Here’s a question from the Bionic Beauty mailbag…
“I heard that Vaseline lip balm darkens lips. is this true?”
Bionic’s Answer…
Unless you’re lips are really, really light and/or lacking pigmentation, the Vaseline will probably not darken them noticeably. What happens is any lip balm (or lotion or cream, for that matter) that contains petrolatum as an ingredient can darken your skin. Think about the porous surface of the soles of your feet. Repeated use of petrolatum products on your feet soles (usually you use these products to soften callouses) can cause icky dark skin.
Not pleasant, or pretty.
Other thoughts to consider… petrolatum is a petroleum by-product, as in oil-derivative. Not something that sounds too yummy for my mouth. Plus if we cut down on oil-derived products, we’re helping to reduce oil dependency.
For Vaseline alternatives, try the following~
- Aquaphor lotions or creams (they ran a free sample recently)
- Curel lotions (lots of freebies from Curel)
- or splurge for the wonderous Y-Y Quench series!
- My Lip Stuff lip balms. All natural, cheap! and they come in over 400 flavors. Adorable and addicting!
But if you are looking to darken your lip color, maybe try a lip stain. Those look more natural and last longer than lip glosses or lip sticks. Check out Revlon’s Just Bitten, Sonia Kashuk’s Sheer Bliss (read my review on both here), and the soon-to-be-released CoverGirl marker-type lip stains.
Keep Achieving Powerful Beauty,
Jami
The Bionic Beauty™ blog features cosmetic reviews from indie, drugstore and luxury brands; makeup looks and tips; beauty & makeup freebies; plus your weekly dose of fun, confidence and self-esteem!
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I just tried the Covergirl Outlast Lip Stain! It’s already been released here, along with the Lash Blast Luxe, and I have to say I love them both! I hate lipstick, but love the color, so the stain is perfect for me, and i can layer a balm or a gloss over it without it spreading everywhere! Total love for me!
check on the back of lotions, most of those listed (curel especially) contain petroleum. I know cause I love it and stopped using it because of this. sucks. but it doesn’t let your skin breath either.
look for “petro” it is hidden, like pertolatum is the same thing basically.
Gosh…I don’t even care about the question…I just want that BOTTLE…blingtastic!!!!
No but really, who knew?
Sarah, I can’t WAIT to try these lipstains. My area doesn’t have them yet. Boo. Which color did you get? I think I want the whole collection! Like you, I’m a big fan of the lip stains. They are so much easier to wear all day, plus you can’t put them under another lipcolor for even better coverage.
Karissa, You are very right. It’s actually quite scary how many of our skin care and makeup products contain petroleum. Ick.
Josi, Isn’t it great?!? I did my computer mouse just recently and my Blackberry has it’s back covered in silver rhinestones with a blue hibiscus.
I’m kinda a fan of bling. Hee!
Jami
Thank you for this post! Wanted to link this post to TheSmileShop’s Lipcare. Okey with you?
SmileShop- Sure! I’d love it if you linked to my article!
Cheers,
Jami
Where in the world did you hear this? I’ve been using Vaseline on my lips and feet my entire life and they are both the same color they have always been.
This sounds like some urban legend. A LOT of black people (myself included) use Vaseline to moisturize and I think some jerk started this rumor because of that. Not funny. Have you seen science data to prove this?
Hi Denise, I do not think it will cause a noticeable difference on skin that is already dark, however light/fair skinned people may notice the change. Such as darker foot soles.
I used to use Vaseline myself before bed on my knees, feets, hands, and nose when I would be sick (you know, red “tissue nose”). Now, I try to use petroleum-free products whenever possible since I have super light skin.
Here is some background reading on petroleum and hazards-
Current Occupational & Environmental Medicine (book) by Joseph LaDou: http://books.google.com/books?id=ubtMpW5BWVwC&pg=PA289&lpg=PA289&dq=petroleum+skin+darkening&source=web&ots=jEIJuzDM97&sig=jP5QSmZQfBIlmkgpd8QEF2TU0bY&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=10&ct=result
“Are African American Skin Products Different?” article by Margaret M. Bell: http://www.upublish.info/ezineready.php?id=188581
Contact Dermatitis & Hyperpigmentation from Petrolatum, by Howard Maibach, University of California Hospital: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119617381/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0
(Unfortunately, you have to have a subscription to the site to download the article…) but here’s a partial copy: http://cme.medscape.com/viewarticle/552008_3
and finally Principles of Toxicology Environmental & Industrial Applications (book) by Phillip Williams: http://books.google.com/books?id=Ui5nEQzC9usC&pg=PA164&lpg=PA164&dq=petroleum+hyperpigmentation&source=web&ots=yzAs0w600n&sig=o8i7VpGVtqyTdGTe6KgKEqkhW_Q&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=2&ct=result
I will note that most research shows the pigmentation changes are not found on all people, it’s just something that *can* be a side effect, also the pigmentation changes are found to fade back to normal after repeated use is stopped.
Basically it’s just something to be aware of- since you have no side effects from using the petroleum jelly or Vaseline, you’re on the good side. It did darken my skin and I even had some dermatitis after I had used it. But my skin has become very sensitive since I’ve “grown up”.
I hope these articles help everyone. It really isn’t an exact science when it comes to our individual skin care. The best we can do is be informed and make the best decisions for our unique bodies.
Cheers,
BB (Jami)
Hey linked to your article in one of my newsletters. Thanks for the interesting discussion.
I LOVE Curel lotion. I have been using it daily for years, including on my face. My facial area, including around my eyes, never have an adverse reaction to it. I don’t have many wrinkles, which could be due in part to genes. The woman at the salon who does my eyebrows is jealous (and we’re both 40).
It beats using expensive creams specifically made for the face, which I have tried (and some have caused me agony). And for around $8, a big bottle of Curel lasts a looooong time. I wouldn’t be without it, especially during Minnesota winters.