Yes, Koreans use Vaseline, particularly within the context of the popular skincare practice known as slugging.
What is Slugging?
Slugging is a Korean beauty skincare trend involving applying a thick layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, as the final step in your nighttime skincare routine. This creates a barrier that seals in moisture, preventing transepidermal water loss and leading to softer, more hydrated skin. Many sources explicitly mention Vaseline as a readily available and commonly used product for slugging.
Several online articles and forums (e.g., Vogue India, HealthShots, CNET, Reddit r/AsianBeauty, and Reddit r/AsianBeauty) discuss slugging and its prevalence in Korean beauty routines. While Vaseline isn't the only product used, its accessibility and effectiveness make it a popular choice. Note that some sources even detail using Vaseline in conjunction with other skincare steps, such as sheet masks.
While slugging is a prominent example, other uses of Vaseline among Koreans aren't explicitly detailed in the provided references. However, one Reddit thread (r/EuroSkincare) mentions its use for treating wounds. This suggests a broader, albeit less prominent, usage than solely in the context of slugging.