A major modern by-product of the oil industry is a strange substance called petroleum jelly. Robert Chesebrough, an English chemist, is credited as inventing the “miracle” product. He filed a patent on what he named “Vaseline”, in 1872. The good chemist turned petrolatum (an 1850’s discovery by-product of oil) into a household product.

The many uses of this slippery, water resistant, gooey and opaque concoction have become world phenomena, of sorts. Do you know the hundreds of ways petroleum jelly is used? Can you name 13 uses for or products that contain petroleum jelly?

1. It is used in most lipstick
2. Many skin lotions and moisturizers contain it
3. Sun screens and ultraviolet ray sun block products use it
4. It is also found in some medicines, such as hemorrhoid products
5. It is used as a cuticle softener ingredient
6. It is a “secret potion” used at many health spas in their facial treatments
7. Helps prevent diaper rash on baby bottoms
8. It is used by wind surfers, skiers, mountain climbers and many other outdoor sports people to prevent wind burn and lip chafing
9. Most lip balms and lip moisturizing products use it
10. It will take off heavy make-up, such as eye-liner, mascara and more
11. It is also used as a hair relaxer in salons and sold over the counter in products
12. You can shine leather shoes with it
13. It also prevents rust on metal door hinges that are exposed to the weather (gates, doors, etc.).