What Is Slugging? The Moisturizing Skin Care Technique
Slugging is a skin care practice of applying a thin layer of an occlusive ointment, such as petroleum jelly, as the final step in a nighttime routine. This creates a barrier to prevent water loss and lock in moisture.
At a glance
- Term
- Slugging
- What it is
- Skin care technique
- Section
- Body care and skin
- In one line
- It’s sealing your nighttime skin care products in with a thin layer of petroleum jelly to make your skin extra hydrated by morning.
What Slugging means
Slugging is the practice of applying a thin layer of an occlusive product, most commonly petroleum jelly, to the face as the final step in an evening skin care routine. The name comes from the shiny, slick appearance it gives the skin. The goal is to create a physical barrier on the skin’s surface that prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which is the process of water evaporating from the skin. By locking in moisture from the products underneath and from the skin itself, slugging helps to hydrate, repair, and protect the skin barrier overnight.
While slugging gained widespread popularity through social media and K-beauty trends, the underlying principle is not new. Dermatologists have long recommended using occlusive ointments to protect compromised or very dry skin and to support the healing environment for minor skin issues. The technique simply gives a catchy name to a long-standing practice of leveraging a simple, inexpensive ingredient to boost skin hydration and support the skin’s natural barrier function. It’s a modern take on a classic skin care secret.
Slugging is typically done at night after cleansing and applying serums and moisturizer. It’s especially useful for people with dry, dehydrated, or irritated skin, or for anyone whose skin is exposed to dry air from winter weather or central heating. It can be done every night or just a few times a week as needed for a hydration boost. Because it can be messy, it’s a good idea to protect your pillowcase with a towel or use a headband to keep the product out of your hair.
This technique is not suitable for all skin types. People with oily or acne-prone skin may find that the occlusive layer traps oil and bacteria, potentially leading to clogged pores and breakouts. It’s also best to be cautious when slugging over potent active ingredients, like retinoids or exfoliating acids. The occlusive barrier can enhance the penetration of these ingredients, which may increase their effectiveness but also raises the risk of irritation.
How to Try Slugging
- Start with a clean face. Perform your full evening cleansing routine to remove all makeup, sunscreen, and impurities.
- Apply your hydrating products, like serums and a moisturizer, to damp skin. This provides the hydration that the occlusive layer will seal in.
- Wait a few minutes for your products to absorb so your skin is not overly wet.
- Take a pea-sized amount of an occlusive ointment, like petroleum jelly. Warm it between your clean fingertips to make it easier to spread.
- Gently press a very thin, even layer of the ointment onto your face. You can apply it everywhere or concentrate on particularly dry areas.
- In the morning, cleanse your face as usual to remove any remaining product.
Slugging vs. similar terms
| Compared with | How Slugging differs | What the other term means |
|---|---|---|
| Moisturizer | Slugging uses an occlusive to create a seal that prevents moisture loss but does not add hydration itself. | A moisturizer is a product formulated with ingredients that actively add water and conditioning agents to the skin. |
Common misconceptions
- Myth: Slugging clogs your pores. The petroleum jelly typically used for slugging is noncomedogenic, meaning the ingredient itself does not clog pores. However, it can trap oil, dead skin, or bacteria if the skin is not cleansed properly beforehand, which may lead to breakouts in some people.
- Myth: Slugging adds moisture to your skin. Slugging is an occlusive practice; it works by creating a barrier to prevent moisture from leaving your skin. It does not add new moisture but seals in the hydration from your skin and the products applied before it.
- Myth: You need to apply a thick, greasy layer for it to work. A very thin, sheer layer is all that is required to form an effective barrier. Applying too much product does not increase the benefits and can feel heavy, sticky, and be unnecessarily messy.
Related terms
When to bring in a professional
While slugging is generally a safe DIY technique, it’s a good idea to consult a board-certified dermatologist if you have concerns.
- Your skin becomes significantly more irritated, red, or sensitive after trying it.
- You experience persistent breakouts or acne that you suspect is related to slugging.
- You have a pre-existing skin condition like eczema, rosacea, or severe acne and are unsure if this technique is safe for you.
- You have questions about how to incorporate slugging with prescription topical medications.
How this entry was made: drafted with AI assistance from general, widely published definitions, checked in a separate verification pass for invented numbers and claims, and edited by the Millennials Wellness editors. General information only, not medical, financial or legal advice. Last checked October 2026. Our ground rules · Back to the glossary