Is petroleum jelly bad for you? Find out why many skincare products containing fossil fuels don’t effectively protect your skin from dehydration.
In the quest for healthy, glowing skin, it’s easy to be convinced by product packaging that promises a hydrated and smooth complexion. However, some of the most common skincare products do little good because their main ingredient is petroleum jelly.
Known by its brand name Vaseline, petroleum jelly is derived from crude oil, which is a fossil fuel. Its production involves a separating and purifying process, but the core ingredient remains a byproduct of oil drilling.
While petroleum jelly has been a staple in many medicine cabinets for decades and is often applied to rashes or dry skin, its use in skincare products is controversial.
Find out why this product is best avoided if you want healthy, nourished skin and take a look at the all-natural products you can use instead.
Is petroleum jelly bad for you?
If you are trying to protect your skin from breakouts, eczema and extreme dryness, the answer to this question is yes.
Firstly, petroleum jelly is ‘occlusive’, meaning it forms a waterproof barrier on your skin. Yes, this can trap moisture, but it can also potentially block your pores. This can lead to breakouts and other skin issues, particularly if you have oily or acne-prone skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, while occlusives can be beneficial in certain contexts, they are not ideal for every skin type, so if you are prone to getting pimples, using Vaseline on your skin is a no-go.
As other health and beauty specialists have pointed out, Vaseline/petroleum jelly stops moisture from leaving your skin, but it can also keep ‘nasties’ put. So, if your skin isn’t clean when you apply Vaseline as a protective barrier, any fungus or bacteria will be trapped on your skin all day. This can be a problem if you are using Vaseline to prevent or soothe nappy rash in babies.
What’s more, this product works to ‘protect’ but doesn’t nourish or hydrate your skin the way carefully formulated skincare treatments do. Reports say this can slow the cell renewal process. Your skin will be forced to pull the necessary moisture and nutrients from its own limited resources, which can cause collagen breakdown over time.
To add to this, the environmental impact of petroleum-based products cannot be ignored. The extraction and refinement of crude oil have significant ecological consequences, including habitat destruction and greenhouse gas emissions. By using products derived from fossil fuels, consumers are indirectly supporting practices that contribute to environmental degradation and climate change.
You may be thinking, “I never put Vaseline on my skin!” However, if you look at the lip balm or moisturiser you use regularly, you may be surprised to see petroleum jelly is a key ingredient. Many big-name brands include it to cut costs, which results in your money being wasted.
What to use instead of petroleum jelly in skincare
People who ask, “Is petroleum jelly bad for you?” often find out for themselves after using it that the answer is yes if they are trying to restore moisture or protect sensitive skin. If you regularly use products with petroleum jelly, you’ll notice that your skin’s condition either never changes or gets consistently worse over time.
To achieve a healthier, more glowing complexion while also enjoying a thicker, richer moisturiser, try Botani’s Olivene Repair Balm. All-natural and petroleum jelly-free, this product is purpose-designed to protect, repair and soften your skin.
Olivene Repair Balm contains high-quality organic plant oils including Olive Oil, Olive Butter, Olive Wax, Olive Squalane, Evening Primrose Oil and healing Calendula Oil. These provide a protective barrier that nourishes and softens your skin, whilst allowing it to breathe.
Vegan-friendly and specially formulated without nut oils for allergy sufferers, Olivene Repair Balm provides a protective barrier for:
- Sensitive and very dry skin
- Eczema and psoriasis-prone skin
- Skin that is prone to allergic reactions
- Treating razor burn and rashes
- Baby’s nappy area
- Cradle cap
- Dry, cracked nipples caused by breastfeeding
Want a repair cream that’s free of petroleum jelly? Try our multipurpose Olivene Repair Balm today.
