Claims like “mix 2 things with Vaseline to erase wrinkles for good” are very common online, but there isn’t scientific evidence that any homemade mixture can permanently remove wrinkles.
Here’s what people are usually referring to, why they may seem to work, and what the evidence says.
Why Vaseline Helps
Vaseline is petroleum jelly, an occlusive moisturizer. It works by:
- Locking moisture into the skin.
- Reducing water loss.
- Making fine lines appear less noticeable by plumping the outer layer of the skin.
- Helping support the skin barrier.
It does not stimulate collagen or permanently erase wrinkles.
Two Common Ingredients People Mix with Vaseline
1. Vitamin E Oil
Many people mix:
- 1 teaspoon Vaseline
- 2–3 drops vitamin E oil
Claimed benefits
- Adds moisture.
- Provides antioxidant properties.
- May improve the appearance of dry, rough skin.
Evidence
Vitamin E can help protect skin from oxidative stress, but research has not shown that applying it with Vaseline permanently removes wrinkles.
2. Aloe Vera Gel
A common mixture:
- 1 teaspoon Vaseline
- 1 teaspoon pure aloe vera gel
Claimed benefits
- Hydrates skin.
- Soothes irritation.
- May temporarily improve skin smoothness.
Evidence
Some studies suggest aloe vera may modestly improve skin hydration and elasticity with regular use, but it does not erase established wrinkles.
How to Apply
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Pat skin slightly damp.
- Mix a small amount of Vaseline with your chosen ingredient.
- Apply a thin layer, especially over dry areas.
- Leave it on overnight.
- Wash your face in the morning.
You can repeat this nightly if your skin tolerates it.
What Results to Expect
With consistent use over several weeks, you may notice:
- Softer skin.
- Better hydration.
- Fine lines caused by dryness look less obvious.
- A healthier skin barrier.
You should not expect:
- Permanent wrinkle removal.
- Increased collagen production from the mixture alone.
- Deep wrinkle reversal.
Are There Risks?
Vaseline is generally safe for most people, but:
- It can feel greasy.
- It may contribute to breakouts in people who are acne-prone.
- Apply it only to clean skin to avoid trapping dirt or bacteria against the skin.
- Patch-test any new ingredient, especially essential oils or homemade mixtures.
Ingredients with Stronger Evidence for Wrinkles
If your goal is to reduce wrinkles, these have much better scientific support than homemade Vaseline mixtures:
- Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), which helps prevent new wrinkles.
- Retinoids (such as retinol or prescription tretinoin), which can stimulate collagen production over time.
- Vitamin C serum, which helps protect against sun damage and supports collagen formation.
- Niacinamide, which can improve skin texture and barrier function.
- Peptides, which may provide modest improvements in skin firmness.
Bottom Line
A Vaseline mixture can make skin look smoother and more hydrated, so fine lines may appear less noticeable. However, no combination of Vaseline with two household ingredients has been proven to erase wrinkles for good. For lasting improvement, consistent sun protection and evidence-based skincare ingredients are much more effective than DIY remedies.