Is it okay to put Vaseline on your eyelashes?

Many people wonder if it is a good idea to put petroleum jelly on their eyelashes. Some swear by it for hydrated and healthy lashes, while others doubt its effectiveness and safety. In this blog, we answer two frequently asked questions about petroleum jelly and your lashes.

In this article you will read about:

  • What is Vaseline made of
  • Is Vaseline on your eyelashes any good
  • Is Vaseline safe for eyelashes

Key take aways:

  • Vaseline moisturizes and protects your eyelashes from drying out and external influences, but does not stimulate hair growth.
  • It is generally safe for use around the eyes, provided you use a pure, fragrance-free version and apply it carefully.
  • For longer or fuller eyelashes, products such as eyelash serums or castor oil are more effective than Vaseline.

1.0 | What exactly is petroleum jelly?

1.1 | What is petroleum jelly made of?

To know whether it is okay to apply petroleum jelly to your eyelashes, we first need to know what it is made of. Petroleum jelly consists mainly of purified petroleum jelly, a mixture of mineral oils and waxy substances. It is extracted from crude oil and then refined and purified several times to make it safe for use on the skin.

1.2 | What does petroleum jelly do?

Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, is an occlusive substance. This means that it forms a protective layer on the skin and hair, retaining moisture and preventing dehydration. It does not actively nourish or stimulate hair, but protects what is already there.

2.0 | What does petroleum jelly do for eyelashes?

2.1 | Hydration and protection

Vaseline can help keep eyelashes supple and protect them from drying out. This can help reduce dry or brittle eyelashes, especially when using mascara or makeup remover.

2.2 | Less eyelash breakage

Because eyelashes remain better hydrated, they are less likely to break off. This makes eyelashes appear slightly fuller over time, but this is because they are better preserved, not because they grow faster.

2.3 | Optical effect

Vaseline gives eyelashes a slight shine and makes them more flexible. This can make them look temporarily darker, fuller, and healthier, similar to the effect of a transparent eyelash gel.

3.0 | What Vaseline does not do

Although it is often claimed, petroleum jelly does not stimulate hair growth. It does not activate hair follicles or prolong the growth phase of eyelashes. Eyelashes do not actually become longer or thicker as a result of petroleum jelly, only better protected.

4.0 | Is petroleum jelly safe for eyelashes?

In general, petroleum jelly is safe for use around the eyes, provided you choose a pure variety without perfume or other additives. Still, caution is advised because petroleum jelly is greasy and, if used excessively, can clog your pores or cause a haze over your vision if it gets into your eyes. Therefore, use only a small amount and apply it gently with a clean brush or cotton swab.

5.0 | Vaseline versus eyelash serum

Whereas petroleum jelly mainly protects, an eyelash serum works more actively. A serum contains ingredients that are specifically designed to support hair growth, prolong the growth phase, and strengthen the hair structure.

Vaseline can therefore be a nice nourishing addition, but it is not a substitute for a product that has been specifically developed to make eyelashes longer or fuller. Looking for an eyelash serum like this?

6.0 | Conclusion

Vaseline can be a useful addition to your eyelash care routine, especially for keeping them hydrated and protected. However, if you want longer and fuller eyelashes, other methods, such as eyelash serum or castor oil, are more effective.

Questions about your eyelashes?

Our eyelash serum guide helps you understand everything about eyelash serums: from ingredients to how they work and safe use.