A new beauty trend is rapidly taking over social media — and this time, eyelashes are in the spotlight. Users claim that the next viral beauty hack doesn’t require mascara at all and involves something you probably already have at home — petroleum jelly. According to TikTok, it can lift eyelashes, help maintain a curl for longer, and even mimic the effect of lash lamination.

Petroleum jelly is a mixture of mineral oils and waxes with a gel-like consistency, primarily known for moisturizing and protecting the skin barrier. You’ve probably already used it to care for dry skin, eyelids, and lips, to help heal minor cuts, prevent chafing, or care for your cuticles. However, using petroleum jelly on eyelashes has not been extensively studied yet.

Let’s be honest: for perfectly curled, lifted, and voluminous lashes, we’re willing to try almost anything. But the skin around the eyes is especially sensitive, so any product should be used with caution — particularly if you wear contact lenses. In this article, we will explain whether it is safe to use petroleum jelly on eyelashes, what potential side effects exist, and how to apply it correctly.

Petroleum jelly is the trade name for petrolatum, also known as petroleum gel. Dermatologists widely recommend it for retaining moisture in the skin, accelerating wound healing, and maintaining the skin’s barrier function. Petroleum jelly is inert and can serve as a base for applying medicinal creams to the skin.

Petroleum jelly was first discovered in 1859 by Robert Augustus Chesebrough. He noticed that oil industry workers used a similar substance to treat cuts and burns and decided to study its properties in detail.

One of the main advantages of petroleum jelly is its occlusive properties, which help retain moisture in the skin. When washing with soap, the skin’s natural oils are stripped away, and the loss of this protective barrier increases water evaporation from the skin’s surface.

Petroleum jelly is beneficial not only for the skin but also for hair, including eyelashes. It helps retain moisture, lubricates, and strengthens lashes, reducing the risk of breakage and loss from mechanical or chemical factors. Even minor damage — for example, from brushing with a mascara wand or curling lashes — can make them fragile, and petroleum jelly effectively reduces these risks.

One of petroleum jelly’s main advantages is its hypoallergenic nature: allergic reactions are extremely rare, which is why dermatologists frequently recommend it. However, in rare cases, hives may appear after applying petroleum jelly to the skin.

Special caution should be taken when using petroleum jelly around the eyes. Frequent application of large amounts can clog pores, sometimes leading to blocked oil glands and the formation of a painful bump — a chalazion or stye. 

Getting petroleum jelly directly into the eye can cause temporary blurred vision or, in rare cases, a foreign-body reaction known as conjunctival granuloma.

Petroleum jelly can also contribute to blocked oil glands, increasing the risk of styes. If you have a history of eye infections, it’s best to avoid using petroleum jelly. Additionally, people prone to acne should be cautious: petroleum jelly can trigger breakouts on the face. When applied to the face, it is recommended to use it only for short periods — usually no more than a week.

If you’ve been inspired by TikTok and started using petroleum jelly to add volume to your lashes, you’re not alone — this trend really works. Petroleum jelly acts as both a moisturizing and softening agent: it cares for your lashes, makes them more flexible, reduces the risk of breakage when using an eyelash curler, and visually enhances their volume. That’s why this simple product has become a popular secret for beautiful lashes.

It’s important to understand that petroleum jelly does not affect the length or thickness of your lashes. Regular care can help reduce lash loss and breakage, supporting the growth phase, but you shouldn’t expect it to actively lengthen or thicken your lashes.

Petroleum jelly should always be applied from a clean, uncontaminated tube, using only clean hands, a sterile brush, or a separate applicator. Do not use tools that have previously come into contact with someone else’s lips, mouth, skin, or hair — naturally occurring bacteria from these areas should not get near your eyes, as this can lead to serious infections.

It’s also important not to overdo the amount of petroleum jelly on your eyelids: here, the rule is “less is more.” The optimal time for application is after moisturizing your lashes with warm water, for example, right after a shower or bath.

For safe and effective use, follow these recommendations:

1. Gently clean your eyelashes and eyelids using a mild, tear-free baby shampoo.

2. While the lashes are still damp, carefully apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, keeping a small distance from the roots, and evenly distribute it along the entire length of the lashes.

3. If desired, you can gently curl your lashes with clean eyelash curlers after they have been thoroughly moisturized and coated.

4. To create a “wet” lash effect, lightly run a finger coated with oil or a nourishing product over the lashes, or gently comb them with a clean brush, moving side to side.

5. To remove petroleum jelly from the lashes, use a tear-free shampoo and proceed very carefully to avoid irritating the delicate skin around the eyes. 

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Although petroleum jelly does not stimulate eyelash growth and cannot physically lift them, it can make lashes appear visually thicker and fuller. It is recommended to use petroleum jelly only occasionally to reduce the risk of potential side effects. When applying, it is important to follow precautions: wash your hands thoroughly, use a small amount of the product, and gently remove it with a mild, tear-free shampoo.

If you are looking for a more noticeable effect, you may want to consider other products. Dermatologists often prescribe bimatoprost — a topical treatment that safely lengthens and darkens eyelashes. To maintain the results, it should be used regularly, and the visible effect is usually impressive.

Read also: How to Choose the Right Mascara for Your Eye Color — Makeup Artists’ Tips