Slugging: The Skincare Trend That Actually Works

Slugging is one of those skincare trends that sounds weird until you try it. The concept is simple: after your nighttime skincare routine, you seal everything in with a thin layer of petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) or a thick occlusive balm.

The name comes from the “slug-like” sheen it leaves on your face. Not glamorous — but the results have made it one of the most talked-about skincare techniques of the past two years.

How Slugging Works

Your skin loses moisture overnight through a process called transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Slugging creates a physical barrier on the surface of your skin that dramatically reduces this moisture loss.

Think of it like putting a lid on a pot of water. Without the lid, the water evaporates. With it, everything stays sealed in.

The petroleum jelly doesn’t add moisture itself — it locks in the hydrating products you applied underneath (toner, serum, moisturizer). This means those products work harder and longer throughout the night.

The Science Behind It

Dermatologists have used petroleum jelly therapeutically for decades. Studies show that petrolatum:

• Reduces transepidermal water loss by up to 98%
• Is non-comedogenic (despite the common myth, it does not clog pores)
• Creates an ideal environment for skin barrier repair
• Is one of the most effective occlusives available

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends petroleum jelly for dry, cracked, or irritated skin. Slugging is essentially taking that recommendation and applying it to your nightly routine.

How to Slug

Step 1: Complete Your Nighttime Routine

Cleanse, tone, apply serums, and moisturize as you normally would. Slugging goes on last.

Step 2: Apply a Thin Layer

Take a pea-sized amount of petroleum jelly and warm it between your fingertips. Gently press it across your face in thin layer. You don’t need a thick coat — a light sheen is enough.

Step 3: Sleep On It

Use a silk or satin pillowcase to minimize transfer. In the morning, cleanse your face as usual.

That’s it. No complicated technique, no expensive products.

Who Should Try Slugging

Great For:

• Dry skin — the most dramatic results
• Dehydrated skin — even oily skin can be dehydrated
• Compromised skin barrier — from over-exfoliating or harsh products
• Winter skin — when cold, dry air saps your moisture
• Mature skin — helps plump fine lines overnight
• Anyone on retinol — reduces the dryness and peeling that retinol can cause

Not Recommended For:

• Acne-prone skin with active breakouts — while petroleum jelly itself is non-comedogenic, trapping acne-causing bacteria under an occlusive layer can worsen existing breakouts
• Very oily skin — you may not need the extra occlusion

Slugging Alternatives

If petroleum jelly feels too heavy, try these lighter alternatives:

• CeraVe Healing Ointment — contains ceramides for added barrier repair
• Aquaphor — slightly lighter than pure Vaseline, contains lanolin
• Squalane oil — a much lighter occlusive option for oily skin types
• Sleeping masks — Korean sleeping masks provide a similar (but lighter) sealing effect

Common Questions

Will it clog my pores?

Pure petroleum jelly is non-comedogenic. Its molecules are too large to penetrate pores. However, if you’re acne-prone, start by slugging just 2-3 nights per week and monitor your skin.

Can I slug with actives underneath?

Avoid slugging over strong actives like AHA, BHA, or retinol at first. The occlusive barrier can increase penetration of these ingredients, potentially causing irritation. Once your skin is used to slugging, you can experiment.

How often should I slug?

Start with 2-3 nights per week. If your skin responds well, you can slug nightly. Dry skin types often benefit from nightly slugging, while combination skin may prefer every other night.

Will it ruin my pillowcase?

A thin layer shouldn’t cause major issues, especially on a satin or silk pillowcase. If you’re concerned, use an old pillowcase on slugging nights.

The Bottom Line

Slugging is one of the rare viral skincare trends that’s actually backed by dermatological science. It’s cheap (a tub of Vaseline costs $5), effective, and takes 30 seconds to do.

If you’ve been struggling with dry, dull, or dehydrated skin, try slugging for two weeks. The morning-after glow might convert you permanently.