Vaseline won't make your lashes grow, but it might help them look better. (2025)

If you want your eyes to pop, you might be wondering if Vaseline helps your eyelashes grow. Unfortunately, Vaseline and other petroleum jelly products won’t make your eyelashes (or any other hair) grow longer or thicker. However, Vaseline on eyelashes might make your eyes look more dramatic or help your eyelashes hold a curled shape. Vaseline doesn't damage your eyelids. Vaseline is considered fairly safe, although it can cause temporary blurry vision if you get some in your eye.

Seals in Moisture

Petroleum jelly moisturizes the skin and seals in moisture. Plus, it’s generally safe and doesn’t irritate the skin, so it’s great for use in sensitive areas, including the lips and eyelids. If you have eyelid dermatitis (blepharitis), Vaseline can reduce discoloration and skin flaking. Applying Vaseline to the eyelashes and eyelids at night can help with dry eye.

May Create a Thicker, Fuller Appearance

Some people claim that putting Vaseline on their eyelashes gives their lashes a fuller, thicker appearance, but there is no research backing up this claim. Just keep in mind that putting petroleum jelly on your lashes can leave them feeling heavy and sticky. If you’re uncomfortable, just wash the Vaseline off with a warm washcloth.

Low Chance of Skin Reactions

Petroleum jelly is considered very safe to apply to the skin, because allergic reactions to the product are very rare. In fact, petroleum jelly is one of few moisturizing products that is gentle enough to use on the thin skin of your eyelids. So, there’s really very little risk to trying Vaseline on your eyelashes if you’d like to.

Pairs Well With Other Products

Vaseline can be part of a healthy skin care routine. Some people who put Vaseline on their lashes apply before using an eyelash curler. If you’re going to combine Vaseline with makeup like mascara, eyeliner, or eye shadow, test your look with plenty of time to spare. Because Vaseline creates a barrier on the skin, it may keep other products from affixing your skin or lashes like they normally would.

Simple and Inexpensive Skin Care Routine

Vaseline is a product that’s relatively inexpensive, and most people have petroleum jelly on hand. Because of that, Vaseline can be part of a simple and inexpensive skin care routine. This is especially beneficial for people with dry or irritated skin around the eyes.

How to Safely Apply Vaseline to Your Lashes

If you’d like to try Vaseline on your lashes, follow these steps.

1. Wash your hands: It’s important not to introduce any bacteria or debris to your eyes.
2. Cleanse your eyes: Remove any mascara or other makeup.
3. Moisten your skin: Use a damp washcloth or your fingers to lightly moisten your skin. This helps increase Vaseline’s moisturizing impact, since the water will be locked into your skin.
4. Apply Vaseline to the lashes: Start with a very small amount, using your finger or a makeup applicator.
5. Wipe off any excess: The Vaseline should not feel very heavy or impact your vision.
6. Curl your eyelashes: Use an eyelash curler if you want more shape.

To remove the Vaseline, just wipe with a warm washcloth.

Potential Downsides

Vaseline and other 100% petroleum jelly products are generally considered quite safe. However, there’s always a risk when you put something around or near your eyes. Petroleum jelly can cause irritation if it gets in the eyes.

How to Make Your Eyelashes Longer

While the Internet is full of trends claiming to make your eyelashes longer or fuller, there’s really no scientifically proven ways to make your eyelashes longer.

There is at least one medication, Latisse, approved to help eyelashes grow. One small study of 19 people found that the active ingredient (bimatoprost) helped eyelashes grow about 1 millimeter over six weeks.

In addition, there are cosmetic ways to make your eyelashes appear fuller or longer, including mascara, eyelash curlers, false eyelashes, and eyelash extensions.

Summary

Vaseline will not make your eyelashes grow longer or fuller. However, it might help improve the appearance of your eyelids and eyes, especially if you have red, discolored, flaky, dry skin caused by dermatitis or other health concerns. In addition, some people find that Vaseline makes their lashes look more dramatic or hold a curl, but that hasn’t been scientifically proven. There are few harms to trying this trend, since petroleum jelly is safe even for sensitive areas like the eyes, and allergic reactions are rare.