USP Petroleum Jelly Is Not Dangerous

[GV-NA-GI-TLV-GE-I]

Some of this I already knew from working in a pharmacy environment and having been educated by my dermatologist while under treatment. You hear over and over again how petroleum jelly is dangerous. Depends upon the variety.

http://www.xcel-n.com/facts_myths.html

Facts and Myths Ever heard that petroleum jelly blocks skin pores? Mineral oil is a toxic petroleum byproduct? Here are the 411 on the petroleum Jelly and mineral oil used in the cosmetic industry: Myth: Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) used in hair and skin products is a dangerous chemical byproduct of petroleum or gasoline. Fact: Refined USP Petroleum jelly is not the same as the “Petrolatum” defined by the Chemical Abstract System (CAS) definition found in the EPA Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory. This CAS number (8009-03-8) applies to an unrefined, heavy, waxy petrolatum material. In fact, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) white petroleum jelly is not a byproduct but is a refined and purified product of heavy waxes and paraffinic oils. USP White Petroleum Jelly surpasses the safety standards set by the FDA for use in food and cosmetics products as well as for both the European Union (EU) and Japanese Pharmacopeia Chemical Codes.
www.penreco.com/newsevents/tradearticles/NPRA2003_Pet_Regulations.pdf Myth: Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline) or mineral oil when applied to the skin creates an impassible barrier plugging hair and skin pores (comedogenic).
http://thebeautybrains.com/2006/05/18/does-mineral-oil-cause-zits/.. Fact: There exist no credible scientific studies that prove petroleum jelly or mineral oil is comedogenic (block skin pores). In reality, the term comedogenic was developed by the FDA to only classify substances that caused acne by blocking facial skin pores. Later, health and nutritional advocates attempted to extend this definition to include products used for the hair and body. However, the term “comedogenic” was never intended to be used beyond the original scope as defined by the FDA. Recently, new scientific studies have resolved the debate. Technical papers published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (May 24, 2005) and the Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (1996, vol. 47, pp. 41-48)demonstrated that white USP mineral oil (FG) and white USP petroleum jelly (Vaseline) do not block skin pores.
http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/press/pressitem.asp?ref=384&site=1.

http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=3097361.

Petroleum Jelly and mineral are classified as “occlusive” moisturizers. In theory, occlusives reduce water loss from the skin by creating a hydrophobic barrier when applied over the skin. Occlusive moisturizers diffuse into the intercellular lipid domains and herein lay their effectiveness. Published studies show that although Vaseline exhibits what appears to be occlusive properties when applied to the skin it neither forms nor acts as an impermeable barrier but rather permeates slowly throughout the SC interstices, allowing for normal skin recovery.
http://grande.nal.usda.gov/ibids/index.php?mode2=detail&origin=ibids
references&therow=234236..

In layman’s term Vaseline petroleum jelly does not clog skin pores but slowly diffuses throughout the skin lipid layer and even assists the body in skin repair. Myth: Petroleum Jelly is inexpensive poor moisturizer. Why Xcel NutraceuticalsDrug free productsNo steroidsNo bacteria culturesNo toxic chemicalsNo cancerous causing creamsFast actingRelieve itchingReduce inflammationRepair skin damageStop hair lossHealthier fuller hairAccelerate hair growthMinimize breaking and sheddingScientifically developedXcel Nutraceuticals

Fact: True, White USP Petroleum Jelly is an inexpensive product but on the contrary it is still the most cost-effective moisturizer used today in the cosmetic industry. Petroleum jelly at minimum concentrations reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by more than 98% and is followed by lanolin, mineral oil, and the silicones, which are effective in the range from 20%-30%. Other substances such as beeswax, stearic acid, shea butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and sunflower seed oil TEWL values are below 20%,
http://www.skintherapyletter.com/2005/10.5/1.html.

 

[bellecheveux]

This is a good post.

 

[ajacks]

Interesting... thanks for posting.

 

[me-T]

so hair grease is ok? cause you got me eyein' that old jar of blue magic organics (henna extract and a buncha other goodies!)

 

[bee]

Well, I don't disagree with the moisturizing benefits of using petroleum jelly/petrolatum. I use my jar of Blue Magic Coconut Oil, as my after shower moisturizer! It leaves my skin feeling "petal-soft". I also use it to seal after I cowash and moisturize with shea butter.

 

[CoffeeBean]

HMMMM. Very interesting and informative.

 

[Neith]

I don't think that vaseline is evil. I use some in my hair now and then, I don't believe that using it in moderation is harmful.

However in my experience, it does not absorb into the hair and it has no conditioning properties whatsoever. It just sits on top of the hair. It DOES make a barrier, which is why I use it when it's very cold because it "seals" very well. It's also much harder to remove than natural, plant derived oils. If it builds up on you, it can give you a big problem.

I choose not to use it (except for the rare occasion in the dead of winter), but not because I am not informed about exactly what it is.

 

[achangedlife]

That is interesting, thank you for posting that.

 

[mrsmeredith]

I could not thank you more for that post OP. That has been debated on here a zillion times because everyone jumps on everyone else's band wagons and hypes.

 

[discobiscuits]

Thanks for this post. I use petroleum jelly to soften my feet and daily on my lips. The only problem with your post or more so the information is the sources.

One source (http://www.xcel-n.com/disclaimer.html) is a website whose sole purpose is to promote and sell Xcel Nutraceuticals products.

One of the other sites in your post is funded by pharmaceutical companies (see: http://www.skincareguide.ca/about/sponsors.html).

So, at this time, I do not question the validity of the information in your post but I do question the motives of your information sources. If you had posted information from a source or sources that were 100% independent of product sales or unaffiliated with pharmaceutical companies, I'd be a little more willing to trust the information.

Be that as it may, thanks again for posting. The information (if it can be trusted) does make me feel better about using Vaseline.

 

[brucebettye]

I use vaseline on my face & body because it is the only thing that makes my skin not dry. It works wonders for ashy skin which I have!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know alot of people still use it for their elbows & knees!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Ms Lala]

I have dry, sensitive skin and most of the products that I can use have petroleum as the base and they work well. My hair also doesn't mine petroleum. It's actually soem of the "natural" oils like coconut and olive oil that have given me an allergic reaction on my scalp.

 

[Solitude]

bumping because this is GREAT info that is adverse to popular LHCF beliefs

 

[Auburn]

Someone should post a thread dispelling all "dangerous" chemicals myths.
Im too lazy.

 

[Duff]

I never jumped on that bandwagon. I've used vaseline on my body for 20+ years and my skin is usually softer AND more moisturized than most.

 

[mezzogirl]

I'm so glad I found this thread. I read threads on LHCF that made me believe that (vaseline) petroleum jelly caused cancer. My husband just a few days ago met an 80 plus year old woman who looked at least 20 to 25 years younger. She said for most of her life she's covered her entire body with vaseline, including her face. I wanted to try it because my feet are like gators.