The Korean Skincare Trend That Made Everyone Shiny
Slugging—applying thick layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline/Aquaphor) as final skincare step, creating shiny, slug-like appearance—went viral on TikTok in 2020-2021. The technique, borrowed from Korean skincare routines, promised intense hydration by sealing moisture. Millions tried it despite pillowcase concerns, though dermatologists warned it could cause acne for some skin types.
The Korean Origins
Slugging came from Korean “chok-chok” skincare philosophy (dewy, bouncy, intensely hydrated skin). Korean beauty routines often ended with occlusive layer trapping previous products’ hydration.
Western adaptation simplified this to: cleanse → serum → moisturizer → thick petroleum jelly layer. Wake up with intensely hydrated, glowing skin (and possibly greasy pillowcases).
The TikTok Explosion
#Slugging accumulated 600+ million views by 2022. Videos showed:
- Before/after transformations (dry skin → dewy glow)
- “Get ready to bed with me” routines
- Product recommendations (Vaseline, Aquaphor, CeraVe Healing Ointment)
- Glistening faces reflecting ring lights
The visual appeal—shiny, glass-like skin—made great content. The low cost (Vaseline costs $3-5) made it accessible.
The Dermatology Response
Dermatologists had mixed reactions:
Pros:
- Occlusives lock in hydration
- Petroleum jelly is non-comedogenic for most
- Excellent for very dry, eczema-prone skin
- Affordable compared to expensive night creams
Cons:
- Can trap bacteria/dirt if skin not properly cleansed
- May cause acne in people prone to breakouts
- Not suitable for oily or acne-prone skin
- Creates greasy mess on pillowcases
Recommendation: Try it once weekly first, not nightly; ensure thorough cleansing beforehand.
The Product Boom
Brands capitalized on slugging trend:
- “Slugging-friendly” overnight masks
- K-beauty sleeping packs marketed for slugging
- Premium occlusives (La Mer, Augustinus Bader)
- Silk pillowcases promoted as slug-proof
The irony: trend based on cheap Vaseline spawned expensive product lines.
The Decline & Evolution
By 2022-2023, slugging’s popularity waned:
- People got tired of greasy faces/pillowcases
- Breakout reports
- Trend fatigue (next viral skincare hack emerged)
- Evolution into “half-slugging” (only on dry areas)
But the technique remained useful tool for specific skin needs, not universal routine.
The Broader Skincare Trend Cycle
Slugging exemplified TikTok skincare pattern:
- K-beauty or dermatology technique discovered
- TikTok creators simplify and sensationalize
- Millions try without understanding their skin type
- Some see results, others break out
- Dermatologists issue warnings
- Trend fades, next one emerges
The cycle continued with skin flooding, skin cycling, glass skin, and other viral trends.
Source: TikTok analytics, dermatologist statements, Korean beauty product data