TikTok Swears by Vaseline for Longer Eyelashes, But Does it Work?

A brand new magnificence pattern is taking up our social media feeds, and this time, it’s all about lashes. People declare the following greatest magnificence hack is ditching mascara altogether for one thing you may have already got in your toilet cupboard—Vaseline. According to TikTok, Vaseline makes lashes look extra lifted, holds a curl higher, and even works as a lash raise dupe.

Vaseline, a combination of mineral oils and waxes with a jelly-like consistency, is primarily identified for moisturizing and sealing the pores and skin barrier. You may already use it to hydrate dry pores and skin, eyelids, and lips, soothe small cuts, stop chafing, or situation your cuticles—however utilizing it on lashes is uncharted territory.

Let’s be actual—there’s so much we might do for completely curled, lifted, and voluminous lashes. But the attention space is delicate, so it’s vital to train warning with something utilized close to it, particularly in the event you put on contacts. That’s why we requested two board-certified dermatologists to reply all our burning questions.

Below, study whether or not it’s secure to make use of Vaseline in your lashes, the potential unwanted effects, and the right way to go about it the appropriate manner.

What Is Vaseline?

Vaseline is the model title for petroleum jelly or petrolatum. Dermatologists extensively suggest this oil-based compound for locking in moisture, therapeutic wounds, and supporting the pores and skin’s barrier operate. “It is an inert substance that can also be used as a vehicle to deliver medicines to the skin,” board-certified dermatologist, Jack Levy, MD, says.

Board-certified dermatologist, Shari Lipner, MD, provides that petroleum jelly was first found in 1859 by Robert Augustus Chesebrough, who observed oil staff making use of an analogous substance to cuts and burns.

The Benefits

One of the primary advantages of petrolatum lies in its occlusive properties, which assist 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.”

Beyond its advantages for the pores and skin, Dr. Levy notes that petroleum jelly also can lock moisture into the hair shaft, together with 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 advantage of petroleum jelly is that only a few persons are allergic to it, which is why dermatologists suggest it so extensively. However, Dr. Levy notes that, in uncommon circumstances, folks can develop hives from making use of petroleum jelly to the pores and skin.

The eye space, specifically, requires further warning. “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 provides that it also can block oil glands, probably inflicting a sty. “Avoid using it if you have a history of eye infections,” she advises.

Petroleum jelly also can trigger breakouts on the face in folks with acne-prone pores and 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 have been influenced by TikTok to make use of Vaseline for lifting your lashes, you are not alone—and there may be some fact to the pattern. 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 whereas petroleum jelly will help preserve wholesome eyelid pores and skin and moisturize the lashes, it would not immediately affect lash size 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 ought to at all times be utilized from a non-contaminated tube utilizing clear arms, a sterile spoolie brush, or a clear applicator. Avoid utilizing an applicator that has beforehand touched anybody’s lips, mouth, pores and 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 also needs to be taken to keep away from making use of massive quantities of petroleum jelly to the eyelids—much less is extra on 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 under.

1. Gently cleanse the lashes and eyelids with a tear-free child shampoo.
2. While the lashes are nonetheless damp, apply a skinny layer of petroleum jelly barely away from the place the lashes emerge from the pores and skin, stroking it by the lashes.
3. If desired, use a clear lash roller to softly curl the lashes after hydrating and lubricating them.
4. For a moist look, flippantly stroke the lashes backward and forward with a lubricated finger or clear spoolie.
5. When eradicating petroleum jelly from the lashes, use a tear-free shampoo and deal with the realm gently to keep away from irritation.