Safe Mascara Removal with Vaseline Versus Neutrogena Products

Stop using Vaseline for mascara removal. Neutrogena products and other oil-free eye makeup removers are much safer for your eyes and contact lenses.

I was shocked to see many women on the Internet claiming that Vaseline is safe for removing mascara and other eye makeup. I switched to Neutrogena products years ago, and now find that eye doctors agree with my experience.

First, I saw a beauty tip from a Miss America promoting Vaseline, and then lots more women saying their doctors told them it was safe. The best advice I found is Eye Makeup Removal 101 from Northern Virginia Eye Care Doctors. As they put it, optometrists don't study mascara removal. I'm not surprised an eye doctor who never wore mascara might not notice the risks.

I had only ever used Vaseline in emergencies because I couldn't see how the dirty sludge it leaves behind could be good for my eyes or my skin. As far as the eyes are concerned, little glands on the edges of your eyelids help create a protective tear covering. That sludge from using Vaseline or any oils can block the glands and cause dry eyes and irritation. Beyond the hazards of make-up removal, I've now seen people claiming you can use Vaseline as a substitute for mascara leaving it on your lashes for hours and hours all day. I gave up when I came across someone describing how to wash a used mascara wand with non-sterile water, and dip it in Vaseline, and pump it back into the dispenser. Now I'm scared just thinking about the bacteria there.

I mostly agree with the Northern Virginia eye doctors' advice. They suggest wearing only non-waterproof eye makeup. I figure that probably works for many women, but I'm congenitally messy so I wind up smudging it all the time. Given that I mostly use waterproof mascara when I wear mascara, a good compromise for me has been Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover. It dissolves mascara instantly with no stinging or residue left behind. Plus, it's pretty cheap at about $6 for 4 ounces and available at almost any drug store.

The small amount of money you save by using Vaseline won't matter if you damage your eyes. Use your leftover Vaseline to moisturize your lips or feet. When it comes to your eye lashes, Neutrogena products remove mascara much more safely than Vaseline or any oils.