A new beauty trend is taking over our social media feeds, and this time, it's all about lashes. People claim the next best beauty hack is ditching mascara altogether for something you might already have in your bathroom cabinet—Vaseline. According to TikTok, Vaseline makes lashes look more lifted, holds a curl better, and works as a lash lift dupe.
Vaseline, a mixture of mineral oils and waxes with a jelly-like consistency, is primarily known for moisturizing and sealing the skin barrier. You might already use it to hydrate dry skin, eyelids, and lips, soothe small cuts, prevent chafing, or condition your cuticles—but using it on lashes is uncharted territory.
Let's be real—there's a lot we'd do for perfectly curled, lifted, and voluminous lashes. But the eye area is sensitive, so it's important to exercise caution with anything applied near it, especially if you wear contacts. That's why we asked two board-certified dermatologists to answer all our burning questions. Below, learn whether it's safe to use Vaseline on your lashes, the potential side effects, and how to go about it the right way.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Shari Lipner is a board-certified dermatologist at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York.
- Dr. Jack Levy is a board-certified dermatologist at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York.
What Is Vaseline?
Vaseline is the brand name for petroleum jelly or petrolatum. Dermatologists widely recommend this oil-based compound for locking in moisture, healing wounds, and supporting the skin's barrier function. "It is an inert substance that can also be used as a vehicle to deliver medicines to the skin," board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jack Levy says.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Lipner adds that petroleum jelly was first discovered in 1859 by Robert Augustus Chesebrough, who noticed oil workers applying a similar substance to cuts and burns.
The Benefits
One of the main benefits of petrolatum lies in its occlusive properties, which help seal in moisture, says Dr. Levy. He explains, "When we use soap, it binds to the natural oils produced by the skin and washes them away. This loss of the skin's natural barrier function allows more water to evaporate from the skin's surface."
This process, known as Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL), can lead to skin sensitivity, spontaneous rashes, and worsening conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Restoring the natural barrier helps hydrated skin remain supple and youthful and, importantly, provides a healthy surface for hair growth.
Beyond its benefits for the skin, Dr. Levy notes that petroleum jelly can also lock moisture into the hair shaft, including eyelashes. "It can prevent lash loss and help strengthen and lubricate the lashes to avoid breakage from trauma or chemicals," he says. "It can also prevent brittle lashes that break or shed from minor trauma, such as using a mascara brush or a lash curler."
Potential Side Effects
The good thing about petroleum jelly is that very few people are allergic to it, which is why dermatologists recommend it so widely. However, Dr. Levy notes that, in rare cases, people can develop hives from applying petroleum jelly to the skin.
The eye area, in particular, requires extra caution. "Frequent application of large amounts of petroleum jelly around the eye can clog pores, occasionally leading to a blocked oil gland and resulting in a painful bump known as a chalazion or a hordeolum," Dr. Levy explains. "If petroleum jelly comes into contact with the eye, it may cause prolonged blurry vision or, in rare cases, a foreign body reaction called a conjunctival granuloma."
Dr. Lipner adds that it can also block oil glands, potentially causing a sty. "Avoid using it if you have a history of eye infections," she advises.
It can also cause breakouts on the face in people with acne-prone skin. "If used on the face, it should only be applied for short periods, typically less than a week," Dr. Lipner says.
Does Vaseline Work for Lifting Lashes?
If you've been influenced by TikTok to use Vaseline for lifting your lashes, you're not alone—and there is some truth to the trend. Dr. Levy explains, "As a lubricant and moisturizer, petroleum jelly helps condition the lashes, making them more malleable, less likely to break under the pressure of a lash curler, and more prominent. This forms the basis of the lash lift trend."
However, he warns that while petroleum jelly can help maintain healthy eyelid skin and moisturize the lashes, it doesn't directly influence lash length or thickness. "Over time, conditioning the lashes can reduce shedding and breakage, allowing lashes to stay in the growth phase longer, but it won't actively grow or thicken them."
How to Apply It to Your Lashes
Petroleum jelly should always be applied from a non-contaminated tube using clean hands, a sterile spoolie brush, or a clean applicator. Avoid using an applicator that has previously touched anyone's lips, mouth, skin, or hair. "Bacteria that naturally live in these areas don't belong near the eyes and can cause dangerous infections," Dr. Levy says.
Care should also be taken to avoid applying large amounts of petroleum jelly to the eyelids—less is more in this case. "The best time to apply petroleum jelly to the lashes is after they've been moistened with lukewarm water, such as after a shower or bath," Dr. Levy explains. He recommends following the steps below.
- Gently cleanse the lashes and eyelids with a tear-free baby shampoo.
- While the lashes are still damp, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly slightly away from where the lashes emerge from the skin, stroking it through the lashes.
- If desired, use a clean lash curler to gently curl the lashes after hydrating and lubricating them.
- For a wet look, lightly stroke the lashes from side to side with a lubricated finger or clean spoolie.
- When removing petroleum jelly from the lashes, use a tear-free shampoo and handle the area gently to avoid irritation.
The Final Takeaway
While petroleum jelly doesn't physically lift lashes or help them grow, it can make them appear fuller and thicker. "I recommend using petroleum jelly occasionally to minimize potential side effects," Dr. Lipner says. When you do use it, take proper precautions—wash your hands, apply sparingly, and remove it gently with a tear-free shampoo.
For those seeking more dramatic results, Dr. Levy recommends FDA-approved treatments. "Dermatologists often prescribe bimatoprost, a topical medication that safely lengthens and darkens lashes," he says. "While you need to continue using it to maintain results, it provides noticeable improvements."
