Last week, I was at Rosoblu in downtown Los Angeles for what I thought was going to be a standard influencer-meets-brand dinner. Cute atmosphere, nice food, a product or two, you know the drill. but no. Vaseline said, “Actually, let’s talk about impact.” And baby…I finished that dinner learning about the whole world I didn’t Know existence: of vaseline healing project.
And listen and tell us how a brand that has been in nearly every black household since time immemorial (my grandmother kept that blue jar like currency) has shown up in a community in crisis. I was impressed. Like, I got goosebumps and picked up the pearl. I was impressed.
Wait…what exactly is the Vaseline Healing Project?
I’m glad you asked. Imagine this. Mobile medical teams converge on areas affected by natural disasters and systemic health barriers. Think of wildfires, people who are uninsured, people who are simply forgotten by the traditional health care system.
Through our long-standing partnership with direct reliefVaseline funds and supports a mobile skin health clinic that provides: Free dermatology care and essential products to people who otherwise wouldn’t have access.
“Vaseline has been caring for everyone’s skin for over 150 years, and the mobile medical unit is the next chapter in that journey. Through the Vaseline Healing Project, our partnership with Direct Relief to expand skin healthcare, we’ve learned that access is everything, and you can’t have healthy skin without care,” said Liz John, senior brand manager, Vaseline Purpose and Sustainability at Unilever. “By supporting these mobile health units in Los Angeles and New Orleans, we are helping bring dermatology and essential health services directly to communities facing barriers to care and still recovering from the long-term effects of natural disasters.”
And yes, these are the same mobile units that appeared during the war. california wildfiresproviding skin relief and emergency care to families who have lost everything. They weren’t just handing out lotion, they were providing dignity, comfort, and care.
Dinner + Mission
The dinner at Rossoblu brought together a packed room of beauty editors, publishers (hi!), dermatology experts, health access advocates, and creators. Think of it as a chic collision of community, conversation, and purpose.
We were greeted with cocktails, a dreamy Italian dinner, and an energy that made us say, “Oh, this is my mate.” But once the program began, things became even more meaningful.
Panels rooted in real-world influence
The evening was moderated by a short but powerful panel discussion. shirley rainsfounder of Beauty 2 The Street. For those who don’t know Shirley, she is an iconic figure, a literal angel in boots serving homeless and unhoused communities from Skid Row to Las Vegas.
Hearing her guide a conversation about equitable access to skin care felt like a master class in community care.
Panelists included representatives from Vaseline, Direct Relief, and Venice Family Clinic’s street medical teams, who each shared how their mobile medical units are changing lives in Los Angeles.
A few points that touch my heart:
- Skin care is health care. period.
- Access should not depend on zip code or insurance status.
- Mobile units are often only Medical touchpoints for the homeless and uninsured.
- The disaster does not end just because the flames stop. Recovery takes time and skin trauma is real.
It was one of those rare nights where beauty, health and advocacy came together in a way that felt deeply human.
Oh yeah… I had to see the van too!
Before or after dinner, guests could choose to step outside and tour the actual building. Vaseline Healing Project Mobile Sprinter Van California Partner Van used by Venice Family Clinic.
These vehicles are more than just a means of transportation. These are mini-clinics on wheels that offer:
- wound care
- dermatology support
- hygiene essentials
- Vaseline staples (of course)
- trained care team
As I stood there looking at these vans under the glow of the downtown lights, I felt a lump in my throat. Because this is what brands look like in real life.
This is the kind of work that deserves attention
In a world where many brands are leading the way with performative alliances and mostly philanthropic efforts, vaseline healing project is doing the opposite and supports that effort. infrastructure, fundingand long term partnership.
Recently Donated Vaseline Healing Project and Direct Relief $100,000 Expand these mobile medical units in Los Angeles and New Orleans to ensure more communities have access to the care they deserve.
This is not fluff. This is the impact.
Why TCF is attracting attention
Because as plus-size people, especially Black and Brown people, we know what it means to fall through the cracks of a health care system that often ignores us. Especially during times of disaster and uncertainty, it’s not only refreshing to see brands intentionally bridge the gap, it’s necessary.
And, having grown up with blue-topped bottles in every bathroom, I didn’t expect such a commitment, but I’m glad I found out now.
Real healing begins here. And I’m rooting for every chapter that comes next.
Source: The Curvy Fashionista – thecurvyfashionista.com
