The claim that Vaseline makes eyelashes grow has circulated as a beauty hack for years, appearing in countless social media posts, beauty forums, and home remedy lists. As someone who tests hair and lash products regularly and values evidence-based approaches, I wanted to address this question directly: can Vaseline make eyelashes grow? The short answer is no. Petroleum jelly contains no active ingredients that stimulate hair follicles or influence the biological growth cycle of lashes. However, understanding why this myth persists and what Vaseline actually does for lashes helps you make informed decisions about lash care and set realistic expectations for any treatment you choose.
Does Vaseline Actually Make Eyelashes Grow?
No, Vaseline does not make eyelashes grow. This is not a matter of debate or individual variation but rather a biological fact based on how hair growth works and what petroleum jelly contains.
The Biological Reality:
Hair growth, including eyelash growth, occurs at the follicle level beneath the skin. The hair shaft you see above the skin is dead tissue composed of keratin proteins. For growth to occur, something must influence the living follicle cells to remain in the active growth (anagen) phase longer, produce more hair cells, or enter the growth phase more frequently.
Vaseline is petroleum jelly, a mixture of mineral oils and waxes. It contains no bioactive compounds that can penetrate skin, reach follicles, or influence the cellular processes that govern hair growth. It sits on the surface of skin and hair as an occlusive barrier but doesn't interact with the biological mechanisms of growth.
Why the Myth Persists:
Several factors explain why people believe Vaseline grows lashes despite scientific evidence to the contrary. First, when you apply Vaseline to lashes, they immediately look darker, thicker, and more defined, similar to wearing mascara. This instant visual change creates the impression that something beneficial is happening.
Second, if you use Vaseline consistently for weeks, you might notice your lashes look better than before. This likely reflects breakage prevention rather than growth stimulation. Lashes that were previously snapping mid-shaft due to dryness or mechanical stress now maintain their full length because the petroleum jelly coating protects them. The lashes reach their natural maximum length rather than breaking prematurely, which can feel like growth even though you're simply maintaining what was always possible.
Third, confirmation bias plays a role. When you try a treatment hoping it works, you're primed to notice any positive changes and attribute them to the treatment rather than natural variation in lash length across the growth cycle.
What Research Shows:
No scientific studies demonstrate that petroleum jelly stimulates hair growth. The research on eyelash growth consistently shows that only specific active ingredients like prostaglandin derivatives, certain peptides, and growth factors can influence the growth cycle. Moisturizers and occlusives like Vaseline don't appear in this research as growth stimulators.
If Vaseline could grow lashes, we would see published studies demonstrating this effect, given how inexpensive and accessible the product is. The absence of such research despite decades of availability suggests the growth claims lack scientific support.
Why Can't Vaseline Make Your Eyelashes Grow Longer?
Understanding the biological mechanisms of hair growth clarifies why petroleum jelly cannot stimulate lash length beyond your genetic programming.
The Lash Growth Cycle:
Eyelashes, like all hair, grow in cycles consisting of three phases. The anagen (growth) phase lasts approximately 30 to 45 days for lashes, during which the follicle actively produces new hair cells that push the lash longer. The catagen (transition) phase lasts about two to three weeks as growth stops and the follicle begins to shrink. The telogen (resting) phase lasts roughly 100 days before the lash falls out and the cycle begins again with a new lash.
Your maximum lash length is determined by how long individual lashes remain in the anagen phase before transitioning to catagen. Genetics primarily control this timing, along with hormonal factors and overall health. To make lashes grow longer than their current maximum, you must either extend the anagen phase duration or increase the rate of growth during anagen.
What Influences Growth:
Substances that demonstrably increase lash length work through specific biological mechanisms. Prostaglandin derivatives, the most proven lash growth ingredients, bind to prostaglandin receptors in follicle cells, extending the anagen phase and potentially increasing the number of lashes in active growth simultaneously. Certain peptides may signal follicle cells to remain active longer or produce cells more rapidly.
These mechanisms require molecules that can penetrate skin, reach follicles, and interact with specific cellular receptors or signaling pathways. Vaseline cannot do any of this. It sits on the skin surface as a protective barrier without penetrating deeper or binding to cellular receptors.
The Occlusive Properties:
Vaseline functions as an occlusive, meaning it forms a barrier that prevents water loss from skin and hair. While beneficial for maintaining moisture in dry or damaged lashes, this occlusive property doesn't translate to growth stimulation. Moisture retention can improve lash flexibility and reduce breakage, but it doesn't make follicles produce hair faster or longer.
Think of it this way: watering a plant keeps it healthy and prevents wilting, but it doesn't make the plant grow taller than its genetic programming allows. Similarly, moisturizing lashes maintains their health but doesn't override genetic limits on length.
The Absence of Active Ingredients:
Formulated lash growth serums contain concentrated active ingredients specifically chosen for their growth-stimulating properties. These might include prostaglandin analogues, peptide complexes, plant extracts with demonstrated effects on follicle activity, or combinations thereof.
Vaseline contains none of these. It is pure petroleum jelly without additives, actives, or compounds that could influence biological processes. Expecting it to grow lashes is like expecting plain water to fertilize plants; it may help maintain health but doesn't provide the specific nutrients or signals needed for enhanced growth.
What Does Vaseline Actually Do for Eyelashes?
While Vaseline cannot make your eyelashes grow longer, it does offer legitimate benefits for lash health and appearance that explain why some people find it helpful.
Moisture Sealing and Conditioning:
The primary benefit of Vaseline on lashes is moisture retention. Petroleum jelly creates an occlusive barrier that prevents water from evaporating from the lash shaft. This keeps lashes hydrated, which improves their flexibility and reduces the likelihood of dry, brittle lashes that snap easily.
Well-moisturized lashes bend rather than break when subjected to mechanical stress from rubbing, sleeping, or removing eye makeup. Over time, this protection may allow lashes to reach their full genetic length because they're not constantly breaking mid-shaft and starting over from shorter lengths.
Breakage Prevention:
Dry, brittle lashes are prone to breakage from daily activities. Mascara application, eye rubbing, sleeping on your face, and even wind exposure can cause fragile lashes to snap. The coating of petroleum jelly provides some cushioning and lubrication that may reduce mechanical breakage.
This protection doesn't create new growth, but it preserves existing length. If your lashes were previously breaking at 8mm and now maintain their full 10mm length thanks to better conditioning, this 2mm difference might feel like growth even though it's actually breakage prevention.
Appearance Enhancement:
Vaseline makes lashes look darker, thicker, and more defined immediately after application. The glossy coating catches light differently than natural lashes, creating the visual impression of fuller lashes. This cosmetic effect is temporary and disappears when you wash the Vaseline off, but it can make lashes look more prominent in the short term.
Some people use this property intentionally as a natural alternative to mascara for situations where they want subtle lash definition without makeup. The effect is mild compared to actual mascara but provides some enhancement.
Makeup Removal Aid:
An indirect benefit is that Vaseline can help remove stubborn eye makeup, particularly waterproof mascara. The oily nature of petroleum jelly breaks down makeup formulas, making them easier to wipe away. Gentler makeup removal means less tugging and pulling on lashes, which reduces the mechanical stress that causes breakage.
Realistic Expectations:
If you use Vaseline on lashes, expect conditioning and protection rather than growth. Your lashes may look and feel healthier over several weeks of use, and you might notice they seem slightly longer if they were previously breaking prematurely. However, you won't see dramatic length increases, and your lashes won't grow beyond their genetic maximum.
The timeline for any noticeable improvement is weeks to months, not days. Remember that your current visible lashes are at various stages of their growth cycle, so even if Vaseline prevents new breakage, you need time for the full cycle to complete before all visible lashes reflect the improved care.
Is Vaseline Safe to Use on Eyelashes?
Generally, Vaseline is safe for lash application, but specific considerations apply when using any product near the eyes.
General Safety Profile:
Petroleum jelly has a long safety record for topical use. It's chemically inert, non-reactive, and unlikely to cause allergic reactions. Dermatologists often recommend it for sensitive skin and as a protective barrier for various skin conditions. The product doesn't contain fragrances, dyes, or additional ingredients that commonly trigger sensitivities.
For lash use specifically, the product won't damage lashes or cause them to fall out. The inert nature of petroleum jelly means it doesn't interact with lash structure in ways that weaken or compromise the hair shaft.
Potential Issues:
Despite general safety, several concerns warrant attention. First, petroleum jelly is very thick and occlusive. If it migrates into your actual eye, it can cause temporary blurriness and discomfort. While not dangerous, this creates an unpleasant sensation and might cause you to rub your eyes, which defeats the purpose of preventing mechanical stress.
Second, the occlusive nature that seals in moisture can also trap bacteria if applied to unclean lashes or eyelids. Always apply Vaseline to clean, makeup-free lashes to avoid sealing in potential irritants or pathogens against the delicate eye area.
Third, for people prone to eye infections, styes, or blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), adding an occlusive product might exacerbate issues by creating an environment where bacteria thrive. If you have ongoing eye or eyelid concerns, consult your doctor before using Vaseline or any occlusive product near your eyes.
Application Considerations:
Use only a tiny amount of Vaseline on lashes. A little goes a long way, and excess product increases the likelihood of migration into your eyes or onto your pillowcase. Apply with a clean cotton swab or freshly washed fingertip, and focus on the lashes themselves rather than the eyelid skin or lash line where follicles reside.
Avoid getting Vaseline on your upper eyelid or too close to your lash line if you're prone to milia (small white bumps caused by trapped keratin). The occlusive nature can contribute to milia formation in susceptible individuals.
When to Avoid:
Skip Vaseline on lashes if you wear contact lenses, as any product migration into the eye can coat lenses and blur vision. Also avoid it if you have active eye infections, styes, or chronic eyelid inflammation until these conditions resolve.
If you experience any irritation, redness, or discomfort after applying Vaseline to lashes, discontinue use. While rare, individual sensitivities can occur even with generally well-tolerated products.
Australian Climate Factors:
In humid Australian coastal climates, the thick, occlusive nature of Vaseline might feel uncomfortable and attract dust or environmental debris. In these conditions, lighter conditioning oils might feel more pleasant while providing similar benefits. In dry inland areas, the moisture-sealing properties work well to combat the drying effects of low humidity.
What Actually Makes Eyelashes Grow?
Since Vaseline cannot make your eyelashes grow, understanding what does work helps you make informed decisions about lash care.
Prostaglandin Derivatives:
The most scientifically proven lash growth ingredients are prostaglandin analogues. These compounds were originally used in glaucoma medications before doctors noticed patients developed longer, darker lashes as a side effect. Cosmetic companies then formulated lash serums using similar ingredients.
Prostaglandins work by extending the anagen (growth) phase of the lash cycle, allowing lashes to grow longer before transitioning to the resting phase. They may also increase the percentage of follicles in active growth at any given time. Clinical studies demonstrate measurable length increases, typically 2 to 4mm over 12 to 16 weeks of consistent use.
The trade-off is potential side effects including eyelid irritation, darkening of eyelid skin, and in rare cases, changes to eye color in people with lighter irises. These effects are generally reversible when you stop using the product, but they're worth considering.
Peptide Complexes:
Certain peptide formulations show promise for supporting lash growth through different mechanisms than prostaglandins. Specific peptides may signal follicle cells to remain active or support the health of existing lashes. Evidence for peptide-based growth is less robust than for prostaglandins, but these formulas typically cause fewer side effects while providing moderate results.
Products like Hair Folli's Natural Eyelash Serum use peptide complexes along with botanical extracts to support lash health and may encourage modest growth without the aggressive mechanisms of prostaglandin derivatives.
Biotin and Nutritional Support:
While topical biotin hasn't demonstrated strong evidence for lash growth, ensuring adequate biotin intake through diet or supplementation supports overall hair health. Deficiencies in biotin, iron, protein, or other nutrients can compromise hair growth everywhere on the body, including lashes.
Addressing nutritional deficiencies can improve lash growth if poor nutrition was limiting it, but supplementation beyond adequate levels doesn't create supernormal growth. This represents fixing a deficit rather than enhancing normal function.
Botanical Extracts:
Certain plant-derived ingredients show potential for supporting lash health and modest growth. Castor oil, nettle extract, and specific peptides from plant sources appear in formulated lash serums. While evidence varies by specific ingredient, these botanical approaches typically offer gentler options with lower risk profiles than synthetic compounds.
Hair Folli's approach to lash care emphasizes botanical ingredients that condition lashes while supporting follicle health for sustainable, gentle improvement over time.
Realistic Timelines:
Actual lash growth from proven serums takes weeks to months of consistent daily application. Expect minimal visible changes in the first four to six weeks, with obvious results appearing around eight to twelve weeks. This timeline reflects the biological reality of hair growth cycles and cannot be rushed by any product, regardless of marketing claims.
Anyone promising dramatic lash growth in days or even a couple of weeks is either referring to cosmetic appearance changes (like what Vaseline provides) rather than actual growth, or making claims that don't align with how hair growth biology works.
How to Use Vaseline on Lashes (If You Choose To)
If you want to try Vaseline for its conditioning benefits despite knowing it won't create growth, proper application maximizes benefits while minimizing potential issues.
Application Method:
Start with completely clean lashes. Remove all eye makeup and wash your face thoroughly. Apply Vaseline to clean, dry lashes using a clean cotton swab or a freshly washed fingertip. Use only a tiny amount, the size of a grain of rice is sufficient for both eyes.
Coat the lashes from base to tip, focusing on the lash shaft rather than the lash line where it meets your eyelid. Avoid getting product on your eyelid skin or too close to your eye itself. If you use too much and it feels heavy or starts to migrate, gently blot excess with a clean tissue.
Timing and Frequency:
Most people apply Vaseline to lashes at night before bed, allowing it to condition lashes overnight. This timing makes sense because you're less likely to notice the glossy appearance when sleeping, and the overnight period gives the product maximum contact time with lashes.
Apply nightly if your lashes are very dry or damaged. For maintenance conditioning, three to four times per week may suffice. Monitor how your lashes respond and adjust frequency based on their condition.
What to Expect:
In the first week, you'll notice lashes feel softer and look glossier when Vaseline is applied. After two to three weeks, lashes may feel stronger and more flexible. After four to eight weeks, if your lashes were previously breaking prematurely, you might notice they seem slightly longer as they maintain their full natural length.
Don't expect dramatic changes or results that match cosmetic mascara or actual growth serums. The benefits are subtle and primarily involve maintaining natural lash health rather than creating enhancement beyond your genetic baseline.
Removal:
Remove Vaseline with a gentle oil-based makeup remover or micellar water. Petroleum jelly is oil-based, so water-based cleansers won't remove it effectively. Make sure to fully cleanse lashes before applying any water-based skincare or makeup, as Vaseline creates a barrier that prevents water-based products from absorbing properly.
Australian Climate Adjustments:
In humid coastal areas like Sydney, Brisbane, or Darwin, you might find Vaseline feels too heavy and attracts environmental debris. Consider using it less frequently or switching to lighter oils that provide similar conditioning without the thick texture.
In dry inland areas, the moisture-sealing properties work excellently to combat the drying effects of low humidity. You might find you need more frequent application to maintain lash softness in these conditions.
Better Alternatives to Vaseline for Lash Growth
If your goal is actual lash growth rather than just conditioning, several alternatives offer better potential based on scientific evidence.
Formulated Lash Growth Serums:
Purpose-designed lash serums contain concentrated active ingredients specifically chosen for growth-stimulating properties. These formulas undergo testing and formulation optimization that home remedies like Vaseline don't receive.
Products containing prostaglandin derivatives deliver the most dramatic results but come with higher side effect risk. Peptide-based serums offer moderate growth with gentler profiles. Botanical formulas like Hair Folli's Natural Eyelash Serum provide the gentlest approach with ingredients selected for supporting lash health and follicle function.
Castor Oil:
While castor oil won't dramatically grow lashes beyond genetic limits, it offers conditioning benefits similar to Vaseline with a lighter texture that some people prefer. Some evidence suggests ricinoleic acid in castor oil may have mild anti-inflammatory properties that could support follicle health, though research on lash growth specifically remains limited.
Castor oil absorbs slightly better than petroleum jelly while still providing good moisture retention. It represents a reasonable middle ground between pure occlusive conditioning and active growth formulas.
Combination Approaches:
Some people achieve best results by combining conditioning (through products like Vaseline or castor oil) with active growth serums. The conditioning maintains lash health and prevents breakage while active ingredients stimulate enhanced growth. This layered approach addresses both aspects of lash care.
Apply growth serum first, allow it to absorb fully (usually 10 to 15 minutes), then apply conditioning product if desired. Don't reverse this order, as occlusives like Vaseline create barriers that prevent absorption of active ingredients applied afterward.
Lifestyle Factors:
Support lash health through gentle makeup removal, avoiding unnecessary lash rubbing or pulling, eating a balanced diet with adequate protein and nutrients, and managing overall health. These foundational practices create optimal conditions for lashes to reach their natural potential regardless of what topical products you use.
FAQs: Vaseline and Eyelash Growth
The Truth About Whether Vaseline Can Make Eyelashes Grow
After examining the biology of hair growth, the properties of petroleum jelly, and the scientific evidence on lash growth treatments, the answer to can Vaseline make eyelashes grow remains definitively no. Vaseline lacks any active ingredients that stimulate hair follicles, extend the growth phase, or influence the biological processes that govern lash length. This isn't a matter of individual variation or waiting longer for results but rather a fundamental limitation based on what petroleum jelly is and how hair growth works.
The persistence of this beauty hack likely stems from the legitimate conditioning benefits Vaseline provides combined with the natural human tendency to see what we hope to see. When you apply Vaseline to lashes, they immediately look darker and thicker due to the coating effect. If you continue use for weeks, you might notice improved lash appearance as conditioning prevents breakage and allows lashes to maintain their full natural length. These real benefits create the impression that growth is occurring when you're actually just preserving existing length better.
Understanding this distinction matters for setting realistic expectations and making informed decisions about lash care. If you enjoy the conditioning benefits of Vaseline and don't mind that it won't create actual growth, it represents a safe, inexpensive option for maintaining lash health. The moisture-sealing properties, breakage prevention, and immediate cosmetic enhancement have value even without growth stimulation.
However, if your goal is genuinely longer lashes beyond your natural maximum length, Vaseline won't deliver. For real growth, you need formulated serums containing proven active ingredients like prostaglandin derivatives for dramatic results or peptide and botanical formulas like Hair Folli's Natural Eyelash Serum for gentler enhancement. These products contain concentrated actives specifically chosen for their ability to influence follicle function and extend the growth phase.
The science of lash growth is clear: moisture and conditioning support lash health, but growth stimulation requires bioactive compounds that interact with follicle cells. Can Vaseline make your eyelashes grow longer? No, but it can help them stay healthy and reach their natural potential. Understanding this reality allows you to choose products aligned with your actual goals and avoid wasting time on treatments that cannot deliver the results you seek.
Ashly Labadie is a haircare researcher and routine advisor specialising in scalp health, flat hair, and long-term hair performance. She has tested 30+ hair care products available in Australia across different hair types and climates, tracking results over weeks and months rather than after first use. In addition to product testing, Ashly helps individuals build practical haircare routines and choose products based on scalp condition, lifestyle, and long-term goals. She works in collaboration with the Hair Folli Editorial & Research Team to align real-world insights with formulation science and current research, ensuring content remains accurate, realistic, and evidence-informed.