Vaseline was the first brand name for petroleum jelly, and over time, it’s become so ingrained in our minds that we often use the two terms interchangeably.
With something that’s been around this long, it’s no surprise people have discovered all sorts of creative uses for it.
Here are 40 ways to make the most out of petroleum jelly — no matter the brand. Some of these might just surprise you.
Create a full body scrub
Mix petroleum jelly with a bit of sugar or salt, then gently massage it into your skin for an easy and effective exfoliator.
Seal in lip color
Apply a layer of petroleum jelly over your lipstick — it helps lock in the color and gives it a longer-lasting, more vibrant finish.
Help your pet’s paws
If your pet has cracked or sore paws, petroleum jelly can provide relief. Gently clean their paws, then apply a thin layer to help soothe and protect the area.
Get more life out of old nail polish
If your nail polish is starting to look dull, a bit of petroleum jelly can bring back the shine. Simply wipe a small amount over your nails for an instant glossy boost.
Get a tight ring off
Got a ring stuck on your finger? Don’t panic. Just dab a little petroleum jelly around the ring and the surrounding skin — it’ll help it slide off much more easily with minimal pulling.
Protect new tattoos
Newly healed tattoos need extra care and protection. Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly helps keep the skin moisturized and your ink looking vibrant and well-maintained.
Painless earrings
Before putting on earrings, apply a little petroleum jelly to the posts. It helps them slide in more easily and reduces irritation or tugging on your ears throughout the day.
Perfect braids
Before braiding, smooth a small amount of petroleum jelly through your hair. It helps tame flyaways, keeps strands in place, and gives your braids a sleek, polished look.
Prevent scarring
Apply petroleum jelly to damaged skin to help prevent scarring. Keeping the area moisturized and protected supports healthy healing and encourages smooth new skin formation.
Use after threading
Threading is an effective way to remove stray hairs, but it can leave skin feeling sore or irritated. Applying petroleum jelly afterward helps soothe the skin and speeds up the healing process.
Use on cuticles
Cuticles might get overlooked, but they’re essential for healthy nails. Applying petroleum jelly around your nails keeps the skin soft, nourished, and protected.
Use with nail polish
To avoid getting nail polish on your skin, apply a bit of petroleum jelly around your nails before painting. If any polish slips out of bounds, it’ll wipe right off with ease.
Get a perfect tan
If you have dry patches on your skin, apply a bit of petroleum jelly to those areas before using any tanning products. It helps prevent uneven absorption and ensures a more even, natural-looking tan.
Stop lipstick from getting on your teeth
Before applying lipstick, swipe a thin layer of petroleum jelly on your teeth. It’ll keep lipstick from sticking and save you from any accidental smudges on your smile.
Soothe razor bumps
If your skin gets irritated after shaving, petroleum jelly can help. Just apply a thin layer to the area to soothe, calm, and protect the skin.
Fix a zipper
Got a stubborn zipper? Rub a small amount of petroleum jelly on both sides — it’ll help loosen it right up and get it moving again.
Shape eyebrows
Petroleum jelly is great for taming unruly eyebrows. Even if your brows are already pretty neat, a little dab helps keep every hair perfectly in place.
Smile longer
If you need to smile a lot or perform, apply a bit of petroleum jelly to your teeth. It prevents your lips from sticking to them, even when your mouth is dry.
Stop letting glue seal caps shut
Apply a dab of petroleum jelly around the rim and under the cap of glue bottles — it’ll keep them from sealing shut and make them easier to open next time.
Exfoliate your lips
Apply a layer of petroleum jelly to your lips, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently exfoliate with a toothbrush. The result? Soft, smooth lips you’ll love.
Create tousled waves
For a quick and effortless style, scrunch a small amount of petroleum jelly into your hair. It helps shape and hold your look with minimal effort.
Dye safely
Before dyeing your hair, grab some petroleum jelly and apply it along your hairline. It acts as a barrier, preventing stray dye from staining your skin.
Use after shaving
Apply a bit of petroleum jelly to freshly shaved skin — it helps lock in moisture, leaving your skin shiny, smooth, and well-protected.
Get a healthy glow
If your skin’s looking a bit dull, rub in a small amount of petroleum jelly. It’ll add a subtle glow and give your skin a healthier, more radiant look.
Have shower curtains that open effortlessly
If you’re having to tug hard to open or close your shower curtain, try applying a little petroleum jelly to the curtain rod. After that, it’ll glide smoothly with no effort.
Prevent hairdryer damage
If blow-drying is taking a toll on your hair, try this: massage a small amount of petroleum jelly through your strands before using the hairdryer. It adds a protective layer and helps reduce damage.
Apply before swimming
If you have cuts or scrapes, apply a layer of petroleum jelly before getting in the water. It forms a protective barrier to help shield your skin from irritation or infection.
Repair cracked lips
If your lips are badly chapped or damaged, don’t lose hope — petroleum jelly starts working right away to soothe, heal, and restore them.
Calm eczema
If you have eczema, you know how easily it can get irritated. Applying petroleum jelly right after a shower helps lock in moisture, soothe the skin, and keep flare-ups at bay.
Prevent a dry or red nose
If you’re dealing with a cold, your nose can easily become chapped from constant wiping. Prevent the soreness by applying a bit of petroleum jelly around your nostrils to keep the skin moisturized and protected.
Soothe painful earlobes
After wearing earrings all day, your ears might feel sore or irritated. Rub a little petroleum jelly into the skin to soothe and moisturize for instant relief.
Eliminate dry or scaly skin
If you or your baby have dry patches of skin, apply some petroleum jelly. It will soothe the irritation and create a protective barrier to help the skin heal.
Prevent diaper rashes
Applying a preventative layer of petroleum jelly on your baby’s skin helps keep moisture out, protecting against irritation and preventing many rashes from forming.
Easy lighting
Instead of struggling with stuck lightbulbs later, do a little prep work now — apply a tiny bit of petroleum jelly to the base before screwing them in. Next time you need to change them, they’ll twist right out with ease.
Avoid skin damage from wind
If you’re heading out into cold, windy weather, protect your skin by applying a layer of petroleum jelly to your hands and face beforehand. It helps shield against dryness, chapping, and windburn.
Repair damaged hands
After working with your hands, rub some petroleum jelly onto your palms. It helps soothe rough skin, reduce damage, and support healing.
Avoid chafing from clothes
If a favorite outfit always rubs you the wrong way in the same spot, apply a bit of petroleum jelly to that area before wearing it to prevent chafing. You can also use it afterward to soothe any irritated skin.
Repair your scalp
To soothe a dry or damaged scalp, massage petroleum jelly into your roots and scalp before shampooing. It helps protect, moisturize, and calm irritated skin.
Get perfect hands and feet
For ultra-soft, deeply moisturized skin, rub a generous layer of petroleum jelly onto your hands and feet, then slip on socks or gloves. Leave them on overnight, and wake up to smooth, nourished skin.
Protect your baby’s eyes
If you’re worried about shampoo running into your baby’s eyes, try this simple trick: apply a bit of petroleum jelly to their eyebrows before washing their hair. It helps redirect the water and keeps suds away from their eyes.
