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Does Vaseline Clog Pores? Dermatologists Reveal the Real Impact

Explore whether Vaseline really clogs pores, its benefits, possible side effects, and professional advice for different skin types.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 30, 2025

Explore whether Vaseline really clogs pores, its benefits, possible side effects, and professional advice for different skin types.

Does Vaseline Clog Pores? What Dermatologists Want You to Know

Vaseline, the iconic petroleum jelly, has been in medicine cabinets for generations. It’s praised for its skin protection and moisturizing properties, yet also surrounded by rumors about whether it causes breakouts and clogs pores. If you’re worried about slathering on Vaseline and waking up to clogged pores or acne, you’re not alone. Here, we’ll unpack the facts with evidence and expert commentary, giving you a nuanced understanding of Vaseline’s real effects on your skin.

What Is Vaseline and How Is It Used?

Vaseline, or petroleum jelly, is a purified mixture of semi-solid hydrocarbons originating from petroleum. It’s celebrated for its occlusive, moisture-sealing qualities and is commonly used:

To lock in hydration as a last-step moisturizer
For wound healing and after procedural care
On chapped lips and minor burns
To prevent diaper rash
As a beauty hack for glossy eyelids or smoother eyelashes

Its wide use is based on its ability to create a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss through a process called transepidermal water loss.

Does Vaseline Really Clog Pores? The Dermatologist’s Answer

Concerns about Vaseline clogging pores or causing breakouts are common. But the truth, according to dermatologist Dr. Brooke Jeffy, is nuanced. Vaseline is classified as non-comedogenic, which means it is not formulated to block pores or directly cause acne.

The molecules in Vaseline are too large to penetrate pores and physically block them.
Its occlusive property forms a barrier, helping trap moisture in the skin to prevent dryness.

This is why Vaseline is routinely used in wound care and recommended for babies or people with ultra-sensitive skin.

So Why Do Some People Get Breakouts?

The occlusive nature of Vaseline can trap oils and dead skin cells beneath the skin barrier. For people who already have oily or acne-prone skin, this can amplify breakouts, even though Vaseline itself isn’t clogging the pores.

“Because of this occlusive nature, it can trap in oil and dead skin cells which can be a problem for more oily or acne-prone skin, especially if used more frequently,” explains Dr. Jeffy.

In summary: Vaseline doesn’t actively clog your pores, but it can indirectly worsen acne or blackheads if your skin already tends toward oiliness or congestion.

Vaseline and Skin Occlusion: Scientific View

Scientific studies confirm that Vaseline provides the highest occlusion factor among moisturizers. This means it creates a highly effective seal, drastically reducing water evaporation from your skin.

Occlusion factor: Vaseline allows only about 5% water loss after 72 hours, compared to much higher rates with other moisturizers.
Occlusive mechanism: It sits on top of the skin, reducing transepidermal water loss rather than soaking in and blocking pores from the inside.

While excellent for dry, damaged, or healing skin, this strong barrier can increase the risk of trapping pre-existing debris (oil, makeup, dirt) under the skin—especially if your face isn’t freshly cleansed before application.

Who Should Use Vaseline on Their Face?

Given its unique properties, Vaseline is best suited for specific skin types and scenarios:

Dry, flaky, or sensitive skin: People with eczema, dermatitis, or severely dry skin can benefit greatly from Vaseline’s occlusive power.
Wound healing: It’s widely recommended by dermatologists post-procedure (such as after mole removal or laser treatment) for promoting healing and preventing scarring.
Adults and babies: Vaseline is gentle enough for use on infants, especially as a diaper rash barrier, and on adults with sensitive skin.

However, those with oily, acne-prone, or congested skin should be cautious. Heavy, frequent use could trap oils, leading to more breakouts.

How to Use Vaseline Without Worrying About Pores

If you want to take advantage of Vaseline’s hydration benefits without triggering breakouts, follow these dermatologist-recommended steps:

Always apply Vaseline to clean, freshly washed skin. This minimizes the chance of sealing in oil and dirt.
Use sparingly and only on dry patches, not oily or acne-prone areas.
Limit facial application to no more than two nights per week unless you have very dry, non-acneic skin.
Avoid layering Vaseline directly over active acne or blackheads.
If you want a lighter feel, look for non-comedogenic occlusive alternatives such as dimethicone-based creams.

Common Myths About Vaseline and Pores

Myth	Reality
“Vaseline inevitably causes pimples.”	Only if applied to unclean, oily, or acne-prone skin; it’s inert and non-comedogenic otherwise.
“Vaseline can be absorbed and block pores from within.”	Petroleum jelly molecules are too large to penetrate pores; they sit on top as a seal.
“Petroleum jelly damages the skin’s natural function.”	For most, it supports healing and barrier repair—but may exacerbate problems if misused on congested skin.

Vaseline for Wound Care: Why Dermatologists Recommend It

Vaseline is not just a household remedy; it’s a standard in medical and cosmetic post-procedure care.

It creates an occlusive environment that accelerates healing by preventing scab formation and retaining moisture.
Its pure formulation makes allergic reactions exceedingly rare.
It prevents external contaminants from entering small cuts or abrasions.

Dermatologists often advise patients to use Vaseline to help wounds heal faster and with less risk of scarring.

Potential Downsides and Safety Concerns

Despite its benefits, certain issues are associated with petroleum jelly use:

Breakouts: Those with acne-prone skin may experience worsened congestion if Vaseline is applied too heavily or frequently.
Environmental impact: Petroleum jelly is derived from oil refining, is not biodegradable, and can contribute to environmental harm if washed off in large quantities.
Potential for irritant reactions: Extremely rare, but possible when impure or improperly refined products are used (this is not generally an issue with Vaseline branded products, which are triple purified).

Best Practices for Using Vaseline in Your Skincare Routine

Dermatologists recommend the following tips:

Patch test before heavy, regular use, especially if you have a history of acne.
Use only a thin layer; an excess won’t provide more benefit and may increase the risk of clogged pores via trapped debris (not the Vaseline itself).
Pair with other non-comedogenic moisturizers if you want similar hydration without the greasy feel.
For the popular “slugging” trend (coating your face with a layer of Vaseline overnight), limit to once or twice weekly for dry skin types.
Do not use Vaseline over topical prescriptions without your provider’s permission—occlusion can increase medication absorption and irritation in some cases.

Alternatives to Vaseline for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

If you love the idea of “slugging” or heavy moisturization but worry about your skin type, consider these alternatives:

Lightweight occlusives: Products with dimethicone or squalane.
Gel moisturizers: Water-based, often non-comedogenic and less likely to feel heavy.
Creams labeled “non-comedogenic”: These are tested to minimize the risk of breakouts.
Look for products containing humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid) for deep hydration without occlusive heaviness.

Expert Contributor: Dr. Brooke Jeffy

Brooke Jeffy, MD is a renowned board-certified dermatologist and the founder of the youth skincare brand BTWN. She is recognized for her gentle, science-forward approach and offers practical advice on everything from eczema to safe cosmetic wound care.

Why Trust This Article?

Beth Gillette is Cosmopolitan’s beauty editor and an authority on all things skincare. With over six years of professional experience, she specializes in research-backed content and hands-on product reviews, including the use of Vaseline on acne-prone and sensitive skin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Vaseline and Pores

Does Vaseline cause pimples?

Not directly—Vaseline is non-comedogenic. However, if trapped under the skin with excess oil or dirt, it may worsen breakouts in acne-prone individuals.

Can Vaseline be used on oily skin?

It’s generally not recommended for oily or very acne-prone skin because it can trap oils and debris, but is safe for small, targeted areas if applied to clean skin.

Is Vaseline safe for children’s and babies’ skin?

Yes. Vaseline is frequently recommended for infants and those with sensitive skin, especially as a barrier for diaper rash prevention.

How often should you use Vaseline for “slugging”?

Limit “slugging” to two nights per week unless your skin is extremely dry and not prone to breakouts.

What are the best alternatives to Vaseline for acne-prone skin?

Look for non-comedogenic creams with dimethicone or squalane, or try gel-based hydrators with hyaluronic acid for a lighter, less occlusive effect.

References

A comparative histological study on skin occlusion performance of various moisturizers (PMC4691958)
“Does Vaseline Clog Pores?” Cosmopolitan, 2024
The Dark Side of Petroleum Jelly: Why Vaseline is Bad for Your Skin – Simply Go Natural

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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