Vaseline Ointment: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Vaseline Ointment is a topical skin protectant made from petrolatum, used to protect and help heal minor cuts, scrapes, burns, and dry or chapped skin. It works by forming a protective barrier that locks in moisture and supports the skin's natural healing process. It is available as a jelly in jars or tubes and should be applied as needed to the affected area.

What is Vaseline Ointment

Vaseline is a skin protectant made from petrolatum (petroleum jelly), a mineral oil made from petroleum. It is used on the skin to protect and help heal minor skin problems.

Vaseline Ointment uses

• Temporarily protects minor cuts, scrapes, and burns
• Temporarily protects and helps relieve chapped or cracked skin and lips
• Helps protect skin from the drying effects of wind and cold weather
• Helps protect minor cuts, scrapes, burns, or eczema
• Helps treat or prevent chapped lips or cracked skin
• Helps seal out wetness and can help prevent diaper rash or skin irritation from bladder or bowel incontinence

Benefits of Vaseline Ointment

• Moisturizes and helps repair and relieve dry skin
• Soothes chapped lips
• Reduces the appearance of dry lines
• Protects minor cuts and burns
• Forms a protective barrier that helps the skin's natural healing process
• Non-comedogenic, so it does not clog pores

How Vaseline Ointment works

Vaseline works by forming a protective barrier on the skin that locks in moisture, which helps repair dryness and supports the skin's natural healing process.

Vaseline Ointment dosage

Apply as needed to the affected area. Clean the area to be treated before applying. Use only on the skin; do not swallow or take by mouth. If breastfeeding, avoid applying to breast areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth. Avoid getting it in your eyes. Call your doctor if symptoms do not improve after using it for 7 days, or if the condition clears up and then comes back.

Available forms and strengths

• Ointment/jelly (jar)
• Ointment/jelly (tube)

Side effects of Vaseline Ointment

Serious

• Skin irritation or redness
• Itching or burning sensation
• Allergic skin reaction (rare)
• Acne or clogged pores in some users
• Mild skin discomfort

Warnings and precautions

• Do not get this product into your eyes.
• See a doctor if the condition lasts more than 7 days.
• Do not use on deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
• Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a poison control center right away.
• This product is for external use only.
• Use clean hands when applying to prevent contamination.
• If breastfeeding, avoid applying Vaseline to breast areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.
• Perform a patch test if you have sensitive skin or a history of allergies.
• Keep the product away from children to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Apply only to clean skin and avoid using on infected areas without medical advice.
• Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and internal body areas.
• Do not apply to deep wounds, severe burns, or serious skin conditions unless advised.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

When to see a doctor

• Stop using Vaseline and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or tenderness, itching, or swelling.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after using this medicine for 7 days, or if your condition clears up and comes back.
• If someone accidentally swallows the product, seek emergency medical attention or contact your local poison control center.

Alternatives

• Aquaphor Healing Ointment
• CeraVe Healing Ointment
• Eucerin Aquaphor