Let’s be honest, there’s something delightfully weird about the word slugging. It sounds like something your dermatologist might tell you not to do. But if you’ve been anywhere near SkincareTok lately, you’ve definitely seen it: people gleefully slathering their faces in a thick layer of Vaseline at bedtime, like glazed donuts ready for the oven.

The promise? Next-level glow, smooth skin, and hydration that goes deep. Supposedly, you wake up dewy, bouncy, and baby-faced. Naturally, I had to try it.

So... What Is Slugging?

Slugging is just a cutesy name for applying an occlusive, usually plain ol’ petroleum jelly like Vaseline or Aquaphor, as the final step in your nighttime skincare routine. The theory is simple: it creates a seal over your skin, locking in all that juicy moisture and your carefully layered serums underneath. Think of it like putting your face in a hydration cocoon overnight.

And despite its memeable name, the science actually checks out.

The Science Says: Yes, It Works (For the Right Skin)

Petrolatum is the real MVP here. It’s been clinically shown to prevent transepidermal water loss (aka moisture escaping your skin), and in one lab study, Vaseline left skin with less than 5% water loss over 72 hours. That’s not just impressive, it’s borderline magic.

Derms have been recommending petrolatum-based products for decades to treat dry patches, eczema, and post-laser recovery. It doesn’t clog pores (surprise!) and it doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. If you’ve got flakiness, barrier damage, or just winter-ravaged cheeks, slugging is basically a warm, goopy hug for your face.

But Don’t Get Slug-Happy Just Yet

Here’s the thing TikTok sometimes leaves out: slugging isn’t for everybody. I repeat, not for everyone. If your skin is oily, acne-prone, or you’re mid–hormonal breakout, locking in all that sebum and bacteria with a jelly topcoat could make things worse. I tried slugging on a week where my skin was angry (bad idea), and it felt like I’d trapped a little oil party under my cheeks. Not cute.

Also, timing matters. Slugging right after an exfoliating acid? No thanks. That can accidentally amplify irritation by driving actives too deep. It’s also not meant to replace your routine, it’s a topcoat, not a treatment.

Oh, and PSA: your pillow will definitely hate you. Use a towel or dedicated “slugging pillowcase” unless you like waking up with a greasy hairline.

If You Want to Try Slugging, Here’s How to Do It Right

I recommend starting with a “targeted slug”, just dabbing Vaseline on dry spots (under the eyes, around the nose, lips, etc.), not your entire face. Do this after your serums and moisturizer, and only on freshly cleansed skin. Otherwise, you risk sealing in bacteria or makeup residue, which is the opposite of the assignment.

✨ Premium occlusive products worth trying:

• Aquaphor Healing Ointment – cult-fave for a reason

• La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 – a French pharmacy legend with added panthenol

• Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Balm – rich, cushiony, and fancy-feeling

💸 Budget picks (that work just as well):

• Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly – the OG, costs less than your coffee

• CeraVe Healing Ointment – adds ceramides and still under $15

• Cetaphil Healing Ointment – gentle and great for sensitive skin

• Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask – a luxe, slugging-style lip treatment

Want to dip a toe in? Start with your lips. I layer on that Laneige mask at night and honestly, it’s just cute slugging with a scent.

Final Verdict?

Slugging is real. It works. But it’s not a skincare miracle, it’s skincare maintenance. For dry, sensitive, or post-exfoliated skin, it’s a dream. For oily or acne-prone skin? Proceed with caution.

I'm adding slugging to my rotation, but only when my skin’s feeling parched or cranky (especially during winter or after a long flight). And I will never slug my whole face, just the spots that need some extra TLC.

Want to know if slugging fits into your skincare routine? Download SkinAI, and get a custom routine (including whether or not you should slug) based on your real skin, not TikTok trends. Skin AI analyzes your selfie and adapts your routine week by week, yes, including things like skin cycling, breakouts, and weather changes.