21 Surprising Uses of Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly is an inexpensive product and is used by people all over the world. Most of us have petroleum jelly in our makeup kits, and we often use it as a lip balm (yes, it’s a saviour!). But did you know that it can be used to heal wounds and cuts too? Probably not! There are a multitude of benefits that petroleum jelly has to offer. Read on to find out!

What is Petroleum Jelly?

Petroleum jelly, also known as petrolatum, is a semisolid substance containing mineral oils and waxes. The main ingredient of petroleum jelly, i.e., petroleum helps seal the skin by forming a water-protective barrier. This helps retain the moisture in your body.

Benefits and Uses of Petroleum Jelly You Must Know

Petroleum jelly has so many uses that you’ll want to probably thank the person who discovered it. Find out about the myriad uses of petroleum jelly.

1. It can be used to heal minor wounds.

Petroleum jelly can be used to heal minor wounds, and by minor wounds, we strictly mean minor wounds like scrapes or burns. Don’t use it if you have something serious. Apply it if you have some minor skin injuries. Petroleum jelly keeps the skin moist which increases the healing process. However, before applying it on the affected area, clean it properly and disinfect too. Furthermore, it is advised that you consult a doctor before using it, just to be on the safe side.

2. It can be used as a lotion.

Yes, petroleum jelly is too good to be true! Whenever you run out of your expensive moisturiser or face cream, you can use petroleum jelly. Applying petroleum jelly post bath will prevent your skin from drying out. You can even use it on your cracked heels or on chapped heels. It works like magic!

3. You can use it for your pet too.

If your pet has dry paws, use petroleum jelly for it. Before applying it, clean its paws with cotton gauze then let it dry. Ideally, apply petroleum jelly on your pet’s paws when it is resting.

4. It can heal diaper rashes.

You can also use petroleum jelly on the diaper rashes. If your baby has diaper rashes, you can use petroleum jelly. Clean your baby’s skin; towel-dry the area, then apply some petroleum jelly. It will prevent the skin from constant exposure to moisture. However, before applying it, do consult a doctor.

5. It can be used to remove eye makeup.

There is no harm in using petroleum jelly for removing eye makeup. Use a cotton pad to apply petroleum jelly on the eyelids before taking your makeup off. Also, be careful while doing it. Use cotton pads and Q-tip for hard-to-reach areas, and rub gently.

6. It prevents split ends.

Now, this is something you probably would have never thought of. Petroleum jelly works wonders for your hair too. Exposure to the sun or wind can dry up your hair leading to split ends. Take some petroleum jelly and rub it on the ends of your hair. It may work!

7. It can prevent stains from the hair dye on your skin.

Hair colour and nail polish often leave marks on the skin. Before applying hair dye on your hair, rub some petroleum jelly along the hairline to prevent the hair dye from staining your skin. You can even use it around your nails while applying nail paint.

8. It can preserve your perfume’s scent.

In hot summer months, when you sweat like anything, perfumes and deodorants keep you going. But the fragrance of perfumes and deodorants may not last long. If you want its fragrance to last long, rub a little amount of petroleum jelly on your skin (the area of your skin where you will spray). Using petroleum jelly as a base for your perfume may help it last longer.

9. It can be used as an eyebrow gel.

Unruly eyebrows can prevent you from having the perfect look. Use some petroleum jelly on your eyebrows to give them the shape you want.

10. It can be used as a lube.

If a ring is stuck on your fingers, use petroleum jelly. Put some on your finger and make sure that some jelly gets under the ring. The jelly would start acting like lube and the ring would come off.

11. It can be used on your eyelashes.

Petroleum jelly can give your eyelashes a glossy look. It would also make them appear thicker. No need to use mascara.

12. It can prevent chafing.

Chafing is a common problem during summers. Chafing occurs when your skin rubs against the skin or clothing. To prevent it, apply petroleum jelly on the problem areas. Skin problems won’t trouble you.

13. Use it to unlock zippers.

If you have a handbag with a stuck zipper, lubricate the zipper with petroleum jelly. A bit of finagling after that can make it work.

14. It can be used as a scrub.

Petroleum jelly can even be used as one of the ingredients in your homemade scrub. Mix some petroleum jelly with natural abrasive particles like coffee or sea salt as use it as a body scrub.

15. It can make your leather products shine like new.

Leather products can lose their shine with time. Petroleum jelly can actually bring back the lost shine to some extent. Apply petroleum jelly on your leather handbags or shoes then clean them with a soft piece of cloth.

16. It can protect your cuticles.

Applying some petroleum jelly on your cuticles before going to bed would prevent them from drying out. So, make it a habit to use petroleum jelly daily.

17. It can be used as a surface polish.

If your wooden furniture has lost its shine with time and it is no longer glossy, then take some petroleum jelly on a soft cloth and polish the surface to make it look like new. It would wipe the dust away and bring its shine back.

18. It can be used to unlock jars.

Dab some petroleum jelly on the lid and threads of the jar to prevent it from getting stuck.

19. Use it on your nails.

Using petroleum jelly on your nail plates can make them shiny and strengthen your nails with time.

20. Use it to get a tanned look.

If you want the tanned look, apply some petroleum jelly on your knees and elbows. Then apply bronzer over it. You will get a tanned look.

21. It can remove makeup stains.

If you stained your favourite shirt with lipstick, apply some petroleum jelly on it. Then wash your shirt the usual way.

Are There Any Side Effects of Using Petroleum Jelly?

Although petroleum jelly is very beneficial, it has its share of disadvantages too. Know its side effects before using it.

1. Allergies

Some people are sensitive to petroleum jelly. If you experience skin irritation or any other abnormalities after applying it, then discontinue its use.

2. Infections

Applying petroleum jelly on the skin before cleaning the affected area might lead to an infection.

Petroleum jelly has been used widely for various purposes. But these are some ways of using petroleum jelly that you may not have known before. Try these out and see how much they can help you out.