Petrolatum Danger: How Products with Petrolatum Are Harming You
Brands love using petrolatum (derived from petroleum) in their cosmetics. You can even buy it straight off the shelf as petroleum jelly. But did you know this ingredient may cause you more harm than you realize? Get ready to rummage through your beauty drawer because you’ll be throwing out anything with this unsavory ingredient after we take you through this deep dive into the dangers of petrolatum.
linked to cancer . Some of the deadliest cancers like lung and breast cancer are associated with PAH exposure. This exposure can even come from the dermis. That’s right, what you put on your body might lead to absorbing PAHs. That means you may be increasing your risk of getting cancer if you’re using products with petrolatum.
On top of being linked to cancer, petrolatum has other drawbacks, too. One is that it’s thick and oily which means more clogged pores and possible inflammation, especially for those with sensitive skin. Another concern is it may trap bacteria and other foreign particles after applying which can lead to irritation.
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What is Petrolatum?
Let’s begin by understanding what petrolatum is. Petrolatum is a byproduct of petroleum refining; or, in other words, it comes from crude oil. Properly refined petroleum actually doesn’t pose any risks, but that doesn’t mean your cosmetics with petrolatum were properly refined. In fact, the U.S. has no laws protecting consumers from incomplete refining. This can lead to beauty products that are contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which are naturally found in crude oil and released in the refining process of petroleum.The Dangers of Petrolatum?
So why is petrolatum harmful? Well, those PAHs mentioned above have beenlinked to cancer . Some of the deadliest cancers like lung and breast cancer are associated with PAH exposure. This exposure can even come from the dermis. That’s right, what you put on your body might lead to absorbing PAHs. That means you may be increasing your risk of getting cancer if you’re using products with petrolatum.
On top of being linked to cancer, petrolatum has other drawbacks, too. One is that it’s thick and oily which means more clogged pores and possible inflammation, especially for those with sensitive skin. Another concern is it may trap bacteria and other foreign particles after applying which can lead to irritation.
What Products Use Petrolatum?
Avoiding petrolatum is easy when you know where to look for it and why cosmetics use it. Often, petrolatum is used as a barrier to keep moisture in and unwanted particles, like bacteria, out. You’ll find it in lotions for this very reason because it’s great at sealing in moisture. (It’s also great at being a health hazard). Check your hair products because petrolatum is sometimes used in these products as well. Finally, keep your eyes peeled for petrolatum’s other names like paraffin oil, paraffin wax, and mineral oil.Beeswax: A Safe, Natural Alternative
This deep dive wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t offer you an alternative to petrolatum. Beeswax does exactly what petrolatum does without the health risks. If you’re looking for a skin-renewing lotion or lip balm, make sure your next product includes beeswax as its moisturizing ingredient. Or save yourself some time and discover why our organic Henné Luxury Lip Balm (crafted with beeswax, of course) is a fan favorite.But beeswax isn’t just good for you, it’s good for the bees too! Organic beekeeping is a strict art that ensures the bees are safe and thriving. This yields higher quality goods while protecting this delicate species. Don’t believe us? Check out this blog post to discover why we love organic beekeeping and why you should too.
