Is Vaseline effective for treating dry skin?

Vaseline is commonly incorporated into a wide range of skincare products. ©Thinkstock

Imagine being told about a miracle skin cream that locks in moisture, heals wounds, calms irritation, and combats wrinkles—all for just pennies per ounce. You might already own it! This wonder product is none other than petroleum jelly, famously known by its brand name, Vaseline.

Tyra Banks, the supermodel and TV host, has publicly praised Vaseline for its anti-aging benefits. In 2006, she enthusiastically handed out tubs of the product to her studio audience, declaring it her ultimate beauty secret. [Source: YouTube,

TreSugar] Dermatologists also endorse its effectiveness, making it a favorite among skincare enthusiasts.

"Vaseline is truly an exceptional product—arguably the safest option available—due to its extremely low likelihood of causing skin irritation or allergic reactions," explains Chris Adigun, assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. "This makes it ideal for treating stubborn dryness or sensitive areas like around the eyes and lips."

Jeffrey Benabio, MD, a dermatologist at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego, often suggests Vaseline to patients suffering from extreme dryness, eczema, or psoriasis. Its affordability encourages people to use it generously, he notes.

"Many believe they need to purchase costly eczema creams, but then they use them sparingly due to the high price," Benabio states. "With Vaseline being so affordable, users can develop the habit of applying it liberally, which is crucial for achieving noticeable results."

A 1993 study revealed that petroleum jelly not only locks in moisture but also helps repair fat cells damaged by dry skin [Ghadially].

Although derived from petroleum, concerns about absorbing harmful chemicals are unfounded. Research confirms that the jelly's thick consistency prevents it from penetrating the skin, posing no risk unless ingested. [Source: Go Ask Alice!] Vaseline is also effective for sealing and healing minor cuts, burns, and irritated skin, and it provides protection against windburn in cold weather.

The primary drawback of Vaseline, aside from its greasy, glossy, and occasionally messy consistency, is its origin from fossil fuels rather than sustainable, renewable sources. For environmentally aware individuals seeking alternatives, Adigun suggests beeswax or plant-based options that create a comparable protective barrier on the skin and can be applied similarly.