Introduction

The combination of cloves and Vaseline has become a common “hack” or home remedy in beauty, skincare, or even sexual health circles. You’ll find videos, social media posts, and blogs promising that mixing clove powder or clove oil with Vaseline yields miraculous effects — from smoother skin and wrinkle reduction to stronger hair or enhanced sexual performance. Some even call it a “secret nobody will ever tell you.”

But does this “secret” really hold up? Let’s unpack what is known, what is plausible, and what’s risk.

What are the components?

To understand what might happen when you mix cloves with petroleum jelly, it helps to look at each ingredient on its own.

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum / clove oil / clove powder)

• Cloves contain a major component called eugenol, which has been studied for its antimicrobial, anti‑inflammatory, analgesic (pain‑relieving), and antioxidant properties. ([Healthline][1])
• In topical/skin contexts:
• Some studies have found clove oil (in dilute form) useful in relieving itching or skin irritation, possibly more effective than plain petroleum jelly in specific settings
• Clove oil has been tested for dental pain and mucosal (gum) applications; lits antiseptic and numbing effect is among its better‑documented uses. ([Healthline][1])
• However, concentrations matter. Pure clove oil is very strong and can irritate or burn skin, especially sensitive areas. ([Healthline][1])
• Also, ingesting or applying clove oil internally or in large amounts carries risks (e.g. toxicity, liver effects) especially in children or vulnerable people.

Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly)

• Vaseline (or petroleum jelly) is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons. Its primary action on skin is occlusive: it forms a barrier over the skin to prevent water loss and protect from external irritants. ([Health][3])
• It is often used to lock in moisture, help heal minor cuts or abrasions, and protect dry or cracked skin. ([Health][3])
• However, because it is occlusive (blocks the skin surface), it can also trap sweat, sebum, bacteria, or dirt under it, which may worsen acne or clogged pores in some people. ([Health][3])
• Vaseline is generally inert (doesn’t do much chemically), so the active component in the mix is likely from cloves (or clove oil/powder) rather than the Vaseline doing something chemically.

What claims are made, and how plausible are they?

Many of the “secret” claims about mixing cloves with Vaseline fall into these categories:

1. Skin benefits — smoother skin, reduced wrinkles or fine lines, lower inflammation, reduced blemishes
2. Hair benefits — faster hair growth, stronger hair, better scalp health
3. Moisturizing / soothing dry or cracked skin
4. Sexual or performance benefits (e.g. applying to genitals to increase sensitivity, delay, or circulation)

Let’s examine these:

Skin benefits

• The antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory properties of cloves may contribute to reducing oxidative stress or mild inflammation. That is plausible in low concentrations.
• The Vaseline portion helps maintain moisture by sealing the skin, which could aid skin repair.
• Together, they might help in especially dry, cracked, or irritated skin (elbows, feet, cuticles) in a mild way. Some “beauty blogs” describe using the mixture for dry elbows, chapped lips, etc. ([City Magazine][4])
• But the claims of “erasing wrinkles,” “Botox-like” effect, or dramatic anti-aging results are far more speculative. There is no rigorous scientific study that confirms that clove + petroleum jelly can significantly reverse wrinkles.

Hair benefits

• Some videos and DIY beauty sites combine cloves (or clove oil) with Vaseline (and sometimes rosemary, coconut oil, etc.) to promote hair growth. ([YouTube][5])
• The idea is that cloves stimulate blood circulation (due to warming effect) and the Vaseline helps lock in moisture to hair shafts or scalp. But whether that leads to measurable extra hair growth is unproven.
• Remember: Vaseline is not a good medium for penetrating hair follicles; it’s occlusive and sits on top, so its role is more protective/moisturizing rather than stimulating growth.

Moisturizing / soothing dry or cracked skin

• This is likely the most realistic beneficial use of the mixture: for patches of dry or irritated skin where you want both some mild therapeutic action (from cloves) plus an occlusive barrier (from Vaseline) to help restore moisture and protect from further irritation.
• Some beauty blogs present this as a remedy for dry elbows, chapped lips, cracked heels,

Sexual / performance claims

• Some sources claim that applying clove (oil or powder) mixed with Vaseline to the penis or genital area can enhance circulation, delay ejaculation, or increas
• ⁠
• Also, applying petroleum jelly or any oily, occlusive substance to genital tissues can risk irritation, infection, or interfering with natural lubrication.
• One caution: injecting petroleum jelly into penile tissues has been documented to cause severe injury, infections, tissue necrosis. So never internal injection; such practices are dangerous. ([Healthline][8])

How people mix them (common DIY method) & precautions

Sample method

Many DIY blogs or social media posts suggest:

• Grind cloves into a very fine powder (or use a few drops of clove essential oil, diluted)
• Take a base amount of Vaseline (e.g. 1–2 tablespoons)
• Mix thoroughly until uniform
• Apply small amount to target skin area
• Use a patch test first (on inside of arm) to check for irritation

For example, one blog suggests mixing 1 teaspoon of finely ground cloves with about 2 tablespoons of Vaseline. ([City Magazine][4])

Precautions & best practices

• Patch test first. Because clove (especially clove oil) can irritate skin, test a small area first (inner arm) for 24 hours.
• Use mild concentration of clove; avoid too much clove oil.
• Avoid using on broken skin, deep cuts, eyes, or sensitive mucous membranes.
• Be cautious if you have sensitive, reactive, or acne-prone skin: the occlusive nature of Vaseline may trap oils or bacteria and worsen breakouts.
• Discontinue use if you feel burning, itching, swelling, or other adverse reaction.
• Avoid use on genitals without medical supervision.
• If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications (especially blood thinners or anticoagulants), or have skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, consult a dermatologist first.
• Do not inject any substance of petroleum jelly or this mix into any body cavity.

What the science says (or doesn’t say)

• While clove oil and eugenol have been researched for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties, most uses are topical at controlled dilutions, or in experimental or lab settings. ([Healthline][1])
• There is no high‑quality clinical trial validating that mixing clove + Vaseline yields dramatic skin or hair improvements or sexual enhancement.
• Some small studies suggest clove oil helps relieve itching more than plain petroleum jelly. ([Cleveland Clinic][2])
• On skin, the Vaseline component is largely acting as a barrier, not an active agent.
• Many claims in social media or video tutorials are anecdotal or promotional.
• Medical sources caution that essential oils (including clove) can cause skin irritation and should be used in safe dilutions. ([Healthline][1])

Risks and possible side effects

• Skin irritation, burning, redness: Clove (especially in stronger forms) can irritate skin.
• Allergic reaction: Some individuals may react badly to eugenol or clove oil.
• Acne or clogged pores: The occlusive nature of Vaseline can trap oils and debris.
• Interaction with medications: Clove / eugenol may affect blood clotting; if on anticoagulants or having bleeding disorders, caution is needed. ([Cleveland Clinic][2])
• Unsafe application to genital or sensitive areas: Risk of irritation, infection, sensitivity changes.
• Toxicity (with ingestion or over‑use): Clove oil in large amounts can be harmful, especially for children.
• Misuse in sexual or internal contexts: As mentioned, injecting petroleum jelly or applying strong essential oils internally can cause severe damage. ([Healthline][8])

Verdict & recommendations

The idea of mixing cloves with Vaseline is a creative DIY approach that may have mild potential benefits in certain skin applications (dry skin patches, minor irritation) if done carefully and at safe concentrations. The Vaseline helps lock in moisture, while clove contributes mild antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, or soothing effects (if the concentration is not too high).

However:

• The extraordinary claims (wrinkle elimination, dramatic hair growth, sexual enhancement) are not supported by reliable scientific evidence.
• There are risks, especially for sensitive skin or misuse in genital areas.
• If you try it, do so cautiously, patch test, and stop use immediately if problems arise.
• For serious skin, hair, or sexual health issues, it’s better to consult a dermatologist, trichologist, or medical professional.