Is Vaseline Drinkable? Dangers of Ingesting Petroleum Jelly

December 26, 2025 •

3 min read

Despite some urban legends claiming otherwise, Vaseline is not safe for internal consumption and is not designed to be drinkable. Though it is often considered non-toxic in small quantities, petroleum jelly is derived from petroleum and is intended exclusively for topical use. Intentionally ingesting it, or swallowing large amounts, can lead to serious health complications and should always be avoided.

Quick Summary

This article explores the health risks associated with swallowing Vaseline, explaining why it is not safe for ingestion. It details potential side effects, including digestive problems and aspiration risk, provides guidance on what to do in case of accidental consumption, and differentiates between topical use and internal harm.

Key Points

Not for Ingestion: Vaseline is a petroleum derivative designed exclusively for external, topical use, not for drinking.
Digestive Issues: Swallowing large amounts can cause abdominal pain, cramps, and severe diarrhea because the body cannot digest petroleum jelly.
Aspiration is a Major Risk: The oily nature of petroleum jelly poses a significant risk of aspiration, where it enters the lungs and can lead to serious lipid pneumonia.
Do Not Induce Vomiting: If a large amount is ingested, vomiting should not be induced to avoid the risk of aspiration into the lungs.
Seek Medical Advice for Symptoms: Persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, or severe gastrointestinal upset after ingestion requires immediate medical attention.
Poison Control Is Key: In cases of ingestion, especially large amounts or by children, calling a poison control center is the recommended course of action.
Topical vs. Internal Use: The triple-purification process makes it safe for skin, but does not alter its indigestible nature for internal consumption.

Why Vaseline Is Not Safe to Drink

Vaseline, a brand name for petroleum jelly, is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. The product undergoes a triple purification process to remove harmful impurities, making it safe for topical application on the skin. However, this purification does not make it suitable for consumption. The human body is not equipped to digest or absorb petroleum jelly, which means it will pass through the digestive system undigested.

Digestive System Risks

Ingesting large amounts of petroleum jelly can have significant adverse effects on the digestive system. The thick, greasy consistency can coat the esophagus and stomach, leading to a variety of unpleasant and potentially dangerous symptoms. Poison control centers strongly advise against inducing vomiting because of the risk of aspiration.

Possible gastrointestinal symptoms include:

Abdominal pain and stomach cramps
Diarrhea, as the body attempts to expel the undigested substance
Nausea and vomiting, though inducing it is dangerous

The Severe Danger of Aspiration

Perhaps the most dangerous risk of ingesting petroleum jelly is aspiration, which is when the substance enters the lungs. Aspiration can occur during swallowing, or if vomiting is induced improperly. Because petroleum jelly is an oily substance, it is not absorbed by the lungs and can cause a type of pneumonia known as lipid pneumonia. This condition can lead to severe, long-term respiratory problems and, in rare cases, can be fatal.

Symptoms of aspiration pneumonia from petroleum jelly can include:

Coughing and shortness of breath
Chest pain
Fever and chills
Weight loss over time due to chronic inflammation
In serious cases, coughing up blood

Comparison Table: Topical vs. Internal Use


Feature	Topical Use (Safe)	Internal Use (Dangerous)
Purpose	Healing dry skin, protecting minor scrapes, moisturizing lips	None; it is not meant to be a food, drink, or medicine
Bodily Interaction	Forms a protective barrier on the skin to lock in moisture	Passes through the digestive system undigested; may be aspirated
Absorption	Not absorbed by the skin; provides an occlusive layer	Not absorbed by the body internally; can coat digestive tract
Health Effects	Minimally irritating, hypoallergenic, clinically proven to be safe for skin	Gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, severe aspiration risk leading to lung damage
First Aid	Mild irritation requires washing with soap and water	Do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical attention for large ingestions or aspiration signs

The Dangers of Long-Term or Chronic Ingestion

While a single, accidental taste of petroleum jelly might not cause immediate severe harm, chronic or long-term ingestion can lead to more serious health issues. This is particularly relevant for children or those who might consume it repeatedly. The accumulated effects can increase the risk of digestive obstruction or more chronic respiratory issues if aspiration occurs over time.

What to Do in Case of Ingestion

If a small amount of Vaseline is accidentally swallowed, providing a few sips of water to rinse out the mouth is often sufficient. It is crucial to monitor the individual for symptoms like coughing, choking, or stomach upset. If a large quantity is ingested, or if symptoms of aspiration like persistent coughing or shortness of breath appear, immediate medical attention is necessary. Contacting a poison control center is the recommended first step for expert guidance.

It is important to remember that Vaseline is not a food product and does not offer any nutritional benefits. Its design and composition are tailored for external use only. The urban myth of it being harmless to drink is entirely false and promotes a very risky practice.

Conclusion

While a tiny, accidental taste of Vaseline is generally minimally toxic, intentionally drinking or consuming large amounts of petroleum jelly is not safe and can cause serious health complications. The body cannot digest it, and the potential for life-threatening conditions like aspiration pneumonia makes internal consumption a significant risk. For health and safety, Vaseline should remain a product used solely for its intended purpose: a topical skin protectant and moisturizer. If accidental ingestion occurs, especially in children, it is always best to contact a poison control center for guidance to ensure proper care and monitoring.

Disclaimer: The content in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for specific medical concerns.

Visit the official website for additional information on Vaseline's product safety guidelines and intended use.

Frequently Asked Questions

If a child eats a small taste of Vaseline, they will likely be okay, as it is minimally toxic. You should wipe out their mouth with a wet washcloth and have them drink some water, then monitor them for any symptoms like coughing or stomach upset. Call a poison control center for advice if you are concerned.

Yes, drinking Vaseline can cause serious lung problems if it is accidentally aspirated, or inhaled, into the lungs. This can cause lipid pneumonia, a condition where the oily substance inflames the lungs, leading to long-term respiratory issues.

No, there is absolutely no health or nutritional benefit to drinking petroleum jelly. It is not a food source and is indigestible by the human body.

If a large amount of Vaseline has been swallowed, the first step is to call a poison control center immediately for expert instructions. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically told to do so by a medical professional.

Using Vaseline on the lips is generally safe because the amount accidentally swallowed is extremely minimal. The health risks arise from intentional ingestion of large quantities, not from the tiny residue that may enter the mouth during normal use.

While not common, ingesting a very large amount of thick, non-digestible petroleum jelly could potentially lead to intestinal obstruction, though it typically just causes diarrhea as it passes through the system.

Yes, even triple-purified petroleum jelly is not meant for internal consumption. While the purification removes impurities, it does not change the core substance's indigestible and oily properties, which can still cause digestive upset and aspiration.