I got some publicity for The Napkin Dad Daily last year.  A marketing company found out and asked me if I would review some ‘MAN’ products, which I did.


The marketing company thought highly enough of that to ask if I would review another product, this one not as manly, Vaseline.  I said yes because I could get a free mini-vat of the stuff and my wife uses it. I would score points.

Jewel encrusted. This is not the one they sent me.

We got the mini-vat and it’s cool. It has a flip top lid.  That is the big innovation since the mini-vat is the same otherwise and Vaseline the actual product hasn’t changed since about 1346.  


Ok, make that 1872.  Some guy had been visiting oil fields and found the workers were using some gunk that came from the working of the well to heal burns and cuts. They called it Rod Wax.  Imagine if that stuff was discovered today. It wouldn’t end up being called Vaseline, I can tell you that!   But it was 1872.  The guy took the gunk and made Vaseline out of it.

Also not the one they sent me.

Now, out of the gutter and back to Vaseline.  First thing to know is that it is not spelled VasOline. That would make it like GasOline, and it isn’t so don’t be confused.  It’s VasEline.


Next, since I don’t use the stuff, ever. I really couldn’t review it very well.  I think my mom used it on me for something, but it involved a thermometer and a place the sun don’t shine so I have buried that in the catacombs of my memories.  Before the modern, civilized era (meaning the advent of electronic temperature getters), it was really the only way to find out that certain number so it had to be done.  oh, the trauma.

The thermometer style jar I try to forget.  Not the one the sent me.

But my wife does use it.  She has a jar in the shower actually.  Here is what she likes about it.

  • Moisturizer – She swears by using Vaseline after her shower to keep her dry skin moist.   Her Dermatologist actually recommended it.  
  • Pure – She also tends to be allergic to stuff so she loves that it is pure and without all sorts of fillers, scents, chemicals, etc. 
  • Scentless – She also likes that it doesn’t smell.  It’s odd to see a product like that that doesn’t smell, isn’t it.  

I know for a fact she never feels greasy, smelly or broken out in hives after she uses it or like she has been on an oil rig so I think it does it’s job really well.

oh yea, works on lips too.  Not the one they sent me.

I started asking around, telling my friends about my mini-vat score and got some good responses.


Here is what my running buddies said about it.

  • Chafing – More than one person told me they use Vaseline on the various body parts to avoid chafing when they run. Chafing is a big problem if aren’t a stick figure and you run more than say, 100 yards). They use it instead of the expensive stuff sold in running stores.  I might try that some day.    
  • Cold protection – I also found that many of my running friends use it on cold days on their face as a barrier between them and the cold, dry wind.  Another thing I might try some day.

I also have heard of long distance
swimmers using it to cover their bods, so if you happen to be one of those folks about the swim the English Channel (or any Channel) you should use it.

Also not what they sent me, but cute.

So, there you have it. My official review of Vaseline, the best stuff to come out of oil rigs since Rod Wax!  You should use it.

The one they sent me.
p.s.  There are a gazillion more uses, just google it and you will find more than you ever wanted to know!  Here’s one.
Oh, and for you photographers out there to get that soft-focus look, if you don’t mind getting your lens covered in Vaseline.  Personally, I would do it in Photoshop.