Did The Inventor Of Vaseline Eat Vaseline And Wound Himself To Test His Product?

Vaseline, the widely recognized petroleum jelly, has an interesting history. But did its inventor, Robert Chesebrough, really consume a spoonful of it daily? And did he demonstrate its wound-healing properties by burning his skin? Let’s delve into the truth.

Social Media Claims

Recently, a Facebook user shared a message claiming that Robert Augustus Chesebrough, the inventor of Vaseline, ate a spoonful of it every day and wounded himself to prove its healing efficiency.

Source | Archive

We also found the similar claim about Vaseline consumption shared by multiple Facebook and Instagram users.

Source | Archive

Source | Archive

Fact-Check

Did Robert Chesebrough Eat Vaseline Daily?

According to Encyclopaedia Britannica and Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Robert Chesebrough, an American chemist and inventor, regularly consumed Vaseline. He believed it contributed to his longevity, as he lived to the age of 96.

Archive

Did Chesebrough Burn His Skin to Prove Vaseline’s Efficacy?

Although there are claims that Chesebrough intentionally cut and burned himself to prove the product’s healing efficiency, there is no evidence to confirm this. However, it was reported that he applied Vaseline from head to toe daily. While he did not intentionally burn himself, he did experiment with the product on his skin.

(Source: British Journal of Dermatology)

Archive

Expert Comments

Even though Vaseline is non-toxic and FDA-certified as safe for human consumption, it is important to note that it is not recommended as a dietary supplement. It is intended for topical use only. Chesebrough’s personal choice does not mean it is safe for others to consume. (Source)

Petroleum Jelly Overdose

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has shared that swallowing a large amount of petroleum jelly can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, coughing, diarrhea, throat irritation, and shortness of breath. If it gets in the eyes, it may cause irritation. Aspiration (entry into the lungs) can lead to more serious symptoms like coughing up blood, chest pain, fever, and weight loss.

Conclusion

Robert Chesebrough, the inventor of Vaseline, did consume it daily and applied it to his skin to demonstrate its efficacy, although he did not intentionally burn himself.

While Vaseline is non-toxic and has beneficial properties for skin protection and wound healing, it is not recommended for consumption. Chesebrough’s practices underscored his belief in the product, but it should be used only as a topical ointment. Always adhere to the intended use to ensure safety and efficacy.