Are Petroleum Jelly and Paraffin Safe for the Skin?
Petroleum jelly and paraffin are controversial cosmetic ingredients. Find out whether they are harmful to the skin or just a myth, and who can use them.
Petroleum jelly and paraffin — what exactly are they?
Petroleum jelly (INCI: Petrolatum) and paraffin (INCI: Paraffinum Liquidum — liquid, or Paraffin — solid) are products of petroleum refining. Both substances belong to the group of mineral hydrocarbons and have been used in cosmetics for over 150 years. Their notorious reputation in the world of natural cosmetics stems mainly from being associated with the petroleum industry rather than from solid scientific evidence.
In cosmetics they primarily act as emollients and occlusives — they form a thin layer on the surface of the skin that limits transepidermal water loss (TEWL). It is precisely this occlusive effect that makes them invaluable in care products for dry, atopic and damaged skin.
What do EU regulations say about paraffin and petroleum jelly?
Here an important nuance comes into play. Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and its Annex III govern the use of mineral oils in cosmetics. The degree of refining is key:
- Petroleum jelly (Petrolatum) — may be used without restrictions, provided it is fully refined and the refining history is known and demonstrates the absence of carcinogenicity. Pure pharmaceutical-grade petroleum jelly meets these requirements.
- Liquid paraffin (Paraffinum Liquidum) — likewise, it may be used with an appropriate degree of refining. The SCCS has repeatedly assessed mineral oils, confirming the safety of highly refined fractions.
Unrefined or poorly refined mineral oils contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which may be carcinogenic. That is why EU regulations require documentation of the refining process. Products from reputable manufacturers meet these requirements.
Does petroleum jelly clog pores and cause acne?
This is one of the most popular cosmetic myths. Petroleum jelly has a comedogenicity rating of 0–1 in most classifications — meaning it is practically non-comedogenic. Petrolatum molecules are too large to penetrate the pores of the skin. They form an occlusive layer on the surface of the epidermis but do not block the openings of hair follicles.
The slugging trend — applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly as the final step of a nighttime routine — has gained popularity especially among people with dry and atopic skin, precisely because of petroleum jelly's effectiveness as a protective barrier.
Who can benefit from petroleum jelly and paraffin?
- Dry and atopic skin — occlusion significantly improves the condition of the skin barrier and reduces itching
- Skin after aesthetic procedures and surgery — petroleum jelly is used as standard in medicine to protect wounds
- Lips — petroleum jelly is a safe and effective ingredient in lip balms
- Infants and young children — pharmaceutical-grade petroleum jelly has been used in infant care for generations
You will find products containing these ingredients in categories such as hand creams, where petroleum jelly and paraffin are widely used for their intensive protective properties.
Who should exercise caution?
- Oily and acne-prone skin — despite low comedogenicity, the occlusive effect may intensify a feeling of heaviness; lighter emollients may be more comfortable
- People sensitive to fragrances — some paraffin fractions may contain trace amounts of fragrance substances; choose fragrance-free products
- Vegetarians and vegans — petroleum-derived products are excluded by some cruelty-free / vegan certifications
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. In the case of skin conditions, consult a dermatologist about your choice of care.
How to read labels — INCI for petroleum jelly and paraffin
Petroleum jelly and its derivatives may appear under the names: Petrolatum, White Petrolatum, Yellow Petrolatum. Paraffin appears as: Paraffinum Liquidum (liquid), Paraffin (solid), Microcrystalline Wax, Mineral Oil. In our ingredient encyclopaedia, each of these forms is described together with its safety profile and function in cosmetics.
Summary
Petroleum jelly and paraffin, when used in an appropriately refined form, are safe and effective. EU regulations ensure quality control of the refining process. For most users they are valuable, proven emollients — especially for dry, atopic and damaged skin. Myths about their harmfulness are not supported by scientific evidence.
FAQ
No, petroleum jelly has a comedogenicity rating of 0–1 and does not clog the skin's pores. Its molecules are too large to penetrate the hair follicles. It forms an occlusive layer on the surface of the epidermis.
Yes, highly refined paraffin (Paraffinum Liquidum) is safe and approved for use in cosmetics under the EU Regulation 1223/2009. The key factor is an appropriate degree of refining that eliminates potentially harmful PAHs.
Slugging is a skincare technique that involves applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly as the final step of a nighttime routine. It seals the skin barrier and prevents water from evaporating from the epidermis, which is especially beneficial for dry and atopic skin.
Yes, pharmaceutical-grade petroleum jelly (White Petrolatum) is traditionally and safely used in infant care. It is important to choose products of pharmaceutical purity rather than technical grade.
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