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Is Vaseline Good for Your Lips?

If you’ve been looking for a cost-effective and easy way to moisturize your lips, you may have considered using Vaseline. Vaseline is an occlusive substance that has been used for years as a remedy for dry skin, chapped lips, and other ailments. But, despite its popularity, you may wonder, is Vaseline good for your lips? In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of using Vaseline on your lips, along with some alternatives and tips.

What is Vaseline, and how does it work?

Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, is a semi-solid, transparent substance derived from petroleum. It is an occlusive emollient, meaning it forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, sealing in moisture and preventing water loss. It was first discovered in 1859 by Robert Chesebrough, who noticed that oil rig workers were using a substance to heal their wounds. He refined the substance and called it Vaseline. Today, Vaseline is used for a variety of purposes, including skincare, hair care, and lubrication.

Vaseline works by creating a physical barrier that effectively locks in the skin’s natural moisture, providing hydration and preventing dryness. Dr. Michele Green, a dermatologist in New York City, said that Vaseline is a good option for people with sensitive lips. “Vaseline is a gentle and hypoallergenic product that is safe for most skin types, including sensitive lips,” she says. “It can help to protect your lips from irritants and allergens.”

Its versatility and effectiveness in maintaining skin hydration have made it a popular and widely used skincare product for over a century.

 Is Vaseline Good for Your Lips?

Yes, Vaseline can be an effective remedy for chapped lips. Its occlusive properties create a protective barrier on the lips, preventing moisture loss and shielding them from harsh environmental factors like wind and cold temperatures, which can exacerbate dryness and chapping. A 2020 study published in the journal Skin and Aging found that Vaseline can be an effective treatment for chapped lips. The study found that Vaseline significantly reduced the dryness, scaling, and cracking of lips in participants.

When applied to chapped lips, Vaseline helps lock in the skin’s natural moisture, providing relief and promoting the healing process. 

How to use vaseline on your lips

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before applying Vaseline to your lips. Ensure your lips are clean and free from any lip products, such as lipstick or lip balm
  • Scoop a small amount of Vaseline onto your finger or a q-tip.
  • Apply the Vaseline to your lips, using gentle circular motions. Gently spread the Vaseline evenly across your lips. Use your fingertip to massage it in, covering the entire lip area.
  • For intense overnight hydration, apply a slightly thicker layer of Vaseline to your lips before bedtime. This helps lock in moisture while you sleep, and you’ll wake up with softer, smoother lips.
  • If you’ll be outdoors, consider using a lip balm with SPF over your Vaseline to protect your lips from sun exposure.
  • To maintain hygiene, try not to double-dip your finger into the Vaseline container after it’s been in contact with your lips. Instead, use a clean spatula or your fingertip to transfer a small amount onto your lips.

Potential side effects

  • May Clog Pores: Vaseline is an occlusive substance, which means that it can trap dirt and bacteria in the skin. This can lead to clogged pores and breakouts if not properly removed.
  • Not Suitable for Everyone: While Vaseline is generally safe for most people to use, some individuals may be allergic to petroleum jelly or other ingredients in the product.
  • May Not Be Long-Lasting: Vaseline may need to be reapplied frequently, as it can wear off quickly and won’t necessarily provide long-lasting moisture.
  • Unpleasant Taste: Vaseline has a distinct taste that many people find unpleasant or unappetizing.

Vaseline vs. chapstick

Ingredients

Vaseline: Contains mineral oil and waxes, derived from petroleum.

Chapstick (Lip Balm): Contains a variety of ingredients, such as beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, and emollients, with potential additional components like sunscreens or flavors.

Versatility

Vaseline: Versatile product with various uses beyond lip care, including moisturizing dry skin, protecting minor cuts and burns, and acting as a general skin protectant.

Chapstick (Lip Balm): Primarily designed for lip care, with some variations for specific needs like cold sore treatment, sun protection, and tinted options.

Texture

Vaseline: Thick, slightly greasy texture that creates a noticeable barrier on the skin or lips.

Chapstick (Lip Balm): Smoother texture that is less greasy, making it comfortable for regular use.

Convenience

Vaseline: Typically comes in a larger container, which may not be as convenient for on-the-go use. Some products are available in portable tubes.

Chapstick (Lip Balm): Packaged in user-friendly, portable tubes or sticks, making it easy to apply and carry for reapplication throughout the day.

Personal Preference

Vaseline: Preferred by those seeking intense hydration and protection, especially in harsh weather conditions.

Chapstick (Lip Balm): Ideal for everyday use and personal preference due to its smoother texture and variety of flavors/formulations.

Sun Protection

Some Chapstick (Lip Balm) products include sunscreens, offering additional protection against UV damage. Vaseline typically does not contain sunscreen.

some additional ways Vaseline can be useful

Moisturizer for Dry Skin: Vaseline is an excellent moisturizer for dry or rough skin, including hands, elbows, and feet. It forms a protective barrier that helps retain moisture and softens the skin.

Healing Minor Cuts and Burns: Vaseline can be applied to minor cuts, scrapes, and burns to keep the area moisturized and protected, aiding in the healing process and reducing the risk of infection.

Preventing Chafing: It can be used as a preventive measure against chafing, particularly in areas prone to friction, such as thighs or underarms. Applying a thin layer helps reduce irritation.

Makeup Remover: Vaseline can effectively remove makeup, including stubborn mascara and eyeliner. It’s gentle on the skin and can be wiped away with a tissue or cotton pad.

Barrier for Hair Dye: When dyeing your hair at home, apply Vaseline along the hairline and ears to prevent hair dye from staining the skin.

Cuticle and Nail Care: Massaging a small amount of Vaseline into the cuticles can soften them and help maintain healthy-looking nails.

Tattoo Aftercare: Vaseline can be used to keep newly inked tattoos moisturized and protected during the initial healing period.

FAQs 

  1. Is it safe to use Vaseline on lips? Yes, Vaseline is generally considered safe for use on the lips. However, if you have any concerns, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before using any new product.
  2. Can Vaseline be used as a lip balm? Yes, Vaseline can be used as a lip balm to moisturize and protect the lips.
  3. Does Vaseline contain any harmful chemicals? No, Vaseline does not contain any harmful chemicals. It is made from a mixture of mineral oils and waxes, which are safe for use on the skin.
  4. Can Vaseline heal chapped lips? Yes, Vaseline can help to heal chapped lips by locking in moisture and preventing further damage.
  5. How often should I apply Vaseline to my lips? The frequency of application depends on your personal needs and preferences. Some people may need to apply Vaseline several times a day, while others may only need to apply it once or twice. It’s best to experiment with different frequencies to find what works best for you.

Final Takeaway

Vaseline can be a great choice for moisturizing and protecting your lips. Its affordable price, versatility, and hypoallergenic properties make it a popular choice among many individuals. However, it’s important to be aware of its potential drawbacks, such as clogged pores and frequent reapplication. By following the tips and alternatives mentioned in this article, you can ensure that your lips stay healthy, moisturized, and protected. So the answer to the question “Is Vaseline good for your lips?” is yes, but like all products, it may not be suitable for everyone.

18 Best SPF Lip Balms for This Summer

Of course, keeping our lips moisturized is important but how about protecting them from the sun. Therefore, don’t forget to apply some SPF balm to your lips while you’re applying the best sunscreen for your face because they are also susceptible to UV damage. In fact, your lips are even more vulnerable to UV damage because they lack melanin. Sure, you may use any SPF cream to protect yourself, but how can you tell which is the best? Not to worry. We can help with our selection of 18 best SPF lip balms.

Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30

This lip balm is really creamy and moisturizes lips while also protecting them from UV rays. Aloe and cocoa butter in the foundation are to thank for the incredible hydration. The lip-smacking fruity flavors—coconut, pineapple, banana, pomegranate, key lime, and mango—are perhaps the finest part, and they are reason enough to keep swiping this on. For extra protection, apply it over any lip color or use it alone. But if it gets too hot, it can quickly melt, so this one is absolutely not for people who live in hot climates.

Aquaphor Lip Protectant & Sunscreen Ointment SPF 30

This lip balm is actually available in your neighborhood pharmacy, and it’s arguably one of the best choices there. This Broad Spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen lip balm from Aquaphor is designed with soothing vitamins and shea butter. It is especially beneficial for people with sensitive skin because it is fragrance- and preservative-free. Have I mentioned how cheap and accessible it is? However, it contains petroleum, which some people might find a big turn-off.

W3ll People Lip Butter SPF 15 Tinted Balm

It makes sense that you might want to choose a lip balm with fewer components given that we invariably consume some of the products we apply to our lips. This one is appropriate because it uses a variety of organic oils to hydrate. Given that many lip cosmetics employ chemical sunscreen components, it is uncommon for sun protection to be natural, non-micronized mineral zinc. It is offered in three different colors: clear, two-tone, and colored.

Carmex Classic Medicated Lip Balm SPF 15

Carmex lip balms are a classic that I bet we have all used. Pick up a ton and keep one in every pocket, purse, and so on. It is the original, well-liked version with SPF 15 sun protection in addition to camphor and menthol to help heal chapped lips. The affordable Carmex Classic Medicated lip balm performs wonderfully in both the winter and the summer. We must warn you that not everyone will find the camphor and menthol aroma pleasant.

Clé de Peau UV Protective Lip Treatment

This product is more of a lip treatment than a simple lip balm, as the name would imply. The ingredient list resembles that of a high-end moisturizer and includes a variety of herbs and botanicals along with ingredients including Japanese pearl, which evens skin tone, and theanine. While antioxidants and sunscreen provide the required protection, these all function in concert to enhance the appearance of lips. This doubles as an excellent lipstick primer and has a delicate, refined natural rose smell.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Repairing Balm

The La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Repairing Balm, one of the most traditional lip balms on the market, not only soothes sore and chapped lips but also offers broad spectrum UV protection with SPF 50. It slides across the lips, leaving them feeling incredibly moisturized and comfortable.

Ultra Violette Sheen Screen Hydrating Lip Balm SPF50

This lip balm, which comes in six hues, protects lips from UVA and UVB rays while also being loaded with moisturizing nutrients. Shea butter and vitamin E calm sore lips while cacao seed butter and lanolin lock in moisture. It has more of a lip gloss texture than a balm. When applied, the color isn’t very noticeable, which may put off certain buyers.

Paula’s Choice Lip Balm SPF50

This SPF, which is suitable for sensitive lips, contains avobenzone, one of the most extensively used UVA filters worldwide, to shield your skin from harmful rays. Shea butter and nutritious olive oil are also included. If you prioritize hydration, the texture and finish of this one will now satisfy you.

Ultrasun Lip Protection SPF30

This strong lotion, which is made with white meadowfoam and blackcurrant oil, is conveniently packaged for travel but also works great for daily usage. This nourishing product reduces inflammation and smooths the surface of the lips for a soft and seductive look, regardless of the weather, in addition to providing protection against sun damage, drying, and chapping. However, you should look at other possibilities if you want a lip balm that may last a long time.

Malin + Goetz SPF30 Lip Balm High Protection

The SPF 30 Lip Balm – High Protection from MALIN + GOETZ replenishes moisture to parched lips and is the effective remedy you’ve been seeking for to prevent cracking, chapping, and dryness. Fatty acids and nutrients derived from plant proteins are added to the gel mix to provide intensive nourishing and long-lasting moisturizing protection. Because it could cause white casts, this lip balm is not the ideal choice for people with darker skin.

Mavala Tinted Berry Lip Balm

This Mavala alternative is tinted for a hint of color and provides modest sun protection with a buttery-soft shea butter balm. Although SPF15, which is provided, isn’t the best degree of protection we’ve discovered, it should be sufficient for the majority of people to run their daily errands and brief periods of time in the sun.

Supergoop Lipshade 100% Mineral SPF 30 Hydrating Lipstick

We highly recommend this lip color because of its smooth composition and 100 percent mineral SPF protection. It is a pigmented lip color that also functions as a sunscreen. We like that it has a light peppermint flavor and is available in four rose and terracotta colors that may be built up for a flash of color on the lips. Despite having nutritious components like mango and shea butter, the composition is not the most hydrating, but it is simple to layer with moisturizing lip creams.

Vacation Bananas Foster SPF 30 Lip Balm

Vacation is renowned for producing extremely powerful and delicious-smelling sun protection products. They follow suit with their protective lip balm, which offers a respectable degree of SPF 30 along with an enticingly sweet smell and flavor. Another plus is the extremely creamy, non-greasy texture. Also available are additional flavors that bring back memories, including strawberry jello salad, after-dinner mint, and others. Although the scent is pleasant, some people may find it to be too strong.

Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 50

Before your next outdoor run, swim, or game of beach volleyball, be sure to swipe this on. Yes, it hydrates, but more significantly, it offers an outstanding SPF 50 to guard against sunburn when exercising. Not to mention that it is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so if you are swimming or perspiring, you won’t need to worry about reapplying it. On your lips, though, it has a little waxy feeling.

Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Soother Gloss with SPF 20

This lip moisturizer gloss relieves dry, chapped lips right away upon touch and shields them with a calming, cooling hydrogel formula that helps retain moisture. The broad-spectrum SPF 20 sunscreen is combined with glycerin, cucumber, and chamomile to provide intense hydration in the sun protection gloss. There is a slight tingling feeling after application, which not everyone may prefer.

O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair SPF 35 Lip Balm Stick

Your lips will remain moisturized and protected even while relaxing poolside thanks to O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair SPF 35. This lip balm earned the title of our favorite water-resistant SPF lip balm because of its formula’s 80-minute water resistance. And yes, it does function. We adore how compact the tube is, making it very portable and simple to put in your pocket or a small purse, in addition to its nutritious water-repellent ingredients. However, people who like unscented items won’t find it to be ideal.

Burts Bees Sun Care Lip Balm 3-Pack

The tinted lip balms shield your lips from UVA and UVB rays with a Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Zinc Oxide composition that is nano-free. These balms leave a matte finish and have a thicker, creamier texture. Compared to the original tinted lip balm colors, the colors are bolder. If you’re into sustainable beauty, this is the lip balm for you because it’s not only the best tinted SPF lip balm, but it also doubles as the finest reef-safe sunscreen for your lips. Although many are aware of its pigmentation, many are not.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Lip Shine SPF 35

You may make Colorescience’s SPF lip shine by taking your favorite pink lip gloss and adding SPF 35 to it. The four rosy and pale pink hues of this lovely lip shine are not too overpowering in color, but just enough to let you know it’s there. The lip gloss has a peppermint-like aroma when you first open it and separate the wand from the bottle. Your lips will tingle for about 15 seconds after that. This sensation makes me question if the peptide component of the gloss is what moisturizes and calms your lips. People who don’t want to spend a lot of money on lip balm will be turned off by the fact that this one is on the more expensive side.

Even if you follow a good SPF skin care regimen, you probably neglect to take care of your lips. The mouth often goes unnoticed, necessitating even more attention from the absence of attentive sun-protectant care even though every part of the body is vulnerable to dangerous UV radiation. With this list, you may choose one for yourself without having to spend a lot of money on numerous items.