Is Slugging Actually Good for Your Skin?

The beauty TikTokers are at it again. The latest K-beauty trend to hit the For You pages and hashtags on the app is designed to give you the appearance of Korean glass-like skin and the dreamiest texture this side of the beauty internet.

Slugging, as it’s affectionately called, is the technique of smearing petroleum jelly on your face before bedtime. Yes, the sworn-by trend with a hashtag alone that yields over 189 million views could be the messy but golden ticket to baby-soft skin.

Let’s take a closer look at this K-beauty TikTok trend to see if it’s living up to its viral hype – plus some natural alternatives to the petroleum-sourced viral sensation!

What Exactly Is the TikTok Trend of Slugging?

You’re not alone if the term ‘slugging’ conjures up yet another K-beauty TikTok trend of putting snail mucin on your face or entails visions of slugs sliding across your face all in the name of silky skin. But the nighttime technique of slathering on petroleum jelly does leave a slimy, thick film resembling a slug – hence the trend’s namesake.

Is the viral beauty trend the key to waking with reborn skin? Since slugging entails applying a heavy-duty occlusive layer (traditionally balms like Aquaphor or Vaseline) it prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and dehydration of the skin that occurs overnight so you wake to fresh, plump skin.

Slugging also locks in moisture and your other night skin care products so you get more effective and beneficial results. This, in turn, leads to a plethora of other benefits, like more youthful-looking, glowy, and bouncy skin.

The Pros and Cons of Using Petroleum Jelly for Slugging

The beauty of slugging besides achieving ultra-soft skin from the comfort of your bed is it only requires one product: an occlusive! Occlusive ingredients act as a seal, keeping moisture from escaping while giving skin a more hydrated appearance. The top trending occlusive for slugging is Vaseline.

Under the popular brand name for petroleum jelly, Vaseline is more effective at reducing the amount of moisture your skin loses and locking in hydration compared to applying a regular moisturizer. The low cost of the ooey-gooey goodness can make it a good choice for treating dry skin and other skin conditions like rosacea and eczema as well as anti-aging concerns.

The occlusive properties of Vaseline also have some drawbacks. The water-trapping barrier of Vaseline can also trap any bad bacteria that may already be on the skin, which could cause acne and exacerbate rosacea. Since most occlusives are petroleum-derived ingredients, there are concerns over some of the cancer-causing chemicals found in crude oil that may contaminate petroleum jelly.

What Are Some Natural Alternatives to Petroleum Jelly for Slugging Skin?

It’s reasonable to be concerned about the safety of petroleum-based ingredients in your skin care products. After all, petroleum can be refined into gasoline. Thankfully, there are some natural alternatives to Vaseline that we think could be real beauty saviors for slugging, too.

#1: 100% PURE Intensive Nourishing Balm

If you’re looking for the benefits of slugging without the mess and the chemicals from petroleum, this nourishing balm is the key to waking with reborn skin. It features natural occlusive ingredients like avocado and shea butters to reinforce the skin’s barrier.

Our balm is also fortified with non-comedogenic grapeseed and blackcurrant oils to restore and replenish dry skin. Its lightweight formula makes it perfect for slugging, for just about any skin type.

#2: Hydra Drench Cream

While not an occlusive balm, this ultra-lightweight cream with chia seed gel and sodium PCA is the perfect hydration prep before slugging. Layer it underneath your balm to supercharge moisture levels without clogging pores.

#3: Super Fruit Balm

Formulated with antioxidant-rich acai and goji berries, plus nourishing shea butter and grapeseed oil, this balm is a fantastic slugging option for sensitive or dry skin types. It reinforces the skin barrier and reduces redness while delivering ultra-deep hydration.

#4: 100% PURE Retinol Restorative Overnight Balm

This intensely moisturizing nighttime superstar is a game-changer for slugging. This balm includes non-comedogenic avocado butter and organic beeswax, which functions as an occlusive barrier to keep dry skin moisturized without feeling greasy. Vitamin E moisturizes flakes and cracks. Sunflower seed oil and olive oil enhance skin repair so you can wake up to baby-soft skin.

Prep Like a Pro: What to Use Before Slugging”

Slugging works best when applied over clean, hydrated skin. To get the most out of your slugging routine, it’s essential to layer the right products underneath your balm. These hydrating serums and moisturizers from 100% PURE® help prep your skin for the ultimate overnight glow-up.

1. Rose Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Infused with rose hydrosol and hyaluronic acid, this serum draws moisture into the skin and plumps fine lines—perfect for layering before slugging.

2. Hydra Drench Cream

As mentioned above, this lightweight cream with chia seed gel and omega fatty acids quenches thirsty skin without heaviness. Ideal for oily and combo skin types prepping for slugging.

3. Green Tea EGCG Concentrate Cream

Packed with EGCG antioxidants, olive squalane, and yerba mate, this cream helps calm inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier before sealing everything in with a balm.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slugging

1. Is slugging good for acne-prone skin?

It depends. If your skin is well-cleansed and you’re using non-comedogenic products underneath, slugging can help lock in hydration and calm irritation. But occlusive layers like Vaseline may trap dirt or bacteria, potentially worsening breakouts. Opt for non-comedogenic alternatives like 100% PURE’s Intensive Nourishing Balm instead.

2. Can I slug every night?

You can, but most skin types don’t need to. Slugging 2–3 times per week is ideal for dry or dehydrated skin. Oily or acne-prone skin may benefit from slugging only during colder months or after skin barrier damage.

3. Should I apply slugging products over serums or moisturizers?

Yes! Slugging is the final step. Think of your balm as a lid: you’ll want to apply all your water-based and active treatments first (like serums and creams), then seal everything in with your balm to prevent moisture loss.

4. What ingredients should I avoid under slugging?

Avoid strong actives like AHAs, BHAs, or retinoids under occlusion if you’re new to slugging. These ingredients can become more potent when sealed in, potentially leading to irritation. Stick to calming, hydrating formulas like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or ceramide-rich moisturizers.

5. Can I use face oils for slugging instead of balm?

Not quite. Face oils are emollients, which soften and nourish the skin—but they don’t seal in moisture like occlusives. If you’re looking to slug with clean products, go for a balm with beeswax, shea butter, or plant waxes like 100% PURE’s Super Fruit Balm.