Commonly used as an intense moisturizer, this oil-derived fatty substance can also be dangerous.

Using petroleum jelly

Used since the end of the XNUMXth century, petroleum jelly or petrolatum is mainly used for its softening, moisturizing and softening (emollient) effect. It is also widely used in the treatment of certain wounds or lesions such as burns, atopic eczema, or pruritus linked to various dermatoses. Vaseline can also be applied to the eye, after ophthalmic preparation for the treatment of dry eyes. It is also a very good lubricant, hypoallergenic, moisturizing and inexpensive.

Vaseline and condom?

A reminder, however, from Sida Info Service: “Certain fatty lubricants (petroleum jelly, various oils) can possibly degrade the latex constituting the condoms and increase the risk of breakage. Contrary to what one can read on certain sites, the condom does not then become “porous” to the point of letting the AIDS virus pass. ”

What are the dangers of using petroleum jelly?

On the strength of these numerous applications, petroleum jelly is today one of the most widely used emollients. Applied to lesions or burns, there are few adverse effects. The few hypersensitivities to the product are linked to the presence of impurities and are limited by the use of white petroleum jelly, which is purified. In addition, no particular risk of cancer has been noted by researchers when using petroleum jelly or liquid paraffin. This product is widely used by the cosmetic industries in creams, lipsticks and other balms. 

Be careful, however, during involuntary inhalation of the product: according to the medical journal Prescrire.com, “pulmonary damage (lipid pneumopathies) have been described during regular application to the face or in the nose”.

In December 2018, the British Medicines Agency reiterated its warning about the risks of conflagration and serious burns when using a paraffin-based emollient (petrolatum, liquid paraffin), whatever it may be. concentration. Indeed, paraffins are mixtures of purified hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. They are therefore very flammable.

The British Medicines Agency has identified 11 cases in which a paraffin-based emollient is suspected of having contributed to the spread and intensity of a fire leading to fatal burns. However, the Agency specifies that this number is surely underestimated. Between 2000 and 2018, the fire department in the United Kingdom identified 50 fires that killed 49 people in which such an emollient had been used by the victims or was present at the scene of the fire, without it being established link between the emollient and the victim’s death.

After applying petroleum jelly, it is therefore recommended not to smoke and not to approach a flame. Clothing, sheets, bandages or other fabrics impregnated with this emollient are very flammable. Tissues burn faster and more intensely when impregnated with paraffin, even when dry.

Recently, mineral oils, including petroleum jelly, have been accused of forming an impermeable film on the surface of the skin and of being toxic to humans. It would indeed be possible that impurities are present in the final product. Published in 2011 in the Journal of Women’s Health, the study entitled “Evidence that cosmetics are a source of mineral oil contamination” supports these claims. By analyzing the milk and fat of nearly 150 women, the scientists were able to demonstrate an accumulation over time of mineral oils saturated with hydrocarbons. For researchers, cosmetics could be the cause. 

But for the FEBEA (Federation of Beauty Companies), “the purity criteria required in cosmetics limit the presence of undesirable components to a minimum, without risk to health”. In addition, “mineral oils are known in cosmetics as occlusive. This does not mean that they suffocate the skin (which does not breathe), but that the film they form on its surface limits the insensible loss of water, which classifies them in the category of moisturizers. They do not clog the pores and do not cause blemishes. ”

The study “Analysis of data on the dermal penetration of mineral oils and waxes used in cosmetics” published in 2017 in the journal Toxicology letters examined the various data concerning the dangers of petroleum jelly. After having compared and analyzed 13 in-vivo and in-vitro studies, the researchers, mostly from cosmetic companies, we deduce that “on the whole, the various studies do not indicate that mineral oils and waxes are absorbed percutaneously and become systematically available. Thus, given the absence of skin absorption, mineral oils and waxes used in cosmetic products do not present any risk to the health of the consumer ”.

Alternatives to petroleum jelly exist. It is for example possible to turn to fats derived from plants such as coconut oil, shea butter or cocoa butter which hydrate just as well.