What Is Slugging? Everything to Know About the Skincare Trend

You’ve probably seen the term “slugging” all over social media, and let’s be honest, it sounds a little… slimy. But don’t worry — no actual slugs are involved, and it’s way easier than it looks.

The whole idea is to create a super-hydrated, glowy complexion overnight. If you’ve ever woken up with dry, tight skin no matter how much moisturizer you use, this might be exactly what you need.

 

 

What Is the Slugging Method?

At its core, the slugging method is simply applying a thin layer of an occlusive product, like petroleum jelly, over your entire face as the very last step of your nighttime skincare routine.

Think of it like putting a lid on a pot of water. The occlusive layer acts as a barrier, preventing all that moisture from your serums and creams (and your skin itself) from evaporating overnight. This is technically called “transepidermal water loss,” but all you need to know is that slugging stops it in its tracks.

The result? You wake up with skin that looks plump, dewy, and feels incredibly soft. It helps repair your skin’s moisture barrier and makes your other products work even harder.

 

 

How to Do the Slugging Method: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to give it a shot? It’s a super simple addition to your evening routine. Just follow these steps a few times a week, or whenever your skin feels extra thirsty.

 

 

Step 1: Cleanse Your Face

Always, always start with a clean face. You want to seal in the good stuff, not a day’s worth of dirt, oil, and makeup. That’s a recipe for a breakout.

Use your favorite gentle cleanser and pat your skin dry. Make sure there’s no residue left behind.

 

 

Step 2: Apply Your Usual Skincare

Next, go through your normal hydrating routine. This means applying your hydrating toners, essences, serums (hyaluronic acid is great here!), and a solid moisturizer.

Let everything sink in for a minute or two. The slugging method will lock in whatever you put underneath it, so make it count.

Here’s the trick nobody tells you: do NOT use strong actives like retinoids, vitamin C, or exfoliating acids (AHAs/BHAs) on nights you plan to slug. Sealing those in can seriously increase their potency and lead to major irritation. I learned that one the hard way.

 

 

Step 3: Apply a Thin Layer of Occlusive

Now for the main event! Scoop out a pea-sized amount of your chosen occlusive. You really don’t need much — we’re going for a thin, glistening layer, not a thick, sticky mask.

Warm it up between your fingertips and gently press or pat it all over your face. This creates an even seal without tugging at your skin. And yes, you’ll look a bit shiny. It’s part of the fun!

Pro tip: Protect your pillowcase! Lay a clean, soft towel over your pillow or switch to a silk or satin pillowcase that won’t absorb as much product.

 

 

Step 4: Wake Up and Wash It Off

In the morning, you’ll need to wash the occlusive layer off. A gentle cleanser will do the job perfectly. Follow up with your regular morning skincare routine and enjoy your newly hydrated, happy skin.

 

 

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Try Slugging?

The slugging method is a dream for certain skin types. If you have dry, dehydrated, or compromised skin (think red, flaky, or irritated), this can be a total game-changer for restoring your moisture barrier.

However, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you should proceed with caution. While petroleum jelly itself is non-comedogenic (meaning it doesn’t clog pores), it can trap oil and bacteria that do. This could potentially lead to more breakouts for some people.

If you’re curious but nervous, try a patch test on a small area of your face first to see how your skin reacts. Or, just use it on especially dry spots, like around your nose or on your lips.

 

 

The Best Products for Slugging in 2026

You don’t need anything fancy to get started. In fact, you probably have something that works in your medicine cabinet right now. Here are a few of the most popular and effective options.

 

 

CeraVe Healing Ointment

This one costs about $19. Editors and dermatologists absolutely love it for slugging because it does more than just lock in moisture — it actively helps repair your skin barrier with ceramides.

It’s a go-to recommendation because it feels less greasy than other options while still providing that intense, long-lasting hydration. Plus, it has hyaluronic acid to pull even more moisture into the skin.

The Downside: It can still feel a bit heavy if your skin leans oily, so it’s definitely best for those on the drier side.

 

 

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

You can find this multi-purpose healer for around $18. Aquaphor is a classic for a reason. It’s fantastic at soothing super dry, cracked, or irritated skin while sealing in all your skincare actives.

It contains panthenol and glycerin to soothe and hydrate, making it a staple for anyone focused on barrier repair. It creates a really effective seal that protects your skin all night long.

The Downside: It contains lanolin, which is deeply moisturizing but can be an allergen for some people. If you have a known wool or lanolin allergy, it’s best to skip this one.

 

 

Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly

At just $5, you absolutely cannot beat the price. This is the OG, the classic slugging product that started it all. It’s 100% pure petrolatum, which means it’s a pure occlusive without any extra ingredients.

It’s hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and incredibly effective at one thing: creating a perfect seal to prevent water loss. If you want a no-frills, budget-friendly option, this is it.

The Downside: Unlike CeraVe or Aquaphor, it doesn’t contain any extra skin-repairing ingredients like ceramides or panthenol. It’s purely a barrier.

 

 

The Final Word on Slugging

So, is the slugging method worth the hype? If you have dry or irritated skin, absolutely. It’s a simple, affordable, and incredibly effective way to boost hydration and get that dewy glow.

Just remember to start with a clean face, skip the harsh actives, and use just a thin layer. Give it a try on your next dry-skin day and prepare to wake up to some seriously happy skin.