How to Use Vaseline to Reduce Under-Eye Wrinkles

Under-eye wrinkles are one of the earliest signs of aging. As collagen breaks down and skin becomes thinner, fine lines and creases appear, often exaggerated by dryness. While countless creams claim to erase these lines, one affordable product has quietly earned attention for its simplicity and results: Vaseline.

But can a basic petroleum jelly help with under-eye wrinkles? Let’s dive into what the science says, how to use it effectively, and what experts recommend.

Why Do Under-Eye Wrinkles Form in the First Place?

The skin under your eyes is the thinnest on the body—about 0.5 mm thick—making it more vulnerable to:

• Loss of collagen and elastin
• Dehydration and dryness
• Repeated facial expressions
• Sun exposure
• Free radical damage

With age, your body produces less collagen (the structural protein responsible for skin firmness). According to a study published in Dermato-Endocrinology (2012), collagen production begins declining by 1% per year after your early 20s, leading to wrinkling and sagging over time (1).

How Vaseline Works: Occlusion and Hydration

Vaseline is composed of 100% petroleum jelly, a skin protectant that acts as an occlusive agent. That means it creates a barrier on the skin’s surface, trapping moisture and reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

In a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2008), researchers found that petroleum jelly significantly reduced TEWL, making it highly effective for improving skin hydration and barrier function (2).

Here’s what Vaseline can do for the under-eye area:

• Seal in Moisture: Keeps the delicate under-eye skin plump and hydrated
• Soften Fine Lines: Improved hydration reduces the appearance of fine lines
• Prevent Further Damage: Creates a barrier against environmental stressors
• Enhance Skin Healing: Supports natural skin repair processes

Important to note: Vaseline doesn’t directly erase wrinkles, but it can improve their appearance by keeping skin moisturized and supple.

How to Use Vaseline Under the Eyes (Safely and Effectively)

Using Vaseline under your eyes is simple, but technique matters when dealing with such a delicate area. To maximize its hydrating benefits and avoid irritation, follow these expert-recommended steps carefully:

1. Start with a Gentle Cleanse

Before applying any product to the under-eye area, start with a thorough yet gentle cleanse. Use a fragrance-free, non-foaming cleanser designed for sensitive skin. The goal is to remove all traces of makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and oil without stripping your skin’s natural moisture barrier.

• Pro Tip: Use lukewarm water, not hot, which can further dry the under-eye skin.
• Why it matters: Clean skin ensures better product penetration and prevents clogging or buildup.

2. Add a Hydration Layer (Optional, but Highly Effective)

For added skin-plumping effects, layer a lightweight hydrating serum under Vaseline. Look for eye-safe ingredients like:

• Hyaluronic Acid – a humectant that draws in water and hydrates from within
• Glycerin – helps maintain water balance in the skin
• Panthenol (Vitamin B5) – soothes and repairs dry or sensitive skin

Apply 1–2 drops using your ring finger and pat gently into the skin until absorbed. This step provides the moisture that Vaseline will seal in, enhancing the wrinkle-smoothing effect.

• Derm Insight: According to dermatologists, pairing humectants with an occlusive (like Vaseline) enhances hydration and skin elasticity over time.

3. Apply Vaseline the Right Way

Now that your skin is clean and hydrated, it’s time for Vaseline. Scoop out a tiny amount—less than a pea-sized dot—using a clean spatula or your fingertip.

• Use your ring finger to dab the Vaseline, as it exerts the least pressure and helps prevent tugging.
• Lightly press and pat (don’t rub!) the Vaseline from the inner corner outward, following the natural curve of the eye socket.

Focus only on the orbital bone area and avoid placing the product too close to your lashes, as it may migrate into the eyes during sleep.

• Sensory Tip: The Vaseline should feel smooth and glide easily—no dragging or tugging.
• Less is more: A thin, even layer is all you need to form an effective seal.

4. Let It Work Overnight

The best time to use Vaseline under the eyes is during your nighttime skincare routine. As you sleep, your skin enters repair mode, and Vaseline helps by sealing in hydration and creating a microenvironment that supports barrier recovery.

• Why overnight? Your skin loses the most moisture at night, and occlusives like Vaseline help retain hydration during these critical hours.
• Optional add-on: You can also use a silk eye mask to help protect the area from friction while you sleep.

Expert Tip: Always Apply on Damp Skin

Applying Vaseline to slightly damp skin improves its effectiveness. Why? Occlusives don’t add moisture; they lock in what’s already there.

• After cleansing or applying serum, don’t wait until your skin is completely dry.
• Lightly press Vaseline into the moist surface to trap hydration where it’s needed most.

Is It Safe to Use Vaseline Around the Eyes?

Yes, but with caution. Vaseline is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, and is considered safe for external use on sensitive skin. However, it’s important to:

• Use only a small amount
• Avoid applying it inside the eye or directly on lash lines
• Patch test if you have sensitive or reactive skin

The American Academy of Dermatology also confirms that petroleum jelly (3) is suitable for dry or irritated areas, including under the eyes (4).

What the Science and Experts Say

• Occlusive Benefits: A study in Pediatric Dermatology (2001) noted that petroleum jelly is effective in improving skin integrity and moisture retention even in compromised skin conditions.
• Wrinkle Management: While it doesn’t rebuild collagen, consistent hydration can temporarily reduce wrinkle depth and improve elasticity, according to a 2016 review in Clinical Interventions in Aging.

So while Vaseline isn’t an anti-aging miracle, it enhances skin texture and minimizes visible wrinkles, especially when paired with actives like retinol, peptides, or vitamin C (used during the day).

Final Thoughts: 

Vaseline doesn’t directly fight wrinkles at the cellular level, but its moisture-sealing properties create the perfect environment for the skin to thrive. By keeping the under-eye area hydrated and protected, Vaseline helps soften the look of fine lines and supports the natural repair process of your skin.

For best results, use it in combination with other proven anti-aging ingredients and always be consistent with your skincare routine. It’s a simple, cost-effective step that just might become your favorite under-eye trick.