Petrolatum
Petroleum Jelly · White Petrolatum · Paraffinum Liquidum (in EU INCI) · Vaseline (brand)
What it is
A semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum refining (CAS 8009-03-8). A centuries-old occlusive skin protectant that forms a physical barrier to slow transepidermal water loss.
In this product: Occlusive emollient, traps moisture and protects the skin barrier.
Dose & route, what actually matters
Dermal, leave-on topical application. Cosmetic/USP-grade petrolatum has very low skin penetration and is not meaningfully absorbed systemically. The safety distinction is between fully refined (cosmetic grade) and inadequately refined (industrial/technical grade) petrolatum.
EUROPEAN UNION
EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 Annex II, entry 517: petrolatum is prohibited UNLESS full refinery history is documented to confirm absence of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) impurities. Cosmetic/USP-grade petrolatum sold by reputable manufacturers meets this requirement. Inadequately refined grades remain prohibited.
UNITED STATES
FDA classifies white petrolatum USP as a Category I OTC skin protectant (safe and effective) under 21 CFR 347. No documentation requirement equivalent to EU Annex II entry.
The evidence
INCIDecoder: ‘There is no evidence whatsoever that cosmetic, USP grade petrolatum is carcinogenic.’ The IARC Group 1 classification for mineral oils applies to untreated/mildly treated occupational grades, not cosmetic USP petrolatum.
review · 2024 · source
German BfR Opinion (2018): ‘Highly refined mineral oils in cosmetics: Health risks are not to be expected according to current knowledge.’ The BfR distinguishes cosmetic-grade (highly refined) from technical-grade (less refined) mineral oil and petrolatum.
regulatory · 2018 · source
California Prop 65: Not listed on California Prop 65.
Where it hides
Editorial analysis of publicly available regulatory and peer-reviewed sources. Not medical advice. We name our evidence and link it, including when an ingredient is fine.