Many of us are on a quest for longer, lusher eyelashes. From mascara tricks to salon extensions, we’ve tried it all. One popular at-home hack is using Vaseline (petroleum jelly) on your lashes – perhaps you’ve heard friends swear it makes their eyelashes grow. But is this just another beauty myth? Let’s dive into what Vaseline can actually do for your eyelashes and whether it can truly boost their growth.
Can Vaseline Make Your Eyelashes Grow?
In short: No, Vaseline does not make eyelashes grow longer or faster. There’s nothing in Vaseline’s ingredients that can stimulate eyelash follicles or speed up the growth cycle. Dermatology and ophthalmology experts confirm that while Vaseline is a great occlusive moisturizer, it can’t magically lengthen your lashes. The idea that slathering Vaseline on your lash line will give you dramatic growth is a myth.
It’s easy to see how this myth became popular. Vaseline is cheap, accessible, and many viral beauty videos show people waking up with seemingly thicker lashes after using it. The truth is that any apparent improvement is temporary – a result of moisture and shine, not actual growth. Vaseline cannot change your lash growth rate or volume because it doesn’t contain any hair-growing ingredients and cannot penetrate deep into the follicle to influence growth. In other words, petroleum jelly won’t sprout new lash hairs or make them grow out longer.
What Vaseline Does for Your Lashes
While Vaseline isn’t a growth serum, it isn’t completely useless in your lash routine. Here’s what Vaseline can do for your eyelashes:
- Moisturizes and Conditions: Vaseline is an occlusive moisturizer – it seals in moisture. Applying a thin layer can coat dry or brittle eyelashes and lock in hydration, which keeps lashes supple. Well-hydrated lashes may be less prone to breakage or brittleness. In fact, ophthalmologists note petroleum jelly can help protect lashes that have been dried out by makeup or medications.
- Makes Lashes Look Fuller (Temporarily): Because Vaseline is thick and glossy, it can act like a clear mascara. It makes lashes appear glossier and slightly thicker when applied, giving the illusion of fuller lashes. This cosmetic effect can be nice for a no-makeup makeup look – your eyelashes might look a bit more lush and defined, even though the Vaseline isn’t actually changing their length or density.
- Gentle on Skin and Lashes: Pure Vaseline (100% petrolatum) is generally very gentle. Allergic reactions to petroleum jelly are rare, making it a good option for people with sensitive skin or those who can’t use harsher eyelash products. It’s also inexpensive and easily available, which adds to its appeal as a lash conditioner.
- Prevents Moisture Loss: By sealing the lashes and the skin at your lash line, Vaseline prevents dryness. Well-moisturized eyelashes might not fall out as easily because they’re more flexible. Some users feel that by preventing premature lash fallout, Vaseline indirectly helps them keep fuller lashes. (However, remember it’s not actually causing new growth – it’s just helping you preserve the lashes you already have a bit longer.)
So, if your eyelashes are dry or brittle, Vaseline can be a useful nightly conditioner to keep them soft. Just keep your expectations realistic: you might wake up with shiny, conditioned lashes, but not significantly longer ones.
Is It Safe to Use Vaseline on Your Eyelashes?
Generally, Vaseline is safe to use on eyelashes and the delicate skin around your eyes when used in small amounts. The American Academy of Ophthalmology even notes that a little Vaseline on lashes or eyelids is fine for moisture. However, “safe” doesn’t mean you should glob it on without caution. Here are some important safety tips and precautions to follow:
- Apply sparingly: More is not better here. Use a very small amount of Vaseline – just enough to lightly coat your lashes. Applying too much can backfire: excess petroleum jelly might block the tiny oil glands at the base of your lashes (those glands keep your eyes moist). A heavy layer can also end up seeping into your eye and cause blurriness in your vision.
- Start with clean eyes and hands: Always remove all eye makeup and wash your face before applying Vaseline on your lash line. Clean your hands thoroughly, or use a clean cotton swab or disposable mascara wand to apply the jelly. This prevents introducing dirt or bacteria into your eye. (Vaseline isn’t sterile, so cleanliness is key to avoid any risk of infection.)
- Keep it out of your eye: When you apply, focus on the tips of the lashes and along the lash line – but do not rub Vaseline directly into your eye. If some does accidentally get in, it can feel uncomfortable or make your vision cloudy. Gently rinse your eye with water if you experience blurry vision or irritation. And don’t try to apply mascara on top of Vaseline-coated lashes; it will just slide off and could carry the jelly into your eye.
- Night-time use is best: Consider using Vaseline before bed as an overnight lash conditioner. It’s thick and doesn’t play well with makeup, so applying it at night (and then washing it off in the morning) works well. By morning, you can gently cleanse your lids and lashes with warm water or a mild cleanser to remove any residue. This way your eyes won’t feel greasy during the day.
- Watch for any irritation: If you know you’re prone to styes, eye infections, or you have a condition like blepharitis, talk to your doctor before using Vaseline on your lashes. While rare, if you notice redness, swelling, or a pimple-like bump on the eyelid (possible signs of a clogged follicle or stye), discontinue using Vaseline. Always use fresh, clean product – if that little tub of Vaseline is years old or has makeup mixed in it, toss it out and use a new one to avoid bacteria.
By following these precautions, most people can enjoy the moisturizing benefits of Vaseline on their lashes safely. It’s about using common sense: keep things clean, use a light touch, and listen to your eyes (if they get irritated, stop). Young women often incorporate Vaseline into their beauty routine without issues, but being careful will ensure it stays irritation-free.
What Actually Helps Eyelashes Grow?
If Vaseline isn’t the secret to sky-high lashes, then what is? The length and thickness of your eyelashes are primarily determined by genetics and your natural lash growth cycle (each lash hair grows for a few months, then falls out and is replaced by a new one). While you can’t change your genes, you can optimize the conditions for healthy lash growth:
- Proper Nutrition: Just like the hair on your head, your eyelashes benefit from a balanced diet. Ensure you’re getting enough protein, vitamins (especially biotin, vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex), and minerals like iron and zinc. Nutrients support hair growth from within. Staying hydrated and managing stress can also prevent hair (and lash) brittleness.
- Gentle Lash Care: Be kind to the lashes you have! Remove eye makeup gently (no harsh rubbing or tugging at your eyelids). Avoid using eyelash curlers after applying mascara (as stiff mascara-coated lashes can break easily). If you wear eye makeup daily, consider giving your lashes a break occasionally to breathe. Gentle handling prevents premature lash loss.
- Lash Serums and Conditioners: Over-the-counter lash growth serums have become popular, and some can help support healthier, slightly longer lashes over time. These often contain peptides, panthenol, biotin, or plant extracts that nourish the hair follicles. A high-quality lash serum (used nightly) may enhance the natural growth cycle of your lashes and lead to improved length or thickness over weeks of use. Keep in mind results vary by individual, and non-prescription serums tend to provide subtle improvements (not dramatic false-lash effects).
- Prescription Treatments: The only clinically proven way to significantly grow longer, thicker eyelashes is with certain prescription products. Bimatoprost, an FDA-approved treatment (originally marketed as Latisse), can increase the number of lashes that grow and prolong the growth phase, resulting in noticeably longer, darker lashes. It typically takes a couple of months to see full results, and you must continue using it to maintain the effect. This option requires seeing a healthcare provider for evaluation, since it can have side effects (like eye irritation or even slight darkening of the eyelid or iris in rare cases). For those serious about lash growth, it’s an avenue to discuss with a doctor.
Bottom Line
Vaseline is a great moisturizer for dry lashes, but it’s not a miracle growth solution. If you enjoy using Vaseline to keep your lashes conditioned and glossy, it’s okay to do so in moderation – just manage your expectations. Your lashes will look cared for, but they won’t suddenly multiply or lengthen overnight. As one lash expert puts it, “Vaseline is not the ideal product to help grow your lashes”. It is, however, perfectly fine for adding a little shine and preventing dryness.
For truly longer or thicker lashes, you’ll need to turn to proper lash care and proven growth methods. Think of Vaseline as a lash conditioner rather than a growth serum. By keeping your natural lashes moisturized and healthy, you’re preventing damage and lash loss – which helps the lashes you have reach their full potential length before they shed. But when it comes to actually stimulating new lash growth, science doesn’t back Vaseline for that. In Canada and worldwide, many young women have experimented with this hack; the consensus from dermatologists and beauty experts is to use it for moisture if you like, but don’t bank on it for dramatic results.
In summary, does Vaseline help eyelashes grow? No – not in the way you might hope. It helps your lashes stay moisturized and look a bit thicker (temporarily) but doesn’t create new growth. So feel free to use that little blue jar as a lash conditioner or a glossy lash styling trick. Just pair it with good lash hygiene and perhaps a proven growth treatment if your goal is noticeably longer lashes. This fair, fact-based approach will keep your expectations realistic and your lashes healthy!