This post is sponsored by Mirum for Vaseline Cocoa Radiant
When I look back at my own beauty history, it was the very first product for me. That would be Vaseline — the multi-use balm that’s safe enough to protect against diaper rash. Honestly, it was probably your very first beauty product too — Vaseline is over 140 years old, and it is frequently recommended by doctors as one of the first skincare products for babies!
The brand was founded in 1870 by Robert Chesebrough. He was just a 22 year old British chemist who discovered the beneficial skin properties of petroleum jelly, how it helped to heal cuts and burns. Soon he purified and developed his “wonder jelly” and amazed the world with its ability to soothe and help to heal skin ailments and wounds. By 1874, customers were buying Vaseline for themselves and their families at the rate of a jar a minute. Vaseline has been a mainstay ever since, for generations of men, women and children.
Like I said, Vaseline was probably the first product ever used on my skin. Apparently I’m not alone! One of my best friends is Emma Park, a BSN, RNC-MNN and CBE pediatric nurse who works at Baptist Hospital of Miami. I had to reach out and ask her if Vaseline is common in her line of work. Her response was an immediate yes. “Vaseline can be used to treat or prevent diaper rash. It creates a barrier between the baby’s sensitive skin and moisture. Before using anything on your newborn, check with your pediatrician,” she recommends. Thanks, Emma!
As far as I can think back in life, that familiar tub has been on my mother’s dresser and has been a part of my life. Recently I hosted #CocoaRadiantBeauty, a Twitter party for the venerable brand and friends and followers shared so much of their own family history. The Afrobella community grew up with grandmas and moms who used it on their hair and skin to lock in moisture, to prevent chafing, to guard against rashes and dry skin patches, and so, so much more. I used the brand as a little one and I’ve continued to use the Vaseline brand as it has evolved over time. Honestly, I may never stop using it – it’s pretty much always been a part of my life.
When I grew up and learned to develop a moisturizing routine of my own, I wound up with my own tub of Vaseline on my dresser. I actually have TWO tubs of Vaseline on my dresser, one is the lip tin and the other one’s a big tub for everything else. How do I use it? So many ways, it’s an incredibly versatile wonder jelly! I have used Vaseline with a toothbrush or with coarse brown sugar as a scrub to soften and prep my lips – especially on a bold lip color day. I have even used a tiny bit on a cotton swab to gently and carefully clean and moisturize my delicate under-eye area after a heavy makeup day. If you check out their official site, they offer a range of recommended uses. Most typically, I use classic Vaseline for my lips, elbows, knees, feet – anywhere I have super dry skin that needs moisture locked in.
And now I use other products from the Vaseline brand to enhance the rest of my skin. Can I just tell you that their Cocoa Radiant lotion is my JAM? I love the consistency and the fragrance. Vaseline Cocoa Radiant = 100% pure cocoa and shea butters, plus microdroplets of classic Vaseline Petroleum Jelly, all in one bottle. So après-shower I apply it to my still-wet skin for maximum moisture lock-in. And because it’s got cocoa butter, the product smells warm, inviting and delicious while not clashing with my fragrances. It’s a summer necessity for me because sun exposure makes my skin super dry (especially my arms and legs, which are getting the most exposure. I refuse to be out here ashy for summertime Chi). TBH it’s also a winter necessity because dry forced air and winter coldness makes for especially dry skin, so I slather it on then as well, and then some. In the winter I graduate to super thick body butter and then I use Vaseline Petroleum Jelly to lock in the moisturizer which I used to lock in the water after my shower. According to renowned dermatologist Dr. Brooke Jackson, I’m doing it right. For spring/summer, she recommends we change from a moisturizer that you scoop from a jar to a lighter version such as Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant lotion. “Just as you change your wardrobe with a change of season change, you should change your skin care routine. Spring and summer bring increased humidity in the environment (nature’s moisturizer) and heavier products may be too occlusive,” she explains. Thanks, Dr. Jackson and thanks Vaseline Cocoa Radiant for the moisture and for the information!
Vaseline products and Vaseline Cocoa Radiant are available at most major retailers, but if you purchase at Walmart you can visit the Walmart’s Saving Catcher after you buy Vaseline, to ensure you’re getting the best price. You can learn more about Walmart Savings Catcher here: https://savingscatcher.walmart.com. Honestly, one of the reasons I’m so proud and happy to work with Vaseline is because of their legacy and honorable work via The Healing Project – click to learn how Vaseline supports communities in need in America and around the world.
Share your history with me — did you grow up using Vaseline? Is it a part of your own beauty brand history? Do you use it now? Share your tips and favorite uses with me!
Disclosure: Post sponsored by Mirum but all opinions are my own.
Great article – who knew Vaseline had such history!
Vaseline is also the first beauty product that I used. Not for diaper rash but as a balm for my chapped lips. Until now, I’m still using it.
Vaseline is a really great product that you should try and now it’s still improving.
Vaseline definitely has multiple uses in my home. A based before a relaxer, used on minor cuts, sore noses and more.
Great article! I must agree with everyone, Vaseline is a great product with such a multiple uses!
I use it often without ever knowing its history. What a lack ~ xoxo