Petroleum jelly, commonly known by the most popular brand name Vaseline, is a derivative of oil refining. Originally found coating the bottom of oil rigs in the mid-1800s, it’s a byproduct of the oil industry and therefore an unsustainable resource (read: not eco-friendly). It’s commonly used topically to cure everything from dehydrated, flakey skin to diaper rash.
Potentially Harmful
People suffering from skin conditions like acne and rosacea should stay away from petroleum jelly altogether, since such thick emollients can aggravate those conditions. Those who rub Vaseline on dry, cracked noses to get through a cold might want to think twice, too. The product is recommended for external use only, which doesn’t include nostrils. What’s more, a rare but scary potential problem occurs if the petroleum jelly moves from nostrils through the respiratory system, according to Dattner. If petroleum jelly gets into the lungs, it can cause lipid pneumonia. It won’t happen if you apply it once in a while, he said, but he recommends not making a daily habit of it.
Don’t think you have to forfeit the soothing feeling of Vaseline if you decide to eschew petroleum jelly, though. If you’re looking for a dewy moisturizer, just opt for more natural alternatives and check ingredients. Products containing beeswax, coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter and cocoa butter seal in moisture and don’t come with some of the risks of petroleum jelly.Remember that some of these products are absorbed into the skin, so it’s nice to use something that you wouldn’t mind putting into your body.
A substitute for body lotion
You may also apply petroleum to your whole body, mainly your hands and legs. It will get rid of your dry skin problem completely.
Beautiful fingernails
Apply it onto your fingernails to keep them resilient. You may also rub some on painted fingernails; it helps them to look new and shiny.
Lipstick stains
It removes lipstick stains from soft materials. How? Rub some vaseline onto the stained part of the cloth before washing, and watch those stains disappear.
Tamed eyebrows
Don’t worry if you find it hard to make your eyebrows stay in its shape. Apply some on your eyebrows with you fingertips and shape it.