Where should you not use petroleum jelly?

Author: Dr. Dylan Bahringer  |  Last update: Sunday, July 13, 2025

People also use it as a moisturizer. Petroleum jelly is generally considered nontoxic when consumed in small amounts but should not be applied to the eye or within the nose due to the risk of irritation or other side effects.

Where should you not apply Vaseline?

While petroleum jelly has many benefits, it shouldn't be used for everything. Avoid putting petroleum jelly on your face if you are acne-prone, as this may cause breakouts in some people. If you have questions about your skin or how to take care of it, see a board-certified dermatologist.

Can you put Vaseline anywhere on your body?

Apply Vaseline to the thighs, underarms, or anywhere else you're prone to chafing to reduce friction and keep skin moisturized.

Why shouldn't you put petroleum jelly on your skin?

Petroleum jelly can trap bacteria and oil in your skin. That can make your breakouts worse.

Is petroleum jelly safe for intimate areas?

The short answer is: no, petroleum jelly is not a good sexual lubricant. As you've noticed, it usually comes with a ``for external use only'' label. This means that it's not meant to go inside any part of your body (hint: it isn't edible, either).

Vaseline | 5 Ways To Use This Magical Jelly

Can I put Vaseline on my private area for itching?

However, a person applying products to the vulva should do so with caution. Some older research links using Vaseline with an increased risk of vaginal health issues such as bacterial vaginosis. A person should also avoid using anything inside the vagina as this can worsen irritation, itching, or discharge.

What can you put on your private area?

Do use plain water or an emollient to wash your genitals. Whilst water is fine to use alone, we recommend washing with an emollient such as aqueous cream, diprobase or double base. These are available from a pharmacy or supermarket (and online) and are very cost effective.

What are the dangers of petroleum jelly?

A large amount of petroleum jelly which gets in the eyes or nose, or is used on the skin, the eyes, nose, or skin may cause irritation of these tissues. If petroleum jelly is aspirated (enters the breathing tube and lungs), symptoms may be more serious and may include: Cough. Difficulty breathing during activity.

Is petroleum jelly banned in Europe?

In the European Union, petrolatum can only be used in cosmetics “if the full refining history is known and it can be shown that the substance from which it is produced is not a carcinogen.” iv There is no parallel restriction in Canada.

Which is better, Vaseline or petroleum jelly?

Due to its much thinner viscosity, petroleum jelly is less likely to produce an oily film on the skin after use. Additionally, it is not as fatty as vaseline, so it won't leave your skin feeling gummy or sticky after use. Vaseline is good for dry skin, whereas petroleum jelly is for sensitive skin.

Is it safe to put Vaseline on your nipples?

We recommend a non-irritating moisturizer to help your nipples heal. After each feed / pumping, apply Petrolatum (Vaseline, Aquaphor or generic equivalent) or Zinc Oxide to both nipples and wear a cotton bra. If the ointment is sticking to your clothes, you may want to cover it with gauze.

Is it bad to leave Vaseline on overnight?

While many swear by the overnight application of petroleum jelly for ultimate hydration, Dr Kapoor advised caution. “Leaving it on overnight can be beneficial,” she said, “but using a very small amount is key.” Excessive application increases the risk of clogged pores, undoing the desired hydrating effect.

Where is a good place to put Vaseline?

Vaseline® Jelly locks in moisture deep within the stratum corneum (the surface skin), where dryness occurs, to replenish moisture and help heal dry skin. Apply Vaseline® Jelly on the face, lips, or body to keep skin hydrated throughout the day.

Is CeraVe banned in Europe?

CeraVe is available to purchase in some parts of Europe, but the formulations differ than what's available in the US due to their regulations on ingredients.

What is safer than petroleum jelly?

Choose products that are free of petroleum jelly – Instead, look for ingredients such as Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, and Shea Butter that is equally as effective while being kinder to your skin and to the environment.

Which country owns Vaseline?

Vaseline (/ˈvæsəliːn/) is an American brand of petroleum jelly-based products owned by British multinational company Unilever. Products include plain petroleum jelly and a selection of skin creams, soaps, lotions, cleansers, and deodorants. Vaseline in container. Produced in USSR.

Can I put Vaseline on my private area?

If you have very bad dryness and irritation, a hydrating moisturizer may be better for you. Never use petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline®) as a moisturizer. It can irritate your vagina and vulva. It can also raise your risk of getting a vaginal infection.

Is it safe to put Vaseline in your eyes overnight?

Putting Vaseline into the eye can cause temporary blurred vision. Vaseline is a moisture barrier, and it may prevent certain creams and treatments from penetrating the eyelid or the eye. People using other moisturizers or prescription drops should apply those first, before using Vaseline.

How to avoid vaginal smell?

How can vaginal odor be prevented?
  1. Practice good hygiene. Shower regularly and only use mild, unscented soap and warm water to clean your vulva. ...
  2. Don't douche. ...
  3. Wear light, breathable clothing. ...
  4. Drink plenty of water. ...
  5. Protect your vagina (and vaginal flora) during sex.

What toilet paper do gynecologists recommend?

Use white, unscented toilet paper. Avoid "ultra soft" or "ultra strong" products, they are overly processed with chlorine and formaldehyde. Use a basic toilet paper such as Angel Soft, Scott or 7th Generation.

Why does my pubic area itch at night?

Why do my private parts itch at night? Having itchier skin at night is common because that's the time of day when changes to your body temperature and increases in blood flow to your skin occur. Your skin also loses water at night, making your skin extra dry and prone to itch.

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