Mixing clove (usually clove powder or clove oil) with Vaseline (petroleum jelly) is a common home remedy used for skin and lip care. While some people report benefits, the effects depend on the amount used and your skin type. Scientific evidence specifically on the mixture is limited.
Potential Benefits
1. Moisturizing Dry Skin
Vaseline forms a protective barrier on the skin that helps prevent water loss.
Benefits:
Helps retain moisture.
Softens rough or cracked skin.
May improve dry areas such as elbows, heels, and hands.
2. Lip Care
A small amount of clove mixed into Vaseline is sometimes used as a lip treatment.
Potential effects:
Vaseline helps prevent dry, chapped lips.
Clove may create a mild tingling sensation due to a compound called eugenol.
Some people feel this temporarily makes lips appear fuller, though it does not permanently increase lip size.
3. Antimicrobial Properties
Clove contains eugenol, which has antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies.
Potential benefits:
May help reduce growth of some bacteria and fungi on the skin surface.
Could support overall skin hygiene.
However, it is not a substitute for medical treatment of skin infections.
4. Antioxidant Effects
Clove contains antioxidant compounds.
Potential benefits:
May help protect skin from oxidative stress.
Could contribute to healthier-looking skin.
5. Soothing Minor Irritation
Some people use diluted clove preparations for mild discomfort because eugenol has numbing properties.
Potential effects:
Temporary soothing sensation.
Mild reduction in discomfort from minor skin irritation.
Risks and Precautions
Skin Irritation
This is the most important concern.
Clove oil can cause:
Burning
Redness
Itching
Allergic reactions
The risk is higher if:
You use undiluted clove oil.
You have sensitive skin.
You apply it to damaged skin.
Not for Open Wounds
Avoid applying clove oil mixtures to:
Deep cuts
Burns
Open wounds
Patch Test First
Before using the mixture:
1. Apply a small amount to the inside of your forearm.
2. Wait 24 hours.
3. If redness, itching, or burning develops, do not use it.
Simple Preparation
If using clove oil:
Mix 1–2 drops of clove oil with about 1 teaspoon of Vaseline.
Stir thoroughly.
Apply a thin layer.
Using more clove oil is not necessarily better and increases the risk of irritation.
What It Cannot Do
There is no good scientific evidence that a clove–Vaseline mixture:
Permanently enlarges lips.
Removes deep wrinkles.
Lightens skin dramatically.
Cures acne or skin diseases.
Bottom Line
A clove-and-Vaseline mixture may help moisturize skin and lips while providing some antimicrobial and antioxidant effects from clove. The main benefit comes from the moisturizing action of Vaseline. Because clove can irritate the skin, use only a small amount, dilute it well, and perform a patch test before regular use.