Vaseline
Vaseline, the safe moisturizing barrier for your skin
When our skin gets dry, we think of various moisturizers. But did you know that of all these moisturizing ingredients, there is one that has been used consistently for more than 150 years? It is 'Vaseline'. The name may sound a little unfamiliar, but it is actually closely related to the skin care products we use every day.
Vaseline forms a thin protective layer on the skin, preventing moisture loss and protecting the skin from external irritations. Thanks to this, it is often used not only in dry seasons, but also to care for sensitive or damaged skin. In this article, we will take a closer look at what Vaseline is and how it can benefit skin health.
Petrolatum, the real name for what we know as 'Vaseline'
Have you ever used Vaseline when your lips were chapped or felt extremely dry?
With its thick texture that creates a protective layer on the skin, this product is a familiar moisturizer for many people. But did you know that what we commonly call 'Vaseline' is actually just a product and brand name? The real name of its main ingredient is 'Vaseline'.
Vaseline was first discovered by accident in oil workshops long ago. It was observed that wounds healed faster when a sticky substance leaking from a machine was applied to them. A chemist who saw this purified the substance by removing impurities and created Vaseline. He later sold it under the name 'Vaseline'.
Thanks to its excellent moisturizing and skin-protecting effects, Vaseline quickly gained worldwide recognition and became a beloved product. Over time, the name 'Vaseline' became so widespread that people started using it almost as an ingredient name. However, to be precise, 'Vaseline' refers to the brand, while the name of the ingredient itself is 'Vaseline'.
Vaseline, which we all know so well. It is worth remembering that behind it lies its actual name, 'vaseline', and a history of being appreciated by people over a long period of time.
Vaseline, is it really safe?
Vaseline has been a common ingredient for a long time, but it still raises questions for many people. One of the most common concerns is, “Since it comes from oil, is it really safe?” And of course, it’s natural to wonder about safety, especially for something we apply directly to our skin.
The truth is that the petroleum jelly that we use in cosmetics comes from oil, but it undergoes several purification processes that remove harmful substances, leaving it pure and safe enough to use on the skin.
In fact, purified petroleum jelly is not only safe to use on the skin, but is also officially recognized for its safety by various authorities. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved petroleum jelly for use in products such as ointments and diaper rash creams that are suitable for sensitive skin. The U.S. Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), which evaluates the safety of cosmetic ingredients, has also concluded that petroleum jelly is safe as a cosmetic raw material.
In addition, the safety and efficacy of Vaseline have been confirmed through various research results. Studies on atopic skin and newborns have shown that Vaseline helps prevent dryness and irritation. Overall, these results indicate that Vaseline is a safe ingredient that is suitable even for very sensitive skin types such as infants and people with atopic skin.
Vaseline, a powerful moisturizing ingredient
To keep your skin healthy and hydrated, it’s very important to go beyond simply adding moisture and focus on “moisturizing,” protecting the skin to prevent the loss of that moisture. Adding moisture and retaining it play different roles in keeping your skin hydrated. Let’s take a closer look at the difference between hydration and moisturizing, and how Vaseline provides powerful moisturizing benefits.
1. What is the difference between hydration and moisturizing?
When we think of caring for dry skin, we often think of replenishing moisture in the skin. However, two steps are equally important to keeping skin hydrated: adding moisture to the skin and preventing moisture from evaporating.
Hydration is the step of replenishing the skin with the water it is lacking. A well-known moisturizing ingredient is hyaluronic acid, which helps fill dry skin with moisture.
Moisturizing, on the other hand, is about protecting the newly added moisture by creating a barrier on the skin's surface that prevents it from evaporating too quickly. In short, it works like putting a lid on a container to keep the moisture in. A representative moisturizing ingredient is petroleum jelly.
Although hydration and moisturizer may seem similar, they play different roles in the skin. Therefore, using both types of ingredients together can keep the skin much more hydrated. In fact, research has shown that when using only moisturizing ingredients, moisture can actually escape in conditions of low humidity or when the skin barrier is damaged. In other words, combining a moisturizing ingredient like hyaluronic acid with a moisturizing ingredient like petroleum jelly is the most effective way to care for dry skin.
2. Vaseline's unique moisturizing benefits
Vaseline is a powerful moisturizing ingredient. It forms a thin, even barrier on the skin's surface, preventing internal moisture from evaporating too easily. Thanks to this function, it effectively reduces water loss, even in dry environments, and helps the skin stay hydrated for longer.
Additionally, Vaseline supports the restoration of a damaged skin barrier. By forming a protective layer over skin weakened by external irritants, it prevents further damage and helps it recover quickly. Previous research has shown that applying Vaseline to skin with a barrier damaged by irritation speeds up the restoration of barrier function and reduces moisture loss.
In this way, Vaseline is a representative moisturizing ingredient that not only keeps the skin hydrated but also provides robust protection to weakened skin barriers.
The various benefits of Vaseline for skin health
Vaseline is an ingredient with effective moisturizing power that helps prevent moisture from escaping the skin.
Although petroleum jelly is widely known as a moisturizer, it's actually a versatile skincare ingredient with a wider range of benefits beyond just hydration. It helps prevent rashes, soothes swelling, reduces the risk of infection, and generally works to keep skin safe.
In this section, we will explore the various benefits of Vaseline beyond moisturizing ingredients one by one, focusing on how it cares for skin health.
1. Protection against irritation-induced skin damage
Skin can become sensitive even from minor irritations such as cleaning, friction or pressure. If these irritations continue, symptoms such as redness or stinging may occur. Vaseline forms a thin protective barrier on the skin, preventing these irritants from coming into direct contact. As a result, the skin is better able to withstand repeated irritation and maintain a healthy condition.
2. Care for damaged skin
When the skin is damaged, even minor irritations can lead to swelling, redness, or other discomfort. In such cases, Vaseline helps by forming a protective shield over the affected area and preventing the wound from being directly exposed. It also blocks bacteria and impurities from entering the skin, reducing the risk of further damage. In this way, Vaseline helps sensitive skin recover steadily without further irritation.
3. Treating diaper rash
Diaper rash is a common problem for babies, often caused by moisture and friction. Vaseline helps by forming a protective barrier on the skin, preventing direct skin contact with external irritants and the risk of sensitive skin aggravating into a rash. In fact, studies have shown that using Vaseline can reduce rashes and improve the condition of the skin in infants. This shows that Vaseline is a safe and effective ingredient, even for delicate, sensitive skin like that of babies.
What skin types can use Vaseline?
Vaseline is a moisturizing ingredient that is suitable for all skin types. For dry skin, it provides a protective barrier that relieves dryness, while for oily or combination skin, it helps prevent moisture loss without feeling heavy, supporting a balanced moisturizing effect. This barrier not only locks in moisture, but also protects the skin from external irritants, making it effective in managing a variety of skin types.
Additionally, Vaseline retains moisture for a long time while being gentle on the skin, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It helps to stay comfortably hydrated, making it especially effective for those who need moisturizing care with low irritation.
Beyond just dry skin, Vaseline can be used for a variety of skin concerns. It is known as an ingredient that can help skin with weakened barriers that experience recurring symptoms such as itching or redness. According to previous studies, applying Vaseline to frequently dry and sensitive skin, such as in cases of atopic dermatitis or eczema, effectively supports the restoration of the barrier and helps reduce related symptoms.
Vaseline is a safe moisturizing ingredient suitable for dry, sensitive and problematic skin. Its gentle and stable properties make it safe to use on all skin types and helps maintain skin hydration and comfort in daily care.
Misconceptions and facts about Vaseline!
1. Is it harmful because it comes from oil?
Many people worry because Vaseline is derived from oil, and naturally think, “Oil is risky to apply to the skin.” However, the Vaseline used in cosmetics is not in its raw oil form. It undergoes several purification processes to remove impurities, resulting in a safe ingredient suitable for use on the skin. In fact, Vaseline’s safety and effectiveness are recognized worldwide, and it is widely used not only as a moisturizer but also as a skin protectant.
2. Does it clog pores?
Because Vaseline forms a moisturizing barrier on the skin's surface, some people mistakenly believe that 'it can clog pores and cause breakouts.' However, this misconception stems from its thick texture. Previous studies have confirmed that Vaseline does not clog pores when applied to the skin.
On the contrary, Vaseline gently coats the skin and protects it from external irritants while preventing moisture loss, making it a safe ingredient for people with dry or sensitive skin.
A combination of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids can be used on all skin types, including dry and oily skin. Those who struggle with dry or sensitive skin can use it with confidence.
