Chances are, you have Vaseline — or some form of petroleum jelly — in your medicine cabinet or first aid kit. It’s beneficial in so many ways from healing cracked skin to tending to a wound. But, what you probably didn’t know is that it has dozens of uses you probably never thought about.
Here are 57 innovative ways to use Vaseline that simplify life.
These are so ingenious.
If you have hardware or tools that are prone to rust, break out the Vaseline. A layer of the stuff will protect them and keep them lasting a whole lot longer.
If your pet gets cracked or painful paws, Vaseline can help. Clean their paws gently and then apply a protective layer of the petroleum jelly.
If you’ve been wearing a face mask for an extended amount of time, you may end up with chafing of the skin. Apply some Vaseline to soothe it and repair the damage.
#4 Get more life out of old nail polish
If the polish on your nails is starting to lose its shine, use some Vaseline. Just wipe it over your nails, and they will be super glossy again.
If you have a ring stuck on your finger, don’t panic. A little Vaseline dabbed on it and on the skin surrounding it will help it to slide right off.
Newly healed tattoos need a lot of protection. A layer of Vaseline will help them to look great and stay in perfect condition.
Apply Vaseline to earrings before putting them in. It will keep them from pulling at the ears and doing damage throughout the day.
#8 Create a full body scrub
Mix Vaseline with sugar or salt. Apply it to your skin and massage it in for ideal exfoliation.
Apply Vaseline to damaged skin to prevent potential scarring. Keeping the skin moisturized and protected during the healing process is vital for the formation of new skin.
Threading is a great way of getting rid of wayward hairs, but it does leave the skin sore in many cases. Apply Vaseline to soothe the skin and help it recover faster. (It works after waxing too!)
Cuticles are often forgotten but still important. Apply Vaseline around your nails to keep that skin healthy and soft.
To stop getting nail polish on your skin, apply Vaseline to the skin around your nails before getting out the jar of polish. If any nail polish does get onto your skin, it will easily wipe right off.
Apply a layer of Vaseline over lipstick. It will help it to last longer while emphasizing the color.
This one is great for getting a grill going. Cover a cotton ball in Vaseline and ignite it. It will stay lit for long enough to get everything else going.
If your skin doesn’t respond well to shaving, there’s a solution for that. Apply some Vaseline, and it will help to soothe and calm the stubble.
Do you have a zipper that’s stuck? Put a little bit of Vaseline on both sides of it. It will come unstuck.
Vaseline can help to control unruly eyebrows. Just dab some on, take a spoolie, and comb them in the direction you want.
Apply Vaseline to your teeth if you need to smile a lot or perform. It will stop your lips from sticking to your teeth, even when your mouth is dry.
#19 Stop letting glue seal caps shut
Put a dab of Vaseline around the rim and under the cap of glue bottles. They’ll glue themselves shut again.
Apply Vaseline to your lips, wait a few minutes, and then exfoliate them with a toothbrush. You will love the result. No more cracked lips!
#21 Remove paint from skin
If you’ve been painting all day and some is still on your skin, don’t waste time trying to pick at it. Apply Vaseline, wait a few minutes, and then rub the paint right off.
If you’re dyeing your hair, get out the Vaseline first. Apply it along your hairline so that any errant dye doesn’t stick to your skin.
Put some Vaseline on recently shaved skin. It will help to keep it shiny and smooth.
If your skin is looking a little lackluster, rub a small amount of Vaseline into it. It will give you a healthier appearance.
#25 Have shower curtains that open effortlessly
Do you have to really pull at the shower curtains to get them open and closed? Put some Vaseline on the curtain rod. They’ll glide after that.
Chewing gum in hair is the worst. Cover the gum and the hair around it with Vaseline. From there, you should be able to gently pull the gum loose.
#27 Apply before swimming
If you have any cuts or scrapes, apply Vaseline to them before going in the water. It will help to create a barrier and protect your skin.
If you have a scabbed-over injury, you can use Vaseline to protect that skin. Just gently add a layer of Vaseline over it.
If you have eczema, you know how aggravated it can get. Apply Vaseline directly after showering to let it absorb into the skin and help keep it calm.
#30 Prevent a dry or red nose
If you have a cold, there is always a risk of developing a chapped nose. Prevent it ahead of time by applying some Vaseline.
#31 Lock in hair’s moisture
It might seem weird to think of rubbing Vaseline into your hair, but the product creates a barrier so that moisture can’t escape. So if you’re suffering from dry tresses, you may want and use a tiny bit through damp hair to see if it helps.
#32 Soothe painful earlobes
If you have been wearing earrings all day, you know it’s not always comfortable. Rub some Vaseline into the skin at the end of the day to get some relief.
#33 Eliminate dry or scaly skin
If you or your baby have dry patches of skin, apply Vaseline. It will soothe and protect the damage.
#34 Prevent diaper rashes
A preventative coat of Vaseline will help keep your baby dry. It will protect their skin and stop some rashes from forming.
Rather than fighting with lightbulbs that are hard to remove, do some damage control ahead of time. Apply a tiny bit of Vaseline to the base of each one. They’ll come right out the next time you need to change the bulbs.
#36 Avoid skin damage from wind
If you are going to be outside on a cold and windy day, protect your hands and face ahead of time. Apply a protective layer of Vaseline before going out.
If you’ve been working with your hands, make sure to rub some Vaseline onto your palms after. It will reduce damage and help the skin to heal.
#38 Avoid chafing from clothes
If a favorite outfit always seems to chafe you in the same spot, apply Vaseline to that area before wearing the item. You can also apply it after to soothe any sore skin.
To soothe a damaged scalp, rub Vaseline into your roots and onto your scalp before shampooing. It will help to protect and nurture that skin.
For super-soft and completely moisturized skin, rub a layer onto your feet. Then, just put on socks on to seal in the Vaseline and get a good night’s sleep.
#41 Protect your baby’s eyes
If you’re worried about getting shampoo in your baby’s eyes, this trick might help. Apply Vaseline to their eyebrows before washing their hair.
Don’t forget that Vaseline makes a great all-over moisturizer. Use it on your arms, legs, hands, and feet.
Forget about painfully removing false eyelashes. Dab a bit of Vaseline along the base, and they will peel off effortlessly.
If you have a mild sunburn and there’s no aloe around, Vaseline may help. Add a thick layer to the area for some relief.
#45 Make flavored lip balm
For an easy, flavored lip balm, mix Vaseline and flavored drink powder. It will smell and taste good – but be warned that the color will be vibrant!
If you’re going to a festival, make sure you have some glitter and Vaseline. Rub a thin layer of Vaseline on your skin. The glitter will stick perfectly after that.
#47 Soften rough elbows and knees
Don’t forget the skin on your elbows and knees. Vaseline can penetrate even the thickest skin layers.
Get rid of scuffs on leather shoes, jackets, and bags. Just put a little Vaseline on a cloth and buff them away.
#49 A fix for nail polish jars
Are you tired of nail polish jars ending up stuck closed? Dab a little Vaseline inside the cap where it screws on. The jar will open easily every time after that.
#50 Simple makeup remover
If you’re out of makeup remover, don’t fret. Add a little Vaseline to a cotton pad and use it the same way. Your makeup will come right off.
If you have leather furniture that’s starting to look worn, get out the Vaseline. Apply it to the worn spots and rub the area with a cloth.
Make sure your razors aren’t getting rusty between uses. Wait until they dry and then coat them in a thin layer of Vaseline.
Instead of using a highlighter, add a line of Vaseline to the top of your cheeks. It will catch the light and amplify your look.
If you have scruff that is a little uncomfortable, work some Vaseline into it. It will be softer and easier to style.
#55 Make perfume last longer
If you have a favorite scent that never seems to make it through the day, Vaseline may be the solution. Apply Vaseline to your skin first and then spray on your favorite scent. The smell will last twice as long.
#56 Turn powders into creams
Do you have powder makeup that you wish you had gotten as a cream instead? No problem. Mix it with a little Vaseline for the perfect product.
If you find yourself in a jam with a frozen lock, try dabbing Vaseline on it before panicking. The petroleum jelly may help to get it moving again.
