Is Petroleum Jelly Safe for Lips? Myths, Facts, and Natural Alternatives

Is Petroleum Jelly Safe for Lips? Myths, Facts, and Natural Alternatives

Petroleum jelly has been in people’s medicine cabinets for decades. It's in countless lip balms, skincare kits, and diaper creams. But is it actually good for your lips, or just a short-term fix with long-term drawbacks?

If you caught my video on petroleum-based lip products, you know I don’t use it in Numbrrrz.

Here’s why: it creates a seal, not true hydration. This post dives into the history, science, and why more of us are going natural again.

The Science Behind Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly (aka petrolatum) was discovered in the 1800s during oil drilling. It’s a byproduct of refining crude oil, then filtered for cosmetic use. It forms an occlusive barrier — meaning it locks in moisture. But it doesn’t add hydration on its own.

For some, that’s enough. For others (especially with dry, sensitive, or reactive skin), it can cause clogged pores, lip dependency, or irritation. Some countries, like those in the EU, regulate petroleum-based products more strictly due to concerns over potential contaminants such as PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons).

Common Myths vs. Facts

• Myth #1: Petroleum hydrates your lips.
  Fact: It only seals what's already there. If your lips are dry underneath, it can trap that dryness in.
• Myth #2: It heals chapped lips.
  Fact: It doesn’t actively heal. It prevents moisture loss, but doesn’t deliver nutrients the way oils or butters do.
• Myth #3: It's totally risk-free.
  Fact: Cosmetic-grade petrolatum is generally considered safe in the U.S., but unrefined versions have been linked to health concerns. And even the clean versions may not align with everyone’s skincare philosophy.

Natural Alternatives That Actually Nourish

The good news? You have options. Nature has been solving this problem for thousands of years.

You can also look for ingredients like cocoa butter, calendula, and coconut oil — all used throughout history (check my last blog!) to treat and protect lips.

Why I Don’t Use Petroleum in Numbrrrz

I didn’t set out to make a statement. I just wanted a lip balm that worked. But the more I researched petroleum, the more I realized it wasn’t right for me—or the people I wanted to serve.

Numbrrrz is:

• Petroleum-free
• USDA Organic
• Made with only 4 ingredients
• Designed for nursing moms, sensitive skin, and anyone who just wants something clean and real

If that sounds like what you’ve been looking for, give it a try. Your lips will tell you the truth.

Check out my guide: Best Natural Lip Balm Ingredients for Dry Lips. Follow @Numbrrrz or @Dawn_Christjaener_Numbrrrz for more.

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