Is Petrolatum in Skincare Bad?
You might’ve heard a thing or two about petrolatum in skincare, and not all of it is sunshine and roses. Does the “petrol” part make you think it’s some sort of toxic gunk? You’re not alone. But let’s hold our horses and get the facts straight. Spoiler alert: Petrolatum isn’t bad for your skin. Actually, it’s one of the most effective and allergy-friendly moisturizing ingredients out there.
What’s petrolatum?
Petrolatum, better known as petroleum jelly, comes from crude oil. No, don’t worry, it’s not like slathering motor oil on your face! It’s a thotoughly purified product made from stuff that would otherwise go to waste in the oil industry. It’s been around for a while, too, with Native Americans likely the first to discover its skin-protecting qualities.
Now, you might’ve heard of mineral oil (its fancy name is paraffinum liquidum). Petrolatum and mineral oil are sort of like cousins—they come from the same family but are different. While mineral oil is a transparent liquid, petrolatum is more of a jelly texture. That’s because petrolatum has a wider mix of hydrocarbons, giving it that gooey texture.
What’s the buzz: petrolatum benefits for the skin
Recently, petrolatum has been popping up all over social media. The number of TikTok and Instagram videos naming petrolatum shoot up by 46% and 93% in2021. Vaseline, a petrolatum product made by Unilever, is posting record sales.
Why the sudden surge in popularity? It’s all thanks to a trend known as “slugging.” This technique involves layering on petrolatum at bedtime to supercharge your skin’s hydration. But it’s not just a passing fad. The real reason why petrolatum is trending is its serious moisturizing power, all thanks to its occlusive property.
Petrolatum, with its oil-based nature, creates a water-repellent barrier on your skin, keeping your skin’s moisture from disappearing into thin air—something known as transepidermal water loss, or TEWL for short. Out of all oil-based moisturizers, petrolatum takes the crown for being the best at reducing TEWL—by a massive 98%. In comparison, other moisturizers manage only a 30% reduction.
Thanks to this, petrolatum is an ingredient of choice in dermatology for soothing several skin conditions that come with itch and irritation, such as dry skin, chapped lips, chafing, and even diaper rash. It’s especially helpful for delicate areas with thinner skin, like your eyelids or lips. In these sensitive spots, petrolatum is often less irritating than lotions.
If you’re worried about the petrolatum layer stopping your skin from “breathing” or trapping bacteria, there’s no need. Research shows petrolatum doesn’t create an impermeable seal. Things can still get in and out. (Of course, if you suspect that you have an infection in your skin, consult with a dermatologist for treatment.)
So next time you hear petrolatum is bad news for your skin, you’ll know better. It’s not only safe, but it’s also a real champ at keeping your skin moisturized and protected, especially if your skin is sensitive and feels very dry.
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