Slugging: The $2 Skincare Trend That Actually Has Dermatologists' Approval

It looks ridiculous. Your face ends up shiny enough to reflect light. And it might be the most effective, cheapest thing you do for your skin all year.

Slugging skincare trend using petroleum jelly overnight

There's a very specific kind of skincare trend that makes people pause mid-scroll: someone smearing a thick, glossy layer of Vaseline over their entire face before bed, looking (as the name suggests) like a slug just crawled across their skin. It's not glamorous. It's genuinely a little funny to watch. And according to dermatologists, it's one of the more legitimately effective, budget-friendly skincare techniques currently trending.

What Is Slugging, Actually?

Slugging is the practice of applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly (or a similar occlusive ointment) as the very last step of your nighttime skincare routine — after cleansing, treatments, and moisturizer, right before bed. The petroleum jelly creates a physical seal on top of your skin, dramatically reducing the amount of water that evaporates overnight.

The name comes from exactly what you'd expect: the shiny, slippery layer left on your face resembles a slug's trail, and on

"Applying petroleum jelly for slugging skincare step"

This Isn't Actually a New Trend

It's worth being upfront about something a lot of viral coverage skips: while "slugging" exploded as a term on TikTok around 2021-2022, the underlying practice is far older, and it didn't originate there. This technique has genuine roots in Korean beauty layering traditions, and has also been a long-practiced ritual within the Black skincare community for generations, long before it had a trendy name or a hashtag.

The internet essentially gave a long-standing, effective practice a catchy new label — which is a pretty common pattern in beauty trends generally, and worth acknowledging rather than treating this as something invented from scratch.

Does It Actually Work? What Dermatologists Say

Yes, with real nuance. Petroleum jelly is remarkably effective at reducing water loss through skin — some sources cite reductions as high as 98-99% overnight. Dermatologists have recommended petroleum jelly as a barrier-repair tool for decades, well before "slugging" became a trend name.

That said, it's not a universal fix for every skin type, which is the part that matters most before you try it yourself.

Who Slugging Is Genuinely Good For

• Very dry or dehydrated skin, especially during winter months

• Compromised skin barriers, including irritation from over-exfoliating or using too many strong actives

• Retinoid or tretinoin users, since slugging can help buffer the dryness and peeling that often comes with starting these treatments

• Eczema-prone skin, under a dermatologist's guidance

• Lips specifically — this is genuinely universal and works well for virtually everyone, regardless of skin type

Who Should Skip It (Or Use It Selectively)

• Oily or acne-prone skin — sealing in oil production overnight can worsen breakouts for some people

• Rosacea-prone skin — occlusion can sometimes aggravate symptoms

• Humid climates — the extra sealing layer is often unnecessary and can feel heavy or uncomfortable

• If you fall into one of these categories but still want to try it, consider selective slugging — applying it only to specific dry patches (cheeks, around the nose) rather than your entire face

How to Slug Correctly

1. Complete your normal nighttime routine first — cleanser, any treatments, and moisturizer

2. Wait a few minutes for your moisturizer to fully absorb

3. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (or a similar occlusive like a healing ointment) over your face, or just the drier areas if you have combination or acne-prone skin

4. Sleep on a towel you don't mind getting slightly greasy, since some product transfer to your pillowcase is normal

5. Cleanse thoroughly in the morning to remove any residue before starting your day

What to Use If Straight Vaseline Feels Too Heavy

• Aquaphor or CeraVe Healing Ointment — slightly lighter texture, often formulated with added ceramides or hyaluronic acid

• Squalane oil — a lighter, non-occlusive alternative for those who want some of the benefit without the heavier feel

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Vaseline clog pores? No — despite a common myth, petroleum jelly has a comedogenic rating of zero and doesn't clog pores on its own. The concern for acne-prone skin is more about trapping existing oil and product underneath it, not the petroleum jelly itself causing new clogs.

How often should I slug? Most dermatologists recommend using it as an occasional tool for very dry periods or specific concerns, rather than as a nightly habit for every skin type.

Can I slug every night? For very dry skin, some people do use it nightly with good results, but oilier skin types should use it more selectively, if at all.

How soon will I see results? Many people notice an immediate hydration boost the next morning, with cumulative barrier improvement becoming more visible after 2-3 weeks of consistent use.

Bottom Line

Slugging earns its dermatologist approval honestly — it's an affordable, evidence-backed way to lock in moisture and support a damaged skin barrier, especially for dry or compromised skin. It's also a good reminder that this internet-favorite technique has real, longer-standing roots outside of TikTok, in both K-beauty traditions and Black skincare practices, long before it had a viral name attached to it.