Petroleum jelly, which is the main ingredient in Vaseline®, is often used in beauty products for its ability to moisturize skin. It’s affordable and unscented, making it seem like a great option for softening skin. But, there are some concerns to be aware of.
To start with, petroleum jelly is a byproduct of refining oil, which means it’s not eco-friendly or sustainable. Originally discovered at the base of oil rigs, it is further processed for use in beauty products. While it’s claimed that all harmful elements are removed before it makes its way into personal care items, some think it might still contain some unwanted substances, like hydrocarbons.
You’ll find petroleum jelly in a range of products, from lotions to baby care items, because it can create a barrier on the skin to lock in moisture. On ingredient lists, it might also appear as Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Liquid Paraffin, or Paraffin Oil.
Although sealing in moisture sounds beneficial, it can have downsides. Since petroleum jelly is waterproof, it forms a barrier that blocks pores and can trap residue and bacteria. This is why it shouldn’t be applied on burns or sunburns – it can retain heat and hinder healing.
Petroleum jelly may give the impression of hydrated skin, but it doesn’t actually provide any nourishment. If you’re searching for something to both lock in moisture and nourish the skin, there are natural alternatives available.
Additionally, petroleum jelly poses some other issues. It isn’t broken down by the skin and just sits as a barrier until it naturally wears off. This means your body doesn’t get any actual benefits from it, unlike nutrient-rich options like shea butter or cocoa butter. There is also a concern that hydrocarbons might accumulate in body fat.
A study from 2011 highlighted that mineral oil hydrocarbons are a significant contaminant in the human body, potentially coming from the air, food, or through skin absorption. The study focused on long-term storage of these hydrocarbons and their possible transfer from mothers to infants during breastfeeding. It found a strong correlation between what was stored in body fat and what was later found in breast milk, suggesting beauty products as
