Vaseline is a popular product that many people use on their lips before bed to help moisturize and heal chapped or dry lips. But what exactly does Vaseline do when left on your lips overnight? Here’s an in-depth look at the effects of using Vaseline on your lips overnight and whether it’s helpful or harmful.
How Vaseline Works on Lips
Vaseline is a brand name for petroleum jelly, which is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. It creates a protective barrier on the skin that helps seal in moisture. When applied to the lips before bed, here’s what happens:
- Forms a thick barrier – The thick, waxy texture of Vaseline adheres to the lips and forms an occlusive layer.
- Locks in moisture – It prevents moisture loss from the surface of the lips and helps them retain hydration.
- Soothes and protects – It provides a soothing layer of protection against irritants like wind and cold air.
By coating the lips with a protective layer of petroleum jelly, Vaseline can help hydrate, soften and heal chapped or cracked lips. It reduces moisture evaporation, allowing the lips to rehydrate themselves overnight.
Benefits of Overnight Use
Leaving a layer of Vaseline on your lips overnight offers several benefits:
- Boosts moisture levels – Lips don’t have oil glands. Vaseline seals in the existing moisture and prevents water loss.
- Prevents chapping – The waxy barrier protects against dryness and chapping from environmental factors.
- Soothes irritation – The thick formula creates a soothing layer over chapped or sore lips.
- Boosts lip volume – Increased moisture plumps up the lips slightly so they appear fuller.
- Softens flaky skin – Petrolatum helps hydrate and loosen dry, flaky bits of skin on the lips.
By morning, the lips feel more hydrated, smooth, soft and supple after being coated in Vaseline overnight. The occlusive barrier helps the lips retain moisture and heal from dryness.
Is It Safe to Use Overnight?
Using Vaseline on your lips overnight is generally safe for most people. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Use only a thin layer – Applying too much can lead to breakouts around the mouth.
- Wipe off excess in morning – Gently wipe off the residual product with a washcloth.
- Avoid ingesting – Consuming large amounts of petroleum jelly can cause diarrhea.
- Allergic reactions – Petrolatum may cause contact dermatitis in some individuals.
As long as you use a small amount, Vaseline is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), non-acnegenic and considered hypoallergenic. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about using it overnight.
Comparison to Regular Lip Balms
How does Vaseline compare to regular lip balms that contain beeswax, oils and waxes when used overnight?
Occlusiveness
Vaseline forms a heavier occlusive barrier than most lip balms. This helps prevent moisture loss very effectively overnight.
Hydration
Since Vaseline doesn’t contain humectants like glycerin, it may not boost hydration as well as some formulated lip balms. But it excellently seals in existing moisture.
Texture
Vaseline has a thicker, stickier feel than smooth, creamy lip balms. Some people don’t like the texture on the lips overnight.
Ingredients
Lip balms contain emollients like oils, butters and waxes that nourish lips. Vaseline contains 100% petroleum jelly without other beneficial ingredients.
Overall, Vaseline creates an unbeatable moisture barrier due to its high petrolatum content. But some find formulated lip balms more nourishing and comfortable for overnight wear.
Tips for Using Vaseline Overnight
Here are some tips on using Vaseline as an overnight lip treatment:
- Cleanse and exfoliate – Remove makeup and scrub off flaky skin first.
- Apply a thin layer – Too much can feel greasy and get on your pillowcase.
- Use a clean fingertip – To prevent bacteria transfer from hands to lips.
- Blot before bed – Blot gently with a tissue to remove excess.
- Use every night – For best results, apply nightly as part of your routine.
- Try under lip balm – Apply first to seal in moisture, then lip balm on top.
The Bottom Line
Vaseline is an affordable, accessible product that can provide immense overnight hydration benefits for your lips. By sealing in moisture, it can heal chapping, smooth flakiness, protect against irritants and leave your lips softer.
Using a small amount overnight is generally safe and effective. Just be sure to blot off the residue in the morning. For some, Vaseline may feel too heavy or sticky compared to lighter lip balms. Test it out to see if your lips benefit from the intensive moisturizing power of Vaseline.