Modern Slugging

The term “slugging” may sound unglamorous, but it’s one of the most viral skincare methods in recent years and it's not going anywhere. Originally a K-beauty trend, slugging involves sealing in your nighttime skincare with an occlusive layer (usually petroleum jelly) to prevent moisture loss and repair the skin barrier.

But in 2025, slugging has evolved into something smarter and more skin-friendly: Modern Slugging. Today’s approach uses breathable occlusives, barrier-enhancing ingredients, and formulations tailored to different skin types making the method safer, lighter, and more effective than ever.

What Is Slugging?

Traditional slugging is simple: after completing your evening skincare routine, you apply a thick occlusive (like Vaseline) to lock in moisture overnight.

This method helps to:

• Prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL)

• Soothe irritated or inflamed skin

• Strengthen the barrier

• Promote healing from dryness, flaking, or overuse of actives

Why the Shift to Modern Slugging?

While classic slugging is effective, it’s not ideal for everyone:

• Petroleum jelly can feel greasy and may clog pores for acne-prone skin.

• It traps everything, including bacteria or comedogenic ingredients.

• It lacks skin-nourishing components like ceramides or lipids.

That’s where Modern Slugging steps in. The new method is:

✅ Lighter & breathable

✅ Non-comedogenic

✅ Packed with actives like peptides, ceramides, and squalane

✅ Customizable for skin type (oily, dry, sensitive, combo)

💡 Think of it as barrier science meets hydration therapy—without the greasy side effects.

Latest Discoveries Fueling the Trend

• Occlusive Layering: Dermatologists now recommend layering occlusives after humectants and emollients for maximum moisture retention.

• Smart Occlusives: New-generation ingredients like hydrogenated polyisobutene and bisabolol provide occlusion without clogging pores.

• Slugging for Conditions: Controlled slugging is now being used clinically to support eczema, psoriasis, and post-laser healing.

• Barrier-Boosted Slugging: Brands now formulate with lipid-rich occlusives that treat and seal at the same time.

Best Ingredients for Modern Slugging

Instead of pure petrolatum, look for products containing:

🧴 Squalane – Lightweight, skin-identical oil that seals and nourishes

🧴 Shea Butter – Rich in fatty acids for barrier support

🧴 Lanolin – Natural moisture sealant with healing properties

🧴 Ceramides – Rebuild the lipid layer and lock in hydration

🧴 Panthenol & Allantoin – Soothe and repair dry, stressed skin

How to Do Modern Slugging (Step-by-Step)

1. Cleanse: Use a gentle cleanser to remove makeup and dirt

2. Hydrate: Apply a serum or essence with hyaluronic acid or glycerin

3. Moisturize: Use a nourishing cream with ceramides or niacinamide

4. Seal: Apply a thin layer of your breathable occlusive—no need to go thick!

🧼 Tip: Only use this routine at night, 1–3 times a week depending on your skin type.

Who Can Benefit?

✔ Dry/Dehydrated skin – Perfect for locking in moisture

✔ Sensitive or barrier-damaged skin – Helps heal and restore

✔ Mature skin – Supports firmness and prevents moisture loss

🚫 Avoid frequent slugging if:

• You have active acne or oily skin (limit to barrier-friendly formulas)

• You’re using strong actives like benzoyl peroxide, these can get trapped under the layer and irritate

 

Top Products for Modern Slugging

• CeraVe Healing Ointment – Petrolatum base with ceramides and hyaluronic acid

• Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream – Lightweight and deeply hydrating

• Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream – Rich in barrier-building ingredients

• Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream – Great for sensitive, post-treatment skin

• Aquaphor Advanced Therapy – A trusted classic for drier skin types

Emerging Variations

🧬 Mask Slugging – Using a cream or overnight mask as the sealing step instead of balm

🌿 Botanical Slugging – Occlusives infused with calming botanicals like calendula or green tea

💡 Targeted Slugging – Only applying on areas that need repair (e.g., cheeks, under eyes)

📦 Slug Sticks – Stick-based formulas for mess-free, on-the-go moisture sealing

Final Thoughts

Modern Slugging is a perfect example of how skincare trends evolve from DIY hacks to dermatology-approved techniques. By swapping heavy ointments for breathable, nutrient-rich occlusives, you can deeply hydrate and restore your skin without clogging or shine.

In a world of overexposure and over-exfoliation, this method offers a gentle, reparative pause and sometimes, that’s all your skin really needs.