brand name that's become fairly synonymous with petroleum jelly, but there are other brands of this product you can buy, too. Some of them may have added ingredients, such as water or fragrance.
There are several benefits to using Vaseline on your eyelashes and eyelids.
Vaseline is very budget-friendly, especially when compared to pricier skin care products. You also need a very small amount, so a little goes a long way.
A thin coat of Vaseline applied at the base of your lashes or to the lash tips may help give them a thicker and fuller appearance.
If you have sensitive skin, or conditions such as eyelid dermatitis or blepharitis, using Vaseline can be a safe way for you to moisturize your eyelashes.
If you're prone to eye infections, though, speak with your ophthalmologist before using Vaseline, as the product isn't sterile.
Be sure to use cotton swabs, not your fingers, when applying the product to your eyelashes.
Vaseline is safe to use around the skin of your eyes and on your eyelashes. According to research, allergic reactions to petroleum jelly are rare, making this a good choice for people who are sensitive to other products.
Vaseline is an occlusive substance, meaning that it forms a layer on the skin's surface that can effectively block moisture loss, keeping skin hydrated and healthy. This means it's beneficial for very dry skin.
Vaseline provides the same benefit for eyelashes. There's even some evidence that it's beneficial for dry eye.
Vaseline can effectively moisturize both eyelid skin and eyelashes, so you only need one product.
In addition to helping skin and hair retain moisture, a 1992 study shows that Vaseline can penetrate the outer layer of skin (stratum corneum).
However, since Vaseline is an occlusive substance, it continues to sit on top of skin, too. This can make it ineffective for use as a facial or eyelid moisturizer before applying makeup.
If you're planning to use Vaseline for eyelash care, consider applying it after removing your makeup in the evening or before going to bed.
If your skin is dry, you can use Vaseline in addition to other skin care products.
Here's one way to apply Vaseline to your eyelashes:
Even though it's safe, Vaseline can feel uncomfortable. Because it's thick, it can also make vision blurry if you get it in your eyes. If this happens, using eye drops with the same ingredients found in natural tears should restore your eye's comfort.
Vaseline isn't for everyone. It's very thick and can feel sticky to use. Because of its consistency, some people have trouble applying it to their eyelashes without rubbing the sensitive skin around their eyes.
As with any product, it's also important to employ good hygiene while using Vaseline. If there's dirt or bacteria on the product or your hands, an infection of the eyelid, called a stye, might result.
If you get a stye, throw out the product. You might want to speak with your ophthalmologist about if it's safe to resume use of Vaseline on your eyelashes after the stye has healed.
The American Academy of Dermatology doesn't recommend petroleum jelly for people who are prone to acne breakouts.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you can still use Vaseline around your eyes and on your eyelashes, but avoid using it on your face since it's comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores.
Vaseline doesn't contain ingredients that combat fine lines and wrinkles, such as retinoids or peptides. If you're concerned about wrinkling around the eyes, see a dermatologist. They may be able to recommend a proper treatment strategy based on your specific concerns.
If you have sensitive skin, make sure you use a petroleum jelly that's 100 percent petrolatum and triple-purified. Even Vaseline has some products that include added fragrance.
Vaseline is an occlusive moisturizer that can be used effectively on dry skin and eyelashes. It can't make eyelashes grow faster or longer, but it can moisturize them, making them look fuller and lusher.
It isn't right for everyone, though. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, don't use Vaseline or petroleum jelly on your face.
Vaseline may be best used at night, when you're not planning on applying makeup, such as mascara, to your eyelashes.