Vaseline—also known as petroleum jelly—has been a trusted household essential for over 150 years. While many people only think of it as a simple lip balm, the truth is this affordable drugstore product is a multi-purpose beauty must-have that can moisturize, protect, and even solve unexpected everyday problems.
If you’ve got a single jar at home, you already own one of the most versatile skincare and lifestyle products ever made. Here are 18 genius ways to use Vaseline that will make you wonder how you ever lived without it.
Beauty & Skincare Wonders
1. Overnight Lip Treatment
Apply a thin layer before bed for soft, plump, and hydrated lips by morning—perfect for cold or dry climates.
2. Cuticle Softener
Massage into cuticles daily to prevent cracks and keep nails looking salon-perfect.
3. Dry Skin Rescue
Lock in moisture on elbows, knees, and heels. For baby-soft feet, apply generously and wear cotton socks overnight.
4. DIY Lip Scrub
Mix Vaseline with sugar for a gentle exfoliating treatment that smooths and nourishes lips instantly.
5. Brow Tamer
Tame unruly brows with a dab of Vaseline for a natural, sleek finish—no crunchy residue.
6. Gentle Makeup Remover
Dissolves waterproof mascara and long-lasting lipstick without tugging or irritating the skin.
7. Natural Dewy Highlighter
Tap a small amount onto cheekbones for a glass-skin glow without shimmer or glitter.
8. Perfume Lock-In
Apply to pulse points before spraying perfume—it helps the fragrance last all day.
Hair & Lash Care Essentials
9. Split-End Smoother
Rub a tiny amount into hair ends to tame frizz and prevent breakage between trims.
10. Overnight Lash Conditioner
A light coat on clean lashes before bed keeps them soft, healthy-looking, and more flexible.
Everyday Household Hacks
11. Anti-Chafing Barrier
Protect skin during workouts by applying to inner thighs, underarms, or anywhere friction occurs.
12. Hair Dye & Self-Tanner Protector
Swipe along your hairline, ears, and eyebrows to avoid stains.
13. Leather Restorer
Buff into handbags, belts, or shoes for an instant shine and refresh.
14. Zipper Saver
Rub Vaseline along a stuck zipper to make it glide smoothly again.
15. Earring Helper
Apply to earring posts for easier insertion and reduced irritation.
16. Rust Prevention
Coat scissors, garden tools, or blades to protect them from rusting.
17. Nail Polish Bottle Trick
Rub around the neck of a nail polish bottle to prevent the cap from sticking.
18. Temporary Phone Screen Protector
Smooth a thin layer over small cracks to reduce sharp edges and make the damage less visible until repair.
Tips for Best Results
- Always use 100% pure petroleum jelly for skin and beauty applications.
- A little goes a long way—start with a small amount.
- Avoid using inside the nose or on deep wounds without medical guidance.
Final Thoughts
Vaseline is not just a basic moisturizer—it’s a beauty hero, skin protector, and everyday problem solver all in one. For just a few dollars, you can unlock 18+ powerful uses that can replace multiple products in your beauty cabinet and make daily life easier.