One of the greatest problems in the U.S. right now is the fact that there is so much misinformation surrounding the health and beauty industry.  One great example of this is the ingredient petrolatum.  Many dermatologists consider petrolatum to be one of the best moisturizers (Cosmetic Dermatology, 2002).  However, a plethora of misinformation, including erroneous facts propagated by natural/organic skin care companies and the political group the Environmental Working Group, has caused for it to be one of the most vilified ingredients around.  Here, we clarify what is scientific and what is not (with complete unbias):

Petrolatum clogs the pores:  FALSE.

Nope, not the case.  In fact, petrolatum has been affirmed to be bot non-comedogenic and to not cause allergic reactions (American Academy of Dermatology Invitational on Comedogenicity, 1989).

The greasy, oily feeling of petrolatum leads consumers to believe that petrolatum makes them break out.  Yet what actually can cause petrolatum users to break out is what they use together with petrolatum.  Because petrolatum traps moisture and water-based ingredients under the skin, it can essentially “trap” non-comedogenic ingredients used together with petrolatum under there, and cause stronger reactions (Allergy, 2004).  So be sure to avoid ingredients like lanolin, coconut oil, squalene, mineral oil, and isopropyl myristate when using petrolatum (Cosmetic Dermatology, 2002).

Cosmetic-Grade Petrolatum causes cancer:  FALSE.  

Belief that cosmetic-grade petrolatum causes cancer stems from the fact that impure petrolatum contains compounds known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).  However, cosmetic-grade petrolatum must meet industry standards for purification, meaning extremely low to no amount of PAHs.  Truth be told, the greatest human exposure to PAHs is through commercial-grade fuel burning, not cosmetic-grade petrolatum.

Petrolatum causes premature aging:  FALSE.  

Actually the converse.  Petrolatum is a type of compound known as hydrophobic, which means that it repels water.  For this reason, petrolatum is used regularly following laser surgery (Dermatologic Surgery, 2001) to provide a protective barrier over the skin.  It is also a superb moisturizing agent because it forms a film over the skin (occlusive agent).

Petrolatum rests on top of the skin:  TRUE.  

Petrolatum rests on top of the skin, forming a water-repelling film.  On the one hand, this makes it is a super moisturizer.  On the other hand, you have to be careful what you use with petrolatum, and it is obviously not a good solvent for delivering other skin care ingredients deep into the skin.  On its own, however, it moisturizes well.

Petrolatum comes from a non-renewable resource:  TRUE and FALSE.  

Petrolatum is a hydrocarbon, traditionally derived from the distillation of oil.  Due to growing concerns that petrolatum is sourced from non-renewable sources, some skin care and cosmetics companies have started to use  ”hybrid petrolatums”, derived from a combination of vegetable oils and waxes.  Most, however, do not.

If you are ultra big on the green movement, you may wish to avoid petrolatum.  However, as cosmetic chemist Rebecca James Gadberry has noted, many people do not realize that more than 50 percent of the ingredients used in cosmetics are derived from non-renewable resources as well.  So perhaps methods like avoiding plastic bags, buying reusable water bottles, and recycling are more sustainable, valid efforts than supporting the green movement through your choices in beauty products.  Of course, every effort counts – this is your choice.

Bottom Line

Petrolatum is not petroleum – and cosmetic-grade petrolatum is, by and large, safe.  The only two valid concerns, scientifically-speaking, are the fact that petrolatum should not be used with irritating ingredients like lanolin, squalene, isopropyl myristate, and mineral oil (Cosmetic Dermatology, 2002), and that it is likely not coming from an entirely renewable resource, though cosmetics companies are becoming increasingly better about doing just that.

What are your thoughts on petrolatum?  Let us know!