14 Surprising Vaseline Uses For Beauty & Body Care

Vaseline is a product that’s been around for ages, and most people know it as a basic moisturizer or for soothing dry skin. 

But there’s a lot more it can do! Beyond the usual uses, Vaseline has some surprising beauty and body care tricks that can be handy in everyday routines. 

It’s affordable, easy to find, and gentle on the skin, making it a versatile choice for all kinds of beauty needs.

Exploring the different ways to use Vaseline can be fun, and it might just save you a trip to the store for pricey beauty products. 

Many of these tips are quick and simple to try at home, adding a little extra care to your routine without much effort. 

So, if you have a jar of Vaseline lying around, it might be time to discover how versatile this common product can truly be.

1. Locks in Moisture as a Night Cream

Vaseline works wonders as a simple, affordable night cream. 

A thin layer on your face before bed can help trap moisture, keeping your skin hydrated overnight. 

Unlike many creams, Vaseline doesn’t clog pores, so it works well even on sensitive skin. The moisture-locking effect softens your skin, leaving it looking fresh and dewy in the morning.

Applying it after washing your face is key. That way, it seals in any moisture already on your skin. Just a small amount is enough—too much can feel greasy. 

This hack is especially helpful during winter when dry air can make skin feel tight and flaky. Vaseline adds a protective barrier that works while you sleep.

2. Smooths and Softens Rough Elbows and Knees

Dry, rough patches on elbows and knees can feel uncomfortable and look a bit dull. 

Vaseline makes it easy to soften these areas. Gently massaging a small amount into your elbows and knees can make a noticeable difference. 

The thick consistency helps soften the skin, making it smooth and moisturized.

Using it right after a shower works best. Your skin is still damp, so Vaseline can lock in that moisture, keeping it hydrated for longer. It’s a quick fix that doesn’t require any fancy lotions or creams. 

After a few days, you’ll likely notice your skin feels softer and looks healthier. This is an easy trick to keep skin feeling smooth and looking great, especially in the colder months.

3. Helps Prevent Blisters on Feet

Vaseline is surprisingly useful for preventing blisters when you’re wearing new shoes or planning to walk a lot. 

Applying a small amount to areas that rub, like the back of your heels or the sides of your toes, can reduce friction. 

This creates a smoother barrier between your skin and the shoe, making it less likely for painful blisters to form.

You don’t need much for this trick to work. Just a light layer does the job and can save your feet from discomfort. This is especially helpful with heels, dress shoes, or new sneakers that haven’t softened up yet. 

It’s a simple way to keep your feet comfortable without needing special products, so you can enjoy your day blister-free.

4. Tames Flyaway Hairs and Adds Shine

A small dab of Vaseline can work wonders on those stubborn flyaway hairs that stick up no matter what you do. 

Rubbing a tiny amount between your fingers and gently smoothing it over those strands helps control frizz and gives your hair a natural, healthy shine. It’s perfect for days when your hair needs a little extra polish.

Using Vaseline sparingly on the ends of your hair can also add a bit of moisture and make split ends look less noticeable. 

Just avoid putting too much, as it can be hard to wash out. This is a simple way to add a little shine and sleekness without any expensive styling products.

5. Helps Highlight Cheekbones for a Natural Glow

Vaseline makes for an easy, natural-looking highlighter on your cheekbones. 

Dabbing a small amount on your cheekbones can give you a subtle glow that looks fresh and dewy, without needing any extra makeup. 

This trick works great for casual days or “no-makeup” makeup looks, adding a little radiance to your face.

The effect is soft and gentle, without any shimmer or glitter. This technique also works on other areas, like your brow bones or the bridge of your nose, to give your skin a healthy, natural glow. 

Just a tiny bit goes a long way, making it a quick, low-maintenance way to brighten up your look.

6. Protects Skin While Coloring Hair

Vaseline is incredibly useful for preventing hair dye from staining your skin. 

Applying a layer around your hairline, on your ears, and on the back of your neck keeps the color from sticking to your skin, so you don’t end up with unwanted stains. 

This is especially handy for at-home hair dye sessions, helping you get a cleaner, mess-free result.

Wiping away any excess after applying it is a good idea, so it doesn’t mix with the dye. 

Once you’re done, simply rinse off the Vaseline, and your skin will look clean and stain-free. 

This small step makes a big difference, especially for darker dyes that can be hard to remove from the skin.

7. Softens Cuticles and Keeps Nails Looking Fresh

For an easy way to keep cuticles soft and nails looking fresh, Vaseline is a simple and effective option. 

Gently massaging a bit of it into your cuticles keeps them from getting dry or cracked. It hydrates the area around your nails, giving your hands a well-groomed look with minimal effort.

This can also extend the life of your manicure, as hydrated cuticles and nails tend to look better for longer. 

Applying it before bed works well, allowing it to soak in overnight. This is a simple routine to keep nails healthy and polished, making hands look smoother and well taken care of.

8. Make a Vaseline-Based Body Scrub

Creating a body scrub with Vaseline is a simple way to exfoliate and moisturize at the same time. 

Just mix a little Vaseline with sugar or sea salt to make an easy scrub that leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. 

The grains gently scrub away dead skin cells, while Vaseline locks in moisture for a refreshed, hydrated feel.

This DIY scrub is perfect for areas like elbows, knees, or feet that need extra attention. 

Use it in the shower for the best results, then rinse it off for silky, soft skin. It’s an affordable, quick fix that leaves skin feeling like it just got a spa treatment.

9. Helps with Longer-Lasting Perfume

Applying a small amount of Vaseline on your pulse points before spraying perfume can make the scent last longer. 

Dabbing it on areas like wrists, neck, or behind the ears provides a smooth base that holds onto the fragrance. This simple trick keeps the scent vibrant throughout the day without needing to reapply as often.

Perfume clings better to moisturized skin, and Vaseline helps create that effect. Just a tiny amount is all it takes to extend the life of your favorite fragrance. 

It’s an easy, budget-friendly way to make the most of your perfume without using more than necessary.

10. Heals Cracked Heels Overnight

For rough, cracked heels, Vaseline can work wonders overnight. 

Slathering a generous amount on your heels before bed and wearing socks helps lock in moisture while you sleep. 

By morning, heels often feel softer and less rough, making it an easy way to pamper your feet without much effort.

This trick is especially helpful during colder months or for anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet. 

Repeating the routine a few times a week can keep heels feeling smooth and soft. It’s a simple, relaxing way to give your feet the care they deserve.

11. Removes Eye Makeup Gently

Vaseline is a gentle way to remove eye makeup without the need for harsh chemicals. 

Just a small amount on a cotton pad or your fingertip easily removes mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow. The formula is gentle, especially around the sensitive eye area, and leaves skin feeling soft.

After removing makeup, wiping away any excess Vaseline with a clean tissue keeps your skin feeling fresh. 

It’s a quick and affordable option for those who want a simple, effective makeup remover that’s easy on the skin. Vaseline leaves the skin around your eyes moisturized, so there’s no dryness after use.

12. Helps Shape and Tame Eyebrows

Vaseline works great for taming unruly eyebrows. Just a tiny dab can help smooth and shape your brows, giving them a neat, polished look. 

For a natural effect, gently run a small amount over your brows using your fingertip or a clean spoolie brush. The light hold keeps your brows in place without making them feel stiff.

This trick is ideal for days when you want to skip heavy brow products but still want them looking groomed. 

Vaseline gives a subtle, glossy finish to your brows, adding a bit of shine and definition. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to keep brows looking neat without needing extra products.

13. Soothes Sunburned Skin

Vaseline offers soothing relief for sunburned skin, especially after a long day in the sun. 

Applying a thin layer to red or irritated areas helps lock in moisture, which promotes healing. 

While not a substitute for aloe vera, it can provide a soothing layer that keeps skin hydrated as it heals.

Using it after a cool shower enhances the effect, helping to cool the skin and reduce discomfort. The added moisture prevents peeling, so the skin heals smoothly. A little goes a long way, and it’s a quick way to give sun-exposed skin some much-needed care.

14. Softens Lips as an Overnight Lip Mask

For soft, smooth lips, Vaseline works beautifully as an overnight lip mask. Applying a generous layer before bed allows it to hydrate and soften your lips as you sleep. 

By morning, lips feel plumper and more hydrated, making them look naturally healthy.

Combining Vaseline with a bit of honey or a lip scrub beforehand boosts the effect, sloughing off any dry skin so the Vaseline can work even better. 

[Related: How To Look Beautiful Naturally]