a vintage ad of Vaseline's Petroleum Jelly

OUR HISTORY

Established in Brooklyn in 1870, Vaseline® is now available in over 70 countries and recognized as a leading global hand and body care brand.

the original patent drawing for Petroleum Jelly purification

A breakthrough discovery

Robert Augustus Chesebrough, a 22-year-old chemist visiting Titusville, Pennsylvania, learned of a natural, mineral-rich waxy substance from the earth with noticeable skin-repairing qualities.

Inspired, Chesebrough returned to his Brooklyn lab with samples to experiment and reformulate, seeking a way to heal and protect skin.

After years of perfecting the extraction technique, Chesebrough patented his unique triple purification method in 1865, a process that remains a hallmark of the brand.

Vintage bottles of Vaseline

The VASELINE® Brand Is Born

In 1870, Chesebrough began distributing his pure petroleum jelly under the name Vaseline®, creating one of North America's first branded products.

That same year, he opened a factory in Brooklyn, New York, and promoted the "miracle" product by touring the state in a horse-drawn carriage.

By 1874, only two years after its launch, a tin of Vaseline® Jelly was sold every minute across the United States—more than 1,400 tins daily!

A vintage ad from 1880s of Vaseline's Petroleum Jelly

Trusted by All

People soon discovered the safe and versatile uses of pure Vaseline® petroleum jelly, and a jar became a staple in nearly every North American medicine cabinet.

New mothers applied it to their babies to soothe diaper rash, and workers in extreme cold used it to relieve dry, chapped skin.

A box of Vaseline products from 1900s

A Wartime Staple

Vaseline® was a staple product for American soldiers fighting in Europe.

Perfect for soothing sore feet in the trenches, it was so highly sought-after that many young soldiers wrote home asking their families to send more.

A vintage ad from 1920s of Vaseline's Petroleum Jelly

“Handiest Thing In The House”

Used for both first aid and cosmetic purposes, it became a popular household brand.
an example of Vaseline's sterile antiseptic dressing fabricated in 1930s

Supporting The Frontline

During WWII, the Chesebrough Manufacturing Company was tasked by the Surgeon General to create a sterile antiseptic dressing with petroleum jelly for soldiers' burn injuries.
A vintage ad from 1950s of Vaseline's Petroleum Jelly

"The Wonder Jelly"

Reader's Digest dubbed Vaseline® "The Wonder Jelly".
A vintage ad from 1970s of Vaseline's Lotions

Vaseline® Lotion Is Launched

In 1968, Vaseline® Intensive Care™ Lotion launched in the USA as a solution for both dry skin and after-sun moisturizing.

A few years later, the iconic "Working Hands of America" campaign for Vaseline® Intensive Care™ featured people from all walks of life, uniting them across the country.

A vintage ad from 1980s of Vaseline's hand cream and lip balm

Vaseline for Lips and Hands

Following the success of its body lotions, the brand expanded its offerings to include Vaseline® Lip Therapy® and a Hand & Nail Formula.
a woman applying Vaseline Jelly on a kid

Bringing Skin Healing Where It’s Needed The Most

To provide skin healthcare to everyone, everywhere, the brand partnered with Direct Relief, creating the Vaseline® Healing Project.

Since its launch, the program has provided people worldwide with access to critical skin healthcare, especially in areas of acute need or after natural disasters.

two kids smiling

Skin Health For All

Through The Vaseline® Healing Project (VHP), the brand achieved its initial goal of helping to heal the skin of over five million people globally.
A runner resting. She is hearing sports clothes
The Enduring Healing Power

UNMATCHED PASSION AND DEDICATION TO SKIN HEALH

From the start, the Vaseline® brand has focused on helping people achieve healthier skin. Today's products are built on decades of research, with a clear, ongoing mission: to develop accessible, everyday skincare, provide skin health education and access to those in need, and help everyone keep their skin healthy for life's demands.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR BRAND UNMATCHED PASSION AND DEDICATION TO SKIN HEALH