Petroleum Jelly in Skin Care: Is It Safe, How Is It Made, And What Are The Alternatives?

Petroleum jelly has been a staple item in skincare routines for generations. It's commonly used to soothe dry, cracked skin, protect minor cuts and scrapes, and help lock moisture into the skin. In fact, it is often used for people with eczema, dry skin, or a compromised skin barrier because of its ability to reduce water loss from the skin (1,2).

Despite its long history, petroleum jelly has steadily become the subject of growing online discourse. Because it's derived from petroleum, some people worry that it's unsafe or contains harmful chemicals, while others question whether plant-based ingredients are simply a better choice for moisturizing.

Understanding how petroleum jelly is made, what it does, and what current research says about its safety can help you make a more informed decision as to whether petroleum jelly is right for you. In this article, we'll explain how petroleum jelly is made, examine the evidence behind its use in skin care, and explore plant-based moisturizing alternatives that nourish and support healthy skin.

For more info on choosing a moisturizer that fits you: How To Choose A Facial Cream

Petroleum jelly, also known as petrolatum, is a mixture of purified mineral oils and waxes that act as an occlusive moisturizer (3,4). Unlike humectants, which attract water to skin, or emollients, which soften and smooth skin, occlusive ingredients form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This barrier helps reduce the amount of water that evaporates from the skin, allowing the skin to retain more moisture (1,2). Research has shown that reducing this water loss can support the skin barrier and create an environment that promotes healing and repair (2,3).

Petroleum jelly is derived from petroleum and undergoes extensive refining and purification to produce a highly purified mixture of mineral oils and waxes used in skincare and medical products (4).

The purification process removes impurities and other unwanted compounds, resulting in a highly refined mixture of mineral oils and waxes. Cosmetic and pharmaceutical-grade petrolatum undergoes extensive processing to meet purity standards before it’s incorporated into topical products (4).

Although petroleum jelly is derived from crude oil, it is chemically and physically very different. The finished product is a stable occlusive that helps reduce water loss on the skin by forming a protective barrier on the skin's surface (1,2).

Research indicates that highly refined petroleum jelly is considered safe for topical use in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products (4).

In addition to its safety profile, petroleum jelly has been studied extensively to prove its effects on the skin barrier. Research has also found that petrolatum can promote skin barrier repair by increasing the expression of proteins involved in healthy skin function, including filaggrin and loricrin, while also enhancing the production of antimicrobial peptides that help support the skin's natural defenses (5).

Because it contains relatively few ingredients and is generally well tolerated, petroleum jelly is commonly used to protect dry, irritated, or compromised skin. As with any skincare product, it should be applied to clean skin, and anyone who experiences irritation or an allergic reaction should stop using it and consult a healthcare provider.

Some consumers, however, choose to avoid petroleum jelly. Because it’s a petroleum-derived ingredient, organizations that advocate for cleaner cosmetics have raised concerns about the potential for contamination, should the petrolatum not be adequately refined and have encouraged people to look for products that are made with highly purified ingredients. Others simply prefer to use plant-based moisturizers because they are renewable and biodegradable (6,7)

Petroleum jelly’s thick, occlusive texture may also not be the best choice for every skin type. While purified petroleum is generally considered noncomedogenic, its primary function is to form a protective layer on the skin—this means that it can trap oil, sweat, dead skin cells, or other debris. For some people, especially those with oily or acne-prone skin, lighter moisturizers or plant-based alternatives might feel more comfortable and better suit that skin type (6,7).

Another common concern is whether petroleum jelly contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a group of compounds that may be present in untreated or unrefined petroleum. Some PAHs are recognized as compounds of toxicological concern, but research indicates that highly refined petrolatum does not pose the same risks as untreated petroleum-derived materials (4). 

Many plant-derived ingredients help moisturize the skin through different mechanisms than petroleum jelly, with some attracting water to the skin, others softening and smoothing the skin's surface, and still others helping to reinforce the skin barrier.

Vegetable glycerin is a humectant, which just means it draws water into the outer layer of the skin to improve hydration. Humectants like glycerin are widely used in moisturizers because of their ability to increase skin moisture (1).

Shea butter is a rich emollient that helps soften rough, dry skin to support the skin's natural barrier. Unlike petroleum jelly, which primarily prevents water loss, shea butter also helps condition and smooth the skin.

Aloe vera has long been used in skin care for its soothing and moisturizing properties. It contains naturally occurring polysaccharides and other bioactive compounds that help hydrate the skin and may support the skin's natural healing processes (8).

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by environmental factors. It is commonly included in moisturizers to support overall skin health while complementing other moisturizing ingredients (9).

Rather than relying on a single ingredient, combining humectants, emollients, and soothing botanical ingredients allows moisturizers to address hydration from multiple angles. While petroleum jelly excels at sealing in existing moisture, formulations that include ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter, aloe vera, and vitamin E can also help replenish moisture, soften the skin, and support overall skin barrier function.

Petroleum jelly has remained a trusted skincare ingredient for more than a century because it does one thing exceptionally well: it helps protect the skin barrier by reducing moisture loss. When highly refined for cosmetic and pharmaceutical use, petroleum jelly is considered safe for topical application and has been shown to support skin repair and barrier function (4,5).

However, petroleum jelly is not the only way to moisturize the skin. While it works primarily as an occlusive ingredient that seals in existing moisture, other ingredients support hydration through different mechanisms. Humectants like glycerin help attract water to the skin, while emollients such as shea butter and plant oils help soften and condition the skin.

Choosing the right moisturizer depends on individual skin needs and preferences. Whether a formula contains petroleum jelly or plant-based moisturizing ingredients, the most effective products are those that support the skin barrier, reduce dryness, and help maintain healthy, hydrated skin.