Can Hyaluronic Acid and Vaseline Really Replace Lip Fillers?

Dry lips getting the best of you? TikTok has a hack for that. I tried the latest trend for plump lips—layering hyaluronic acid and vaseline. Does it work? Kind of.

Applying hyaluronic acid and vaseline on lips

The first and most important part of the process is to start with damp lips. Hyaluronic acid can attract up to 1,000 times its weight in water (!) Yep, you read that right. But in order for it to work its magic, you have to start with some moisture.

Spray some water or mist of your choice to your lips, then lightly apply a layer of hyaluronic acid.

Beautylish recommends Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum

I was afraid this may feel thick or sticky, but to my surprise, my skin absorbed the hyaluronic acid almost immediately.

Next, a layer of vaseline—or any similar occlusive or ointment—to lock in the moisture.

Beautylish recommends Lucas’ Papaw Ointment

These two layers leave lips feeling nourished and hydrated, similar to a rich lip mask or treatment.

Do hyaluronic acid and vaseline actually give a filler-like effect?

Not exactly. The hyaluronic acid and vaseline combo intensely hydrates lips, giving a naturally plumper look. However; the results are temporary—think a couple of hours.

While this is a great hack to pull moisture and smooth the look of lips, it doesn’t change the size of lips and can’t replace filler completely.

Layering color on top of the hyaluronic acid and vaseline combo

Before trying this out, I wasn’t sure if color would sit well over it. As I mentioned earlier, my lips absorb the hyaluronic acid pretty quickly, and the vaseline layer just feels like a rich lip mask. I can still apply liner or lipstick on top to add color.

Final verdict

While I won’t use this hack in hopes of larger, plumper lips, I will be taking advantage of it for its hydrating benefits. It leaves my dry lips feeling smooth and nourished—especially in cooler, drier climates.