The Origins of Lotion for the Skin

The very first skin lotion ever created and sold in the United States was originally invented not for moisturizing dry skin, but as a treatment for cow udders.

In 1876, a pharmacist named Robert Chesebrough (the same man who invented petroleum jelly, or Vaseline) developed a formula to soothe chapped and irritated udders on dairy cows. Farmers loved it so much that they started using the leftover product on their own rough, cracked hands. This led to the creation of the brand “Vaseline Intensive Care” lineage and the birth of modern hand and body lotions as we know them today. What began as “cow udder balm” became one of the most common personal care products in the world!

Today, body lotion has evolved far beyond its humble beginnings, offering nourishing hydration and care for all skin types. With thoughtfully chosen, skin-friendly ingredients, it can be a simple daily way to support soft, healthy-looking skin.

— Christina Moss