The Dirty Origins Of A Beauty Icon - Vaseline’s Story of Controversy & Virality - Behind The Beauty

[@emiliaingmarsdotter462]

I work as an acute care surgeon and we actually use white Vaseline on low-grade burns for its protective and moisture-retaining properties

[@Uncle_Smidge]

I work in surgery supply, and I stock supplies like the petroleum-steeped gauze pads in the little foil packets. c:

[@michaelasbury]

But doesn't white vaseline have perfume in it which can irritate the skin?

[@PrettyTigerlilly]

​@@michaelasbury No, after I had surgery to remove a skin cancer, the Dr advised I cover the wound with regular Vaseline. It's really wonderful and healing.

[@michaelasbury]

@@PrettyTigerlilly I'm talking about white not the regular yellow vaseline, the white, I swear, has perfume, that's what I'm saying

[@PrettyTigerlilly]

@@michaelasbury There's only one type of Vaseline where I live (North America) and it's translucent/white. It has no scent. The Vaseline lip balms have color and scent, but not the pot of Vaseline. It's called Skin Healing Jelly, 100% pure Vaseline, from the Vaseline brand.

[@KismetKat11]

50 years ago my Mom put Vaseline on my face before is go out and play in the winter cold. She used it to removed her makeup. My grandmother put it in her hands at night and then put on white cotton globes to sleep. Like many others, we were slugging before slugging was cool.

[@phoenixfritzinger9185]

The putting something greasy on your face to protect from the cold thing is a pretty universal practice for places that get cold Whether it’s Vaseline, lard, or seal blubber.

[@foreverwander0320]

@@phoenixfritzinger9185I wish my mom had known about this, but she was against sunscreen too so I’m not surprised

[@laur83]

i don’t live in a cold place so i never knew this was a thing! sounds like an excellent way to protect the skin.

[@MNK90-m1z]

This has actually been proven to be a bad practice that can cause freezes on the skin..

[@Jmexmaldo]

Vaseline was the product my mother introduced to me at a very early age for skin protection and retaining moisture. I agree that it’s been a part of my skin routine since I was a child, being of a darker skin tone.

[@tanyapoe5490]

I'm nearly transparent but I was taught to use Vaseline to keep my skin soft when I was a little kid. Still do it too.

[@abookishmess]

Same I always use it especially as someone that suffers from dry skin ❤

[@cocolove9916]

Same that and coco butter was the norm for me coming from a Caribbean household

[@IsabelleReads]

Same my mum used to smother me in it

[@ashnd27]

It’s one of my winter staples. I use it all the time to keep my hands moisturized. It’s also great for real thick callouses

[@Brina21232]

I will never forget when I was in college a boy asked me how do black people have such nice skin & I said genetics but also we use Vaseline & everyone at my table turned up their nose & said it was gross. Well, who's laughing now?! Lol Amazing video James! I learned so much! I love the direction your KZbin channel has recently taken. Keep up the great work! 💖

[@slothisasin8240]

What? They thought vaseline was gross, I'm white and I love vaseline on my face, lips and elbows! Looks like you got the last laugh :)

[@lissadotelle]

genetics 😂 as a black person (adult) that suffers with acne and other skin problems, "good skin" is not defined by race or even genetics, just luck

[@Brina21232]

@@lissadotelle the health of your skin is definitely determined by your genetics & even your race. You can look it up, the studies are there. I have eczema, which is a hereditary inflammatory disease & acne can also be caused by your genetics. Although I don't suffer from acne, many people in my family have eczema which is why I now suffer from the same thing. I would also like to note, I never said all black people have nice skin, clearly that's not true. I just listed some of the reasons why black people can have nice skin.

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

@@Brina21232race is simply a human-created set of categories, it’s certainly related to genetics but not a causal factor

[@JubbysDragons]

As an oily white person Vaseline gives me pimples and those lil bumps under your eye I forgot what they are called. I use witch hazel to dry my skin out and it looks nice that way. Vaseline is a death sentence for me 😂😂

[@diavolaangelica]

I knew a lady who used to slather her face with Vaseline before going to bed. She was a very thin elderly woman, she was not well physically. She always slept on her back with her hands resting on her abdomen like she was in her casket... The first time I saw it for myself, I nearly jumped out of my skin, because as if the rest of it wasn't enough, she slept with her eyes open. Needless to say, I promptly went to check her vitals, she woke up and yelled at me, "unhand me damn it, I'm not dead!" The other nurses didn't tell me what the deal was with her so they could run their little bet to see if I would run out of the room or not. I don't know, there is just something about that vaseline sheen in low light that is unsettling; given the circumstances.

[@AnneQuiet]

Omg I’m sorry but I’m dying of laughter over here 😂😂😂😂

[@darkydoom]

That fresh corpse look, yes

[@2degucitas]

That's definitely a nurse story. We're like that.

[@diavolaangelica]

@@2degucitas amen!

[@birdfriday]

Monty Python: I’M NOT DEAD! I FEEL HAPPYYYY! I THINK I’LL GO FOR A WALK!

[@jenniebeann]

I can't believe the blue and white tins of Vaseline were only introduced 25 years ago. I thought it was something that has always been around.

[@Sursie_Metzger]

My grandparents had a vintage and VERY well kept and decorated green Vaseline tin when I was growing up that they had for so long. It wasn’t until I’d noticed the tubs in the store at a young age that I’d realized it actually came in other forms of packaging 😂

[@lipstickzombie4981]

You're confusing Vaseline with Nivea?

[@Kalidreamine]

Oh wow! I thought it had been around in that packaging for a while. 25 years is only slightly more time than I’ve been alive 😅 (I’m 23) 😂

[@syddlinden8966]

Makes me realize just how old the light yellow tube we just emptied actually lasted

[@jenniebeann]

@@lipstickzombie4981 no I'm definitely thinking of Vaseline. I feel like I've always has a tin in my bag or pocket but now I know that can't have been true for thr first 18 years of my life. But the Nivea packaging is also something I think of as iconic but not something I ever use.

[@Crocady1]

In South Africa literally EVERYONE uses Vaseline. Whether they're black or white, coloured, Indian, whoever. Personally I don't because it makes me break out, but if it didn't, I probably would have, just based on it's convenience. You can use it for literally anything, even as a mask on your hairline for when you dye your hair. Well, you can, I can't. But you get what I mean. Great video! I'm a recent subscriber and I am very grateful the algorithm introduced me to your channel. There's a lot of things that I always just believed to be true and it's nice to get the facts straight. Your channel is very comforting, and puts the mind at ease. Thank you! 💜🦋

[@theyoungkamikaze19]

Rub Vicks, you'll come right. (As a fellow South African, we really do use Vaseline and Vicks (aka - Spicey Vaseline) for EVERYTHING.)

[@lalaisdead]

Vicks, vaseline and zambuk is all my house will ever need

[@foreverwander0320]

It must be annoying to be sensitive to Vaseline! It’s in so many things. Hopefully you’ve found a good alternative!

[@lethfuil]

I use it to protect fresh tattoos in the shower and to seal tubes in the kitchen/bathroom plumbing (together with hemp wool). xD But the hairline dye protection sounds like a great idea! Thanks. ^^

[@laur83]

vicks? on the face? 😭

[@Sursie_Metzger]

Vaseline has so many cool uses outside of cosmetic use as well. You can use it as fuel during emergencies when your power goes out as it’s a still a flammable petroleum oil product. You can dip a cotton ball into vaseline making it rather thick and it will burn really well for several minutes. It’s great for starting fires if you don’t have much else to work with.

[@user-um7mh5nq7x]

It's also great for making sure cured resin will release from a scrap-wood mold when in a pinch.

[@maryeckel9682]

It can also help with cat hairballs

[@KatieonYouTube]

​@@maryeckel9682 How do you give it to the cat? I have a cat that gets bad hairballs and would love to help him

[@phoenixfritzinger9185]

@@user-um7mh5nq7xyou grease it up like you’re baking brownies

[@inr63]

🔥🔥🔥

[@sixxlee890]

The amount of research that you put into these videos is incredible, James. You give us insight into companies and products that allow us to make informed decisions about where we spend, and you always do it respectfully and fairly. Thank you. Xx

[@LMBillingsley]

I grew up in the 90s, and i used vaseline on my psoriasis for years! As i got older, my dermatologist prescribed topical steroids, but for little kids who might not be able to use such strong products, it's a good way to manage flaking, cracking, and itch.

[@rebeccaotter8051]

Also a psoriasis sufferer! I use Vaseline as an all over moisturiser on the days I’m not using gradual tanner.

[@NatalieBohlin]

On of the many unknown symptoms of cealic disease can be skin issues. Typically it takes 10 years of suffering before ppl are correctly diagnosed with celiacs. Usually if you have psoriasis, you are being treated by a dermatologist, no one is looking at your GI. Consider a test for celiacs or cut out gluten and see if your skin gets better

[@morgianasartre6709]

Just fyi, steroids are routinely prescribed even to babies with skin conditions like atopic dermatitis. The thing that changes is the class of steroid and the form.

[@cw7147]

My 67 year old coworker looks like she's only in her 50s. She has always pointed out her use of Vaseline every night as the reason why she still looks so great. In case anyone wants to know...she says she uses it (Vaseline) as a makeup remover, washes her face, then applies a light layer of Vaseline before bed.

[@farmgal77]

Ooh I'm going to try that! 🥳

[@mahamstring5576]

The stickiness tho 😢

[@barose1]

@@mahamstring5576And makeup build-up. No real cleanser?

[@funsizedi88]

A very light layer, like rub it a fine aized amount on your hands and use that forbyour face and neck. Let it sit for at least 20 mins before getting into bed. If you like me and are acne prone, maybe skin your breakput areas(jawline in my case) and only use it 3-4x a week. Using as a makeup remover and then washing may help to leave your skin feeling softer tho ​@mahamstring5576

[@lethfuil]

I mean, my 87 year old grandmother has better skin and looks younger than her 68 year old neighbour (who does just look her age, pretty much). But it's the neighbour doing more for her skin. My grandmother just uses water (with a tiny bit of soap) and regular Nivea, once a day. There's a lot of stuff that influences skin from the circumstances (food, lifestyle etc), but there's also a strong genetic factor. What I mean is: Yeah, watch out for your skin, if you care, but don't get frustrated if it doesn't seem to work as well as on someone else (and don't think someone else would definitely benefit from whatever you're doing, if it does seem to work well).

[@love.hw4ng]

My mom was very hesitant to buy me Vaseline for my lips, sure, but, she always talked about how great it was for diaper rash. It honestly belongs in every home ever (unless you’re allergic:).

[@chiaragibbs1693]

I'm a pharmacist in NZ and often recommend Vaseline to apply to eczema on kids before baths or going to the pools just to prevent the water stinging the eczema. Cheap easy and can be slathered on. Just have to make sure that if anyone is applying an active, apply it under the Vaseline and in a smaller quantity 😅

[@KarmatheCorgi]

I wish I'd known that with my eczema behind my knees! I went swimming and while the water wasn't too bad... I borrowed someone else's sunscreen (cause mine was the expensive stuff but didn't sting) and hoooo boy! That stuff burned!

[@sondesf4035]

In my household we've always used Vaseline for cracked heels at night with a sock on , i still so it to this day

[@NothingReallyMatters08]

Someone literally told me to do that earlier today. Definitely trying it now after watching the video

[@Ms.DarkMatter]

Aquaphor and Vaseline are must haves for the skin!

[@KarmatheCorgi]

Aquaphor was how I healed my tattoos! That and Lubriderm. Good stuff!

[@yamiswife101]

I use it for my lips. They get dry/chapped so easily and I live very dry/ low humidity regions. It doesn’t burn like carmex and stays on for long periods of time. Leaves my lips so soft in the morning

[@rachelhansen2417]

Same! Their newer lip balm line has been a lifesaver.

[@user-um7mh5nq7x]

It's definitely saved my lips after many long winter days playing in the marching band. It's also very useful to get resin projects to release from particle board molds. 😅

[@Ruth695]

It's the best ever for keeping lips soft and the little tins are fully recyclable and can used forever so no plastic waste

[@bishielurfer]

Same. I have a big problem with my lips cracking and I tend to bite my lips. Putting a thin layer on my lips during the day and a thick layer before bed and showers really helps.

[@ChristaEvelyn]

Vaseline has been, and remains a part of my beauty routine for the entirety of my 49 years 💛💙

[@celinegunton6422]

I had a bad reaction to some pimple patches (mild chemical burn), and Vaseline healed my skin in just a few days. I had no idea it could do that. I was blown away!

[@lauraanderson8785]

What pimple patches did you use? :0 I never knew that they could cause chemical burns

[@Call-me-Al]

​@@lauraanderson8785 Yeah, they're not supposed to. They're not supposed to be so strong they chemically burn your skin

[@kalisworl]

@@lauraanderson8785 I wonder too it must be a brand that has something like a chemical exfoliant?

[@samparker9631]

Me either! I thought the pimple patches I use were just hydrocoloid patches, but maybe the salicylic acid in it? Or it might be a fancier patch than I use

[@katfayegarrett3872]

I remember in the 90s the magazine Allure did a fashion shoot just using Vaseline on the models' faces. Stephanie Seymore was one of the beauties. For some reason I'll never forget that. ❤

[@sheilahbuettner8452]

I love these behind the beauty episodes. Always entertaining but educational at the same time.

[@Glitteratti77]

I love this series! The history of skin care/beauty products is so interesting!! James, you are a genius!❤🇨🇦 Side note: my Grandfather used to put vasoline on his face AND he ate one spoon of it everyother day. He swore that was the reason his skin was perfect and wrinkle free until in death in his 80s 🤢

[@farmgal77]

🤣 how big was this spoon? Are we talking a heaped tablespoon??🫠😁

[@claireeyles7560]

Vaseline mixed with lamp black or soot also makes a really good historically accurate eyeshadow for 1920s/30s look. It was one of Marlene Dietrich's makeup secrets. I've used it as a lower lash mascara as well, but still need to try it out as an upper lash mascara.

[@lipstickzombie4981]

Isn't that the original formula for mascara also included Vaseline? The Line in Maybelline is Vaseline

[@claireeyles7560]

@@lipstickzombie4981 Yes, it was originally called 'Lash-Brow-Ine" by Thomas Lyle Williams, who made the first 'Maybelline' mascara, but the name was quickly changed to honour his sister, Mabel, who had given him the idea to adapt and package the product. Mascara had been available prior to that as well, but it was called 'Mascaro' and primarily used by men to darken their beards and moustaches, or on the stage as a part of an actor's makeup. There was also the practice of eyelash beading in the 1920s that was popular on stage and with dancers. :)

[@maryeckel9682]

Maybe you can mix that Youthforia foundation with it 😅

[@Call-me-Al]

​@@maryeckel9682 Let's not

[@phoenixfritzinger9185]

When my mom was a punk/goth in the late 70’s/ early 80’s she used to do that all the time and would even make her own gel eyeliner that way. Like you’d just hold a lighter underneath an old jelly lid to collect the soot

[@Robin-rk2hf]

The irony about the pleurisy is that you should NOT be getting things like petroleum in your lungs or risk developing lipoid pneumonia (pleurisy is an infection of the chest wall but still). This is one of the reasons why they tell you to not put vicks vaporub or similar on the inside of your nose, especially at night.

[@jewelsbarbie]

That’s scary! I have heard that many nurses use Vicks vapor rub inside their noses while at work when dealing with certain patients.

[@WaffleDoge]

​@jewelsbarbie my sister did the same thing but most nurses and cnas usually rub it on the upper lip area and not directly inside the nostrils.

[@lipstickzombie4981]

​@@jewelsbarbieWe wipe it on the area near the upper lips. Someone got that mixed up in our history and did the nostrils. I do the safest route and just sniff oil of wintergreen instead. It's for lessening the smell of certain patients on our noses. Those who handled gangrene and GI bleed pts are very familiar with this

[@KarmatheCorgi]

@@lipstickzombie4981 mask trick is good too.

[@EmL-kg5gn]

Please tell me you’re joking 😭 I’m australian and we use pawpaw cream for everything under the sun. Papaya is just the active ingredient, it’s mostly vaseline. Any time I had a nosebleed I put pawpaw cream in my nose to help it recover (after it had stopped bleeding obviously)

[@lisacochrane2154]

This was super interesting. I really like the format of chapters. Vaseline has been a staple in my family's medicine cabinet for generations, literally. But I had no idea how it was discovered. 🎉💕

[@howbradknew]

Liked as soon as he made the bedside table joke LOL

[@stephiek.3267]

Very much enjoyed this video. Very informative and interesting! Grew up using Vaseline on cuts and elbows. Memories of a small tub in my Granny's nail kit, she would massage a dab into her cuticles and the excess under her eyes every night. I currently have a squeeze tube in my medicine cabinet, and Lip Therapy containers all over my house! Vaseline is just a part of life. ❤

[@holliemichailidis2951]

I cared for an elderly lady. She would put some under her eyes, any dry areas on her face, on her elbows and her knees. She said her mother used to do this. She had spotless skin (no liver spots) and no discolouration on her face skin and good skin for a 90 year old. She also didn't have tissue skin (if you worked in aged care you know).

[@eilismaher2616]

You have read my mind James, had Fraxel laser on my face a few days ago and have been covering my face with Vaseline to help the healing process. You tell the story so well with grace and elegance💞

[@PassionPno]

Try La Roche Posay Cica Baume B5 even better for post-laser treatments.

[@eilismaher2616]

@@PassionPno great, love that product, one of my heroes. Their Baume B5 spf 50 is amazing also🤎

[@001-x1b]

All i know is that vaseline aloe sooth bodylotion helped me fade a horrible scar that made me feel really bad. it's truly a wonderful product.

[@handsanitizer5127]

I burned my face with a hair removal cream i left on too long and i applied petroleum jelly and went to bed anxious. When i woke up the burn bumps and red flakeyness was gone. I was so relieved and surprised 🙀. Totally recommend. 💯

[@elizarline]

This is an excellent mini-doc. Vaseline is something that has always been in our home (or the off-brand version sometimes). My mother has rosacea and sensitive skin and now I do too (yay!) I would like to say that I do use Vaseline and other emollients on my skin, like Pawpaw balm and even (I know I know) MaryKay has a good emollient jelly. I never “slug” or cover my entire face with it, but I have found nothing but benefits when using it in the drier, flakey parts of my skin, especially in colder months. An extra step I like to add is first spritzing my face with a gentle aloe toner or rose water. I feel it sheers out jelly and balms nicely, makes them easier to apply, and lighter. My mother still uses it as a makeup remover before face wash.

[@xg2513]

James this was such a great video. I think it’s so amazing that Vaseline has made people of color such a priority , and Vaseline has been a life saver for me for sure. I would love to see you make a video about baby powder and the history and eventual banning of talc , I don’t know if you’ve made a video about this. Baby powder was targeted especially at women of color.

[@Thereal21-j6e]

Why was baby powder targeted to women of color ?

[@TheJennnq]

If you get those little white milia spots around your eyes, avoid Vaseline in that area! Milia can crop up when there is too much moisture. It has happened to me.

[@lifespanwellnessbeauty-60i64]

It's clogging the pores, not adding too much moisture.

[@australiafair5926]

​@@lifespanwellnessbeauty-60i64Vaseline doesn't clog pores. It works wonders for acne if you spread it all over your face regularly, or use it to heal existing lesions.

[@SharonRaeRyan]

I love this episode! When my lips get really chapped, Vaseline is the only thing that fully let's them heal. So many other lip products have fragrance, which irritates my lips when they're already chapped. Good old Vasaline.

[@phoenixfritzinger9185]

I like to put a line of Vaseline on the skin around my nails to protect the skin from getting nail polish on it. It’s moisturizing for the cuticles and it doesn’t trigger latex allergies.

[@davidsentosa779]

As someone who likes history and biography, please make more of this kind of contents. Also I like the way you narrate and your research put into the content.

[@debrandw246]

I absolutely love how you bring history to life and as always a truthful version of both sides. You you back up everything with amazing details. I thank you so much for your insight and datailed truth. I could listen to you for hours. Thank you for all the time you put into every subject you speak about. It is much appreciated as you make every subject so interesting

[@laurieann2714]

The Trifecta of your video, Roberts and then both have started off my night shift in the most beautiful way! thanks!!!

[@midnightrose1982]

So now we need a video of Robert showing us how to use it for makeup looks lol

[@likhayadiko6045]

😂😂 I'm so dumb, I thought James and Robert were the same person 😭😭. I've been watching James's content since last year, recently started watching Robert's and I watched because I thought it's James 😭

[@nicolabaker4391]

​@@likhayadiko6045 Don't worry the majority of us went through this stage too. You could say it is a right of passage when starting out with the Welsh Twins.

[@evaluna7650]

I sometimes use vaseline on my under eyes before makeup (usual skincare, then some vaseline before my spf, and then the rest of my makeup). works wonders if you are suffering from very dry cracked skin or eczema, it also doesn't crease like you think it would (only apply a tiny bit tho)

[@midnightrose1982]

@@likhayadiko6045 they actually have a joint channel called the Welsh twins and it starts out with them saying this is their weekly reminder that they are not the same person 😂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIucgWmGp5qCbcUsi=sWHBwnHOSmccfd7v

[@likhayadiko6045]

@@nicolabaker4391 😂😂thank you for the reassurance ❤️

[@RuthDeane]

These videos are so interesting, I’ve been enjoying hearing about the histories of these brands - you must put a lot of work into these, thank you James 💜💜💜

[@1015SaturdayNight]

Slugging is amazingly awesome for my skin in deep winter when it’s so dry and angry

[@lipstickzombie4981]

I haven't stopped slugging especially when the Aircon in my workplace for 12 hours is atrociously dry. 😅

[@Call-me-Al]

If possible, you also should have a humidifier (though be wary of mold in the water, make sure to regularly clean it).

[@jmkcr]

My Mom SWORE by Vaseline Intensive Care lotion up until the day she passed in 2018. It was always in her bathroom and bedroom!

[@uptownpotatoes]

Great video. I love vaseline. I use it daily for my hands and three time a week for my face. It keeps my aging skin supple.

[@foreverwander0320]

Great Research as always, Robert! In1998 I began wearing lipstick (Revlon’s Raisin Rage) and noticed my lipstick never looked as good in the afternoon. I found that if I took a sip of water at the water fountain and then immediately applied lip balm or Vaseline while my lips were still damp it would lock in the moisture and make them smoother. A baby skincare lover was born.😅 I wonder if a lot of us find our way there organically at first. And Vaseline is usually a first!

[@ragnegjengedal7803]

This series is awesome. Thanks for all the research you do, and teaching us the very interesting history of the beauty industry.

[@gameplaygirl3268]

I remember as a kid my grandparents had vaseline in the bathroom and i out it on the backs of my hands, and then i tried to wash it off with water and crapped myself, my hand suddenly seemed waterproof and i wondered what id done 😂😂😂

[@Uncle_Smidge]

When Mom's Yorkie ate a feminine product from our trash in the bathroom, we avoided surgery by feeding her Vaseline to literally lube things up in her G.I. tract, per the vet's orders. She lived for another decade and passed away at 16.

[@TheMakeupChair]

I thought Vaseline was from the UK this whole time 😂 love these videos, I'd love one on sudocrem! that stuff seems like magic to me!

[@LittleMissBettyPage]

I give my cats a little Vaseline to help with furballs, it works a treat and they bloody love the stuff. I had to stop using it as a lip balm because every time they hear the cap open they come running demanding some. (For the record this was a recommendation by our vet)

[@thinblood]

it really helps my cat's furballs too

[@_plantlife]

This explains why my cat would try to lick my face clean 😂😂 like they would eat my face when I would go for snuggles 😂

[@ndawn90]

I've heard that cats are also attracted to plastic bags for the same reason (something about being a petroleum byproduct and tasting/smelling good to cats).

[@stateofhead5262]

@@ndawn90My partner shouts at me if there are any plastic bags left at me for kitties to chew.

[@stateofhead5262]

@@ndawn90I get shouted at by my partner if there are plastic bags lying around for the kitties to chew 😳

[@giuliapedroni1462]

the problem with acne prone skin and slugging is not the comedogenicity of vaseline/petroleum jelly itself - it isn't comedogenic as it is too large of a molecule - but the fact that it traps other ingredients on the skin which might cause irritation, breakouts and some clogged pores. So slugging is good but it depends on what you apply before it. For some people with oily and acne prone skin or that have some sort of skin cell turnover issue (e.g. people with KP on the face) though even slugging on clean skin can be problematic as it further traps your their own excess oil and skin cells onto the skin, which if done repetitively can cause breakouts.

[@EmL-kg5gn]

That’s so interesting!

[@IraDongBangTan]

I love every bit of history. Good morning from Singapore, James! 3am!😂😂

[@sarahwatson3192]

Yo as a French Canadian Vaseline is a god send in the winter. The air is so cold -40 c° and below… I have really amazing moisturizer that work wonders in winter and at night… but my lips, nostrils, cheeks and the outer corner of my eyes… I put Vaseline on those areas before leaving in the morning… just a thin layer to keep my skin from drying and cracking. Basically anything that could be exposed to the air and breath condensation gets a thin layer. I wipe it off when I get to where I’m headed and will reapply before headed back out. It’s just the only thing that stays put. I also have aquaphore for the same reasons.

[@LydiaKrow]

When I was an esthetician, I spoke with people a lot about "household" solutions for skin, and vaseline/petroleum jelly and coconut oil came up a lot because people assumed they could be used for the face. Coconut oil you would use for cooking was a hard no, and vaseline only in certain cases. It actually is quite useful for rosacea if you present with dry or flaking skin and no pustules. It's also incredibly useful on the rest of the body where acne does not present. After manual exfoliation of elbows and other rough skin patches, it's good to cleanse and then use petroleum jelly there, but a relatively small amount. My personal preference is Egyptian Magic, which has a different, firmer emulsion, but it does the same sort of thing as petroleum jelly, Aquaphor, etc. Petroleum jelly is rather inert and stable but it can travel easily, and sometimes gets into eyes, hair, or ears and can be an irritant (or, in ears, disrupt the action of wax or water drainage) so it's NOT my preference for wearing to bed as an occlusive layer unless it is applied very carefully. So, long story short - as with everything, it comes with usage instructions and can be a problem if mishandled. :)

[@lipstickzombie4981]

Problem with Egyptian Magic in my place is it's so heavily counterfeited. This, Morphe and The Ordinary products almost always show up at back alley shops and stalls but almost never in reputable stores.

[@australiafair5926]

You can use petroleum jelly on acne and on acneiform rosaceae.

[@angelvenker5628]

It works nicely for scabs as well, keeps them soft so the dont get ripped off the wound. I had a area of hyperpigmentation removed from my face and the Dr. told me to keep Vaseline on it to keep it protected and te keep it from scarring. Vaseline gets a bad rap but used correctly it can work quite well .

[@yvettemartin9703]

Funnily enough, what put Vaseline on my radar was Doogie Howser's best friend, Vinnie. There was a story line where Vinnie's girlfriend (Janine) kissed Doogie, and that was so long ago that I can't remember how they made up. But when Vinnie was leaving, he said to Doogie that Janine complained that Doogie's lip was chapped or something like that, and Vinnie said to Doogie that what he does is put Vaseline on his lips before he goes to bed. Being from the Philippines, I was not aware of Vaseline as petroleum jelly, what I remember was their commercial where they scratch the word "DRY" on people's arms and the word disappears when they apply their lotion on it. Being someone who struggles with extremely dry lips (there were times I'd smile and my lips were so dry, it bled), I rooted around in SM's Health and Beauty department (now Watson's) and thankfully saw the lip product so I didn't have to get the one in the tub (although it may have just been the same thing and the tub one was a rip off as it cost more for less product LOL). It was a headache when I lose it, though, because it's so hard to find, and being in high school then, I didn't have enough money to buy extras when they are available. Now, 30+ years later (God I'm old!), I always see them on shelves (except for the medicated one, it looks like they've discontinued it), but I have since moved on from Vaseline so I don't buy it anymore. But yeah, Vaseline for lips really was a big part of my life in the '90s.

[@H.A.-zr2wc]

Another amazing video James💜 I love this series.

[@harusaurus]

i had no idea it was called "slugging" but that's exactly what i do as someone who is prone to using entire boxes of tissues when i have allergy attacks or a cold. i can't use those lotion tissues, just the regular kleenex kind, but it still dries out my nostrils and lips so bad that they're cracking after a particularly long bout. now, after the first day of lots of tissue use, i use my moisturizer as normal before bed and slather on a nice layer of vaseline in a triangle around my lips and nose but esp around my nostrils, cupid's bow, and corners of mouth. my skin feels like new in the morning! it can still get a bit raw after too many days in a row of tissues, but it's nothing like it was before when my skin would literally be cracked and bleeding and ofc it would take long to heal. i don't do this daily outside of bad nose days and i never apply over top of any active pimples. my vaseline has the added benefit of cocoa butter in it and it smells and feels so nice.

[@Karina-nq5qo]

Try baby wipes too. That's what I use on the preschool kids with prolonged runny noses. Very soothing and doesn't cause dryness or irritation

[@nicolev4207]

Was so delighted to see you and Robert both upload today.❤ Happy Sunday James!

[@rootsm3]

James you have been on fire recently! Good job!

[@hannahmclaren9672]

We have shifted from drying the skin for acne and being told you can't use moisturizer of any kind or any kind of oils. I had the worst acne in the 90s well into the 2000s and after using a retinol product for two years I switched to many products with evening primrose oil and rose hip oils and hibiscus oil and I had relief and I think we should bust the myth that drying acne prone skin is healthy.

[@johnsskincarereviews]

And how can we forget the iconic Tyra Banks studded Vaseline giveaway!

[@briannecarter9934]

As a history major, I love this deep dive! I use Vaseline under my eyes every night and it's convinced me that eye cream is a scam.

[@SwampCeeMcGee60]

I used to treat diaper rash by alternating cocoa butter Vaseline and cornstarch powder with diaper rash cream and it cleared up some of the worst rash by the next couple changes.

[@muggle804]

I love your deep dives, they are so informative. I love to listen at bed time, your voice is so soothing.

[@peachphs]

I remember my mum used vaseline like diaper cream on my younger siblings, she would also mix Vaseline with Vicks and rub it on our chests and feet whenever we were sick I’ve used Vaseline around my hairline back when I used to dye my hair and to this day I still use the jelly on my lips, elbows and feet. I also use their intensive care lotions and have bottles at home and in the office 😂 I love their stuff tbh ☺️ I still mix leftover lippies with vaseline and use as colored lipbalm too

[@2degucitas]

Vaseline gauze is used over ribcage puncture wounds to prevent pneumothorax, a collapsed lung from air entering the wound.

[@makeupbyevef]

loved the structure of this video James!! was really interesting and kept my easily distracted mind focused 🥰

[@ozzyqueen73]

I’m a mother baby nurse and we use Vaseline soaked gauze to put on baby’ s after circumcisions.

[@natad.ran5533]

I had TERRIBLY HORRIBLE eczema until I turned about 18. I would slather my face in Vaseline while at home now known as slugging. Any one who would see me made fun of me. Now it's a trend 😅

[@TheToniBlack]

The way Black (American) parents slathered Vaseline on their children’s faces before school, church, and other events, as well as under our gums (to keep us smiling) before a performance should be studied. It was, and still is a staple in Black American Families.

[@TheToniBlack]

I’m tickled that I made this comment before you even brought it up. Thank you for even mentioning how it is a staple in Black American households! 💛

[@soniahogg7043]

@@TheToniBlackNot just the black American households but black Caribbean households too. I’m British black with Jamaican parentage and my mum did the same thing. Anything on your body that looked “dry” it was - “go get the Vaseline” 😂;

[@teri2466]

You probably remember Cheseborough from when you talked about Pond's cold cream. The two companies merged into Cheseborough-Pond's in 1955 😊

[@lipstickzombie4981]

Ponds is generic term for any type of face cream in my place regardless of purpose until this millennium.😆 Grandma hid her jewelry in those huge glass jars.

[@teri2466]

@@lipstickzombie4981 I'll bet a lot of grandmas did that lol

[@myrasgreen2631]

Absolutely a great video,very informative.thanks for all your research ♥️

[@vikkipink1288]

I spent a fortune trying to find some kind of lip routine to help my chronically dry lips. Finally I started using Vaseline every night before bed like my mom’s friend suggested and it has worked wonders.

[@argusfleibeit1165]

I am a lifelong Vaseline user, though I often buy the store brand. If is is marked USP grade (United States Pharmacy) then it is just as medically pure as Vaseline. I've always worn a thin coat over my eye area, lips, and crease zones. When I got older, I started mixing a dab of Vaseline into my moisturizer for longer-lasting moisturizing.

[@sleeplessmax]

I grew up being SLATHERED in Vaseline. My mom would take my face hostage as a kid and slather me. And I have to say. I really did have nice skin growing up and notice the benefits now as an adult.

[@joannasldr6456]

Thank you for being so thorough regarding animal testing, I truly appreciate it!

[@hviadn]

in a lot of Polish households instead of vaseline our grandmum's used nivea's cream in yhe blue tin during winter :)

[@vanessajirona]

I like this style of video like a documentary with storytelling kinda like gossip 😅

[@bettyrose1347]

I love coming here to learn things!!

[@Undefinedinc]

Ohhh so a great topic!! Go off James

[@johnsskincarereviews]

Idk what it is but the Vaseline advanced repair unscented lotion is 9 times out of 10 always the last step of my facial skincare routine. I have dry skin and it acts almost like a seal on everything I applied before. It can be sticky but I actually like that lol. Lovely video just had to mention my holy grail

[@tambariw]

Growing up African, Vaseline petroleum jelly and intensive care body lotion will always be in my household. I use the petroleum jelly as lip balm in the morning and night. Every now and then I'll mix the jelly with lotion for extra moisture, and use the jelly as an eye makeup remover

[@Stalemarshmallow]

The demonizing of Vaseline was absurd. It’s one of the few substances that doesn’t irritate my skin.

[@amypanddirtytoo1926]

I wish they sold it under the name Rod Wax🤣🤣🤣 I believe it would have evolved into having a totally........different use.

[@annamossity8879]

😂😂😂

[@Kasatrea]

Don't mind me, just commenting for the algorithm

[@melissagalech3649]

Thank you for this video, James! This was fascinating!!

[@toniprekker]

I use petroleum jelly for a few things, like covering wounds while they heal. But I have the sustainablity/environmental concerns. I know that the waste exists from petroleum refining anyway (and I do drive when needed), but I would prefer to use other products instead. I've found a few great ointments that are made with vegetable oils that I use for dermatitis, eczema, dry skin.

[@bishielurfer]

I have massive problems with my lips cracking and Vaseline is a lifesaver for it. I also have used it for mild skin abrasions and burns. Vaseline and aloe are some of my most frequently used products.

[@Bbykns]

My 84 year old grandma still swears by a teaspoon of vaseline for nearly every ailment 😅

[@stumpolicious]

Super interesting video and really well delivered. Love it when you release these deep dives ❤

[@sophiak7699]

Just wanted to say; I love ❤ listening to your company stories while Im at the gym ☺️🥰 kind of my relaxing time, while also learning 😉😊🤗

[@natashacutmore7005]

Malone Mukwende's book "Mind the Gap" is an excellent resource for learning about the presentation of skin conditions in people of colour.

[@NataliaPessoaXOXOMAKE]

Cerave healing ointment has changes my lip game! No more crusty lips. I like the cerave one because of the extra benefits like ceramides ❤

[@artistana523]

Putting Vaseline in the back of my heels/ on my toes creates a protective layer from my high heels rubbing against my skin. The best use I’ve ever found for that stuff.

[@lavieenlavande]

Vaseline has been a nearly magical product throughout my life. Aside from using it on cuts and in my skincare routine, I love it as a final step in my home manicures and pedicures-at the end, I slather on a nice hydrating lotion and cuticle oil, than cover my hands and feet with Vaseline and put on socks and cotton gloves. My hands and feet always feel so soft and perfect in the morning when I wake up. I know my family has used it extensively for generations as well. I seem to remember when I was a young girl that my grandparents had a tub of it that was glass with a metal lid (I think? It’s been so long). Maybe Vaseline should go back to something like that for their packaging to reduce use of plastics. Or even the tins? I dunno. Packaging is such a tricky thing but hopefully they figure it out!

[@leaudesrochers3717]

I really enjoy the Behind the beauty videos!!!

[@blueorix]

Love the format of these videos

[@13realmusic]

I recently skinned my knees as an adult and forgotten how painful of an injury that is. I lost a lot of skin, but using Vaseline seemed to help a lot with the recovery. I’m such a squeamish person and my injury looked absolutely horrendous I was afraid it was infected multiple times. But it was just the Vaseline helping with my skin regrow process. Now if anyone has good scar cream recommendations for my knees that would be great! I’m still using Vaseline so far with good results but faster would be ideal.

[@farmgal77]

That made me cringe🤪😁 ...have you tried Bio Oil for the scarring?

[@nicoleschultz7782]

The most proven technique is 100% silicone. I got some old really bad scars over a large surface area and I use the ScarScience 100% silicone tube with the big soft brush on the end. They also have one with a smaller roller on the end.

[@amerawdwr]

I started having eczema on my eyelids a few years ago. It can get really bad in winter when the weather is both cold and dry or if I'm very stressed. I don't know if it's super safe to put around the eyes but putting vaseline on my eyelids is SUCH a relief as it's, well, eczema. Like, it itches, the skin gets so irritated sometimes my eyelids swells, fun stuff like that. The pharmacist said it was kinda weird use of vaseline but it's a godsent tbh.

[@grannyweatherwax9666]

I use it on my chockens legs to get rid of scaly leg mites and the end of perches to help control red mites in their coops. I also used it on my lips for years, but now use sunscreen lip balms