Studies suggest that exposure to PAHs — including skin contact over extended periods of time — is associated with cancer. On this basis, the European Union classifies petrolatum a carcinogen ii and restricts its use in cosmetics. PAHs in petrolatum can also cause skin irritation and allergies.
Additionally, as detailed below, petrolatum or mineral oil jelly and mineral oils can cause skin damage. Petrolatum may interfere with the body's moisturizing mechanism, leading to dry skin and chapping despite its cosmetic use as lip and skin protection.
Petroleum jelly is considered nontoxic.
The primary ingredient in petroleum jelly is petroleum, a byproduct of the oil refining process. This ingredient creates a barrier on the skin, preventing it from breathing and releasing toxins. This can lead to clogged pores, which can lead to acne and other skin irritations.
Petroleum jelly is made from a blend of natural waxes and mineral oils. People often refer in general to petroleum jelly as “Vaseline®”, but the real Vaseline® petroleum jelly is different. The real Vaseline® petroleum jelly is triple purified to remove impurities. It is gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin.
Avoid on Fresh Burns and Deep Wounds: Do not apply petroleum jelly on fresh, severe burns or deep wounds. It can trap heat and bacteria, hindering the healing process. Not for Acne-Prone Skin: If you have oily or acne-prone skin, avoid using it on your face as it can exacerbate acne by clogging pores.
In addition to being occlusive, it is non-sterile, promotes bacterial proliferation on the surface of the wound, and may lead to infection.1,2 We propose that the manufacturers change their labelling system, to clearly state that Vaseline is not to be used as an immediate first aid measure for burns, but can be used as ...
The history of Vaseline® Jelly starts in 1859, when Robert Chesebrough travelled to Titusville, a small town in Pennsylvania. That's where oil workers had been using rod wax, an unrefined form of petroleum jelly – then just a simple by-product of the drilling they were working on – to heal wounded or burnt skin.
Many people say it's banned in Europe, but petrolatum is only banned when the refining history comes into question. If the full refining history cannot be determined, it is banned. There are also certain contaminants, like carcinogens, that the European Union won't allow in petrolatum products.
Putting Vaseline into the eye can cause temporary blurred vision. Vaseline is a moisture barrier, and it may prevent certain creams and treatments from penetrating the eyelid or the eye. People using other moisturizers or prescription drops should apply those first, before using Vaseline.
Avoid - Vaseline, mineral oil, paraffin wax, liquid paraffin, liquid petrolatum, mineral grease and mineral jelly. Phthalates (DBP, DEHP, DMP, DEP) These are known endocrine disruptors and respiratory toxicants and may cause birth defects, male infertility and allergies associated with the skin, eyes and lungs.
Health and Environmental Hazards
A petroleum product, petrolatum can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Studies suggest that exposure to PAHs — including skin contact over extended periods of time — is associated with cancer.
Mr. Olsen: One recent study called petroleum jelly the best way to reduce the risk of eczema in newborns. Dr. Davis says because petroleum jelly is chemically similar to proteins in our skin, it's also a good choice for treating everything from chapped lips to dry cuticles, hands and feet.
While petroleum jelly has many benefits, it shouldn't be used for everything. Avoid putting petroleum jelly on your face if you are acne-prone, as this may cause breakouts in some people. If you have questions about your skin or how to take care of it, see a board-certified dermatologist.
The fourth study, which involved participants with second- or third-degree burns, reported that the epithelialisation rate measured by healing size was higher in the aloe vera plus vaseline gauze group than in the vaseline gauze alone group for post skin grafting on both day 5 (2.695 +/- 0.618 mm versus 1.294 +/- 0.169 ...
Antibiotic creams can help prevent infection in the wound and help the burn heal faster. Some topical creams also contain pain-relieving ingredients that may ease discomfort. After applying an antibiotic cream, cover up any exposed blisters to protect the wound from infection.
Petroleum jelly is thicker and greasier than coconut oil, and it creates a barrier that can help seal in moisture. Experts classify coconut oil as an emollient, which is an oil or lipid that hydrates dry skin and improves skin softness, flexibility, and smoothness.
Slugging is basically the process of slathering your face (or, in some cases, your nails) with petroleum jelly overnight. Social media skin care gurus claim it has given them a gorgeous glow. So, how does it work? “Petroleum jelly is a simple and very occlusive ointment,” Dr. Kassouf says.
The Downside of Petroleum Jelly
A moisturizer with the appropriate thickness on the face, such as a lotion or cream moisturizer, is a priority when selecting a skin care product for a particular application. Also, people with oily skin or acne-prone should not be using petrolatum, as it can cause breakouts.
In terms of feel, Vaseline is a bit heavier and greasier, whereas Aquaphor is a bit lighter and easier to spread. Dermatologists say deciding which one to use often comes down to personal preference. One thing to keep in mind is that you'll want to use caution with these products if your skin is prone to breakouts.
Petroleum jelly has an expiration date, like all cosmetics and medicines. This material can be used for more than 10 years after opening. In general, petroleum jelly can be used as long as no changes are observed in its texture, color, or smell. It also depends a lot on how to store it.
Check the label for directions about any areas or types of skin where you should not apply the product (such as on the face, any areas of broken/chapped/cut/irritated/scraped skin, or on a recently shaved area of the skin).