Slugging: the dermatologist approved skincare hack going viral on TikTok

Ah, slugging, another wellness trend making a splash on the internet. This hydration technique involves slathering your face in petroleum jelly to achieve smooth, radiant skin. For many, it works!

Fun fact: Slugging isn’t a new skincare trend at all. In fact, moisturizing with Vaseline is super old-school. Dr. Whitney Tolpinrud, one of Curology’s board-certified dermatologists, says, “Dermatologists love petrolatum. It helps repair the skin barrier, assists with wound healing, and prevents water evaporation.” 

That said, slugging isn’t for everyone. We’ll explain what slugging is, its benefits, and how to slug. We’ll also touch on reasons why you might choose not to slug. But if you do, we’ll share our favorite slug-worthy products.

What is slugging? 

Slugging is a classic skincare technique making a comeback thanks to a viral beauty trend on TikTok. It involves applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as pure Vaseline, to the entire face as the final step of a nighttime skincare routine.¹ Petroleum jelly is a thick occlusive, which helps lock in hydration. It also gives the skin the shiny sheen of a smooth gastropod (snail or slug). 

Vaseline has a long history in beauty care—more than 140 years! It’s been used to improve diaper rash, heal cuts and burns, and moisturize the skin. In the late 1800s, it was known as “wonder jelly.” More recently, Korean beauty (aka K-beauty) has revived petroleum jelly as a deep-down moisturizing practice for the skin. In South Korea, the practice is called “chok chok,” meaning “moist.” 

The potential skin benefits of slugging

Slugging is an excellent way to help keep the skin moist. It works wonders on dry and dehydrated skin and can repair the natural skin barrier almost instantly. And for those with acne-prone skin, petroleum jelly is non-comedogenic. Let’s take a look at the benefits of this classic remedy:

Slugging’s potential skin benefits

• Prevents water loss. Occlusives trap water to your skin by forming a protective layer on the skin’s surface and blocking transepidermal water loss (TEWL) to seal in moisture and maintain hydration.² 

• Repairs the skin barrier. The emollient properties of petrolatum soothe and soften the skin and increase moisture. Research shows that petrolatum has an immediate effect in repairing damage to the skin’s protective barrier.³ 

• Reduces signs of aging. The moisturizing effects help skin look smoother and brighter while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Slugging may be an excellent option for seasonally dry skin, over-exfoliated skin, or contact dermatitis from irritating ingredients. Dr. Tolpinrud reminds us that “in its purest form (e.g., plain Vaseline), it doesn’t have any preservatives or allergens. That means it can be very helpful for those with irritated or sensitive skin.” 

Although pure Vaseline is generally safe for all skin types, it may not be the best choice for some. 

Does slugging have any side effects?  

Vaseline is a thick, somewhat greasy gel, which presents a few potential downsides. It has more benefits than side effects, but that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. Everyone’s skin responds to ingredients differently. Here are a few potential downsides and side effects of “wonder jelly:”

• Allergic reaction. If topical petroleum causes skin redness, tenderness, itching, or swelling, it’s a sign of allergic contact dermatitis.  

• Oily-feeling skin. Heavy, occlusive moisturizers might make oily skin seem oilier. Try lightweight moisturizers with ingredients like glycerin instead.

• Overapplication. A little goes a long way, and more is not necessarily better. An extra thick glob will wreak havoc on your pillowcases. 

• Too heavy. Pure Vaseline is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. But it may still be too heavy for people with acne-prone skin experiencing active breakouts. 

How to slug 

Slugging is easy! It’s best as a stand-alone treatment following cleansing.  

A step-by-step guide to slugging

• Step 1: Cleanse your skin using a gentle hydrating cleanser.

• Step 2: Apply a thin layer of Vaseline over your face and neck while your skin is still damp.

• Step 3: Leave it overnight.

• Last step: Wash your face with plain water in the morning. 

If the idea of greasing your pillowcases is too much, slug during the day; it’s like wearing a hydrating mask. Makeup likely won’t stick to your face, so you might reserve daytime slugging for a lazy day around the house. 

Incorporating slugging into your skincare routine

This skincare technique can easily be incorporated into your skincare routine, but there are some caveats when using a thick occlusive product in conjunction with treatment creams. 

• Applying treatment cream after slugging may block active ingredients. Some active ingredients, such as retinol and retinoids (tretinoin), can’t penetrate a thick moisturizing barrier. 

• Applying treatment cream before slugging may cause skin irritation. Dermatology providers generally say you should avoid burying active ingredients under a thick layer of Vaseline to prevent irritation. 

How often you slug is a personal choice. But on the days you do, it’s probably best to skip exfoliating creams and use a gentle, hydrating cleanser. 

Curology’s favorite rich moisturizers 

These moisturizers either feature petroleum jelly or are grease-free moisturizers for dry or sensitive skin. Our top picks are free of pore-clogging ingredients.

• Curology Cream Moisturizer. We might be biased on this one, but it works! The Curology rich moisturizer (aka the Cream Moisturizer) deeply hydrates dry skin. We use hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe, and shea butter to attract moisture, squalane to maximize absorption, and allantoin as an emollient to seal it in.

• Vaseline Healing Jelly Original. This one-ingredient wonder is all you need to start your quest for quenched skin. It’s generally safe to apply Vaseline to your face or anywhere in need of hydration.

• CeraVe Healing Ointment. Cerave Healing Ointment is designed for dry, cracked, or eczema-prone skin that needs extra hydration. It has hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which help restore the skin barrier and bring extra water to the skin. 

• Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. This moisturizer is loaded with hydrating ingredients (including petroleum) that promise “dramatically different” results. It’s free of ingredients known to cause breakouts. 

Take the guesswork out of your skincare routine

Everyone is unique. Whether you follow every beauty trend or stick to what you know, figuring out which skincare products fit your specific needs can be tricky. But there's an easier way to build a skincare routine than checking TikTok.

Curology helps take the guesswork out of your skincare routine. Our in-house licensed dermatology providers work with you to examine your skin, assess your skincare goals, and prescribe a personalized prescription formula alongside other recommendations, such as Curology’s moisturizer.* If you’re tired of sorting through the latest trends on social media, give us a try.

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology.

P.S. We did the homework so you don’t have to:

1. Pagani, K., et al. Slugging: TikTok as a source of a viral “harmless” beauty trend. Clinics in Dermatology. (November-December 2022).

2. Ghadially, R., et al. Effects of petrolatum on stratum corneum structure and function. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. (March 1992).

3. Lodén, M. Role of topical emollients and moisturizers in the treatment of dry skin barrier disorders. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. (2003).

Meredith Hartle is a board-certified Family Medicine physician at Curology. She earned her medical degree at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO.

* Subject to consultation. Subscription is required. Results may vary. 

This article was originally published on March 21, 2022, and updated on March 28, 2023.

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Meredith Hartle, DO