Does using Vaseline on eyelashes to increase curl work? – GOOD SHAPE

Many beauty hacks use unusual materials to maintain a look. The most recent of these materials that went viral on social networks is vaseline, which has been used to curl the eyelashes.

The idea is to apply the substance to the upper strands and then use an eyelash curler for well-defined and curved lashes, without the need for a mascara. Some videos that teach the trick exceed 400,000 likes and 4 million views on TikTok.

WHAT IS VASELINE?

“Vaseline is a colorless or yellowish gelatinous substance that derives from petrolatum, one of the petroleum derivatives – including, for a long time, it was known as petroleum jelly”, explains the company. Dr. Renata Porphirio, a dermatologist at Grupo Giovana Moraes. “The vaseline production process takes place after the removal of paraffin and heavy oils – at that moment, petrolatum can become vaseline, mineral oil, or liquid paraffin, and be used in the formulation of medicines and cosmetics.”

That is, although it seems unusual, the Petrolatums are common cosmetic compoundswidely used in products intended to maintain skin hydration, for example.

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“Vaseline is hydrophobic, that is, it practically does not dissolve in water, which causes it to become a film on the skin, preventing transepidermal water loss and, consequently, helping to retain moisture and preventing the evaporation of water. water already present in the skin”, explains the doctor. “The substance is often used in cosmetics and dermatological products to hydrate the skin and make it softer, but vaseline does not hydrate the skin, it only retains the moisture already present.”

VASELINE IN EYELASHES WORKS?

Unfortunately not. The doctor explains that some oils, like coconutalmond or Vaseline itself, can improve the condition of eyelashes, preventing breakage, but it will not help in growth or curling beyond what is naturally programmed.

“What gives this feeling is the light-reflected gel, which makes the lashes look big and shiny, but there is no evidence to support this tip,” he says.

But wait, all is not lost. Dr. Renata also explains that the application of Vaseline on eyelashes is not necessarily all bad. “If you apply the product with an old mascara brush, you can make your mascara look brighter and fuller,” she says.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF USING VASELINE?

In cosmetics and pharmaceutical products, the petrolatum used is white, considered its purest form, but not completely safe, due to the carcinogenic substances it may contain, even in very low amounts.

Therefore, vaseline is a toxic and dangerous product for human health, in addition to being not sustainable and ecological. “In the short term, the main contraindication is allergy and sensitive skin, as it is a petroleum derivative and is a product with low skin tolerance. In fact, you will never find vaseline in hypoallergenic products”, explains the doctor.

On the other hand, the amount of vaseline used with this function is small, so the product becomes very economical and long-lasting – which is one of its benefits. Also, as stated a few paragraphs above, it can help moisturizing and protecting eyelashes – a thin layer applied to the base or tips of the lashes can help for a thicker, fuller look.

“Vaseline can also help remove glue from false eyelashes more easily. My recommendation is not to use a large amount and pay attention to the signs of irritation, if that is the case, it is necessary to stop using it”, concludes the dermatologist.