Is the Petroleum in Vaseline Safe? A Dermatologist Explains

Petroleum jelly has been a staple in medicine cabinets for decades. But because the word “petroleum” is associated with fuel and industrial products, some people question whether it belongs in skincare at all.

To separate fact from fear, we asked Alan Durkin, MD, dermatologist and chief medical officer at VIO Med Spa, to explain whether the petroleum in Vaseline is actually safe.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Q: The clean beauty movement has raised concerns about mineral oil and petroleum in skincare. Vaseline contains white petrolatum is it safe?

Durkin: It’s absolutely safe.

Vaseline contains highly refined white petrolatum. While crude petroleum contains compounds like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), cosmetic-grade petrolatum is purified to remove harmful contaminants.

The trace amounts of PAHs that may remain are extremely low and not absorbed through intact skin when applied topically.

In more than 50 years of widespread use, there has not been a single documented case linking Vaseline to skin cancer or malignant skin lesions.

In fact, petroleum jelly is routinely used in dermatology practices especially after laser treatments and procedures that temporarily disrupt the skin barrier.

How Petroleum Jelly Works on the Skin

One reason dermatologists trust petroleum jelly is because of how it behaves on the skin.

Vaseline is classified as an occlusive moisturizer. That means:

• It forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface

• It prevents water from evaporating (reduces transepidermal water loss)

• It does not increase moisture production

• It does not deeply penetrate into the bloodstream

Because it largely stays on the outermost layer of skin, systemic absorption is minimal.

Key Benefits

Supports the skin barrier:

By sealing in moisture, petroleum jelly helps dry or compromised skin repair more efficiently.

Chemically stable:

It doesn’t oxidize easily or degrade into irritating byproducts.

Low irritation risk:

It’s fragrance-free and rarely causes allergic reactions.

For these reasons, dermatologists often recommend petroleum jelly for:

• Eczema

• Sensitive skin

• Post-procedure healing

• Minor cuts and burns

• Chapped lips

If it posed a meaningful toxicity risk through skin contact, it would not be routinely used in wound care.

Q: Are There Any Safety Concerns at All?

Durkin: For most people, risks are minimal when used as directed.

The primary concern would be ingesting large amounts, which can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and potential complications due to hydrocarbon content.

For topical use, safety considerations are practical rather than toxic.

Important Tips:

Apply to clean skin

Petroleum jelly seals whatever is underneath. Applying it over dirty or bacteria-laden skin could trap impurities.

Use over moisture

It doesn’t add hydration on its own. For very dry skin, apply it over slightly damp skin or on top of a humectant moisturizer.

Consider skin type

Although petroleum jelly is technically non-comedogenic (does not clog pores), its thick texture may feel heavy for people with acne-prone or oily skin.

Why “Petroleum” Sounds Scarier Than It Is

The confusion often comes from conflating crude petroleum with refined cosmetic-grade petrolatum.

White petrolatum used in skincare:

• Is highly purified

• Meets strict cosmetic and pharmaceutical standards

• Has decades of safety data

• Is approved for use even in wound healing

The term “petroleum” may sound industrial, but refinement matters. Many safe skincare ingredients originate from raw materials that undergo extensive purification.

The Bottom Line

When used externally and as intended, Vaseline is one of the simplest and safest tools for protecting the skin barrier.

Cosmetic-grade white petrolatum:

• Is minimally absorbed

• Is chemically stable

• Has a long track record of safety

• Is widely used in dermatology and medical settings

While no product works for everyone’s preferences, concerns about toxicity or cancer risk from topical Vaseline are not supported by clinical evidence.

For many dermatologists, petroleum jelly remains a reliable, low-cost, highly effective skin protectant. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.