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Ingredient deep-dive

Petroleum Jelly in Lip Care: What You Should Know.

Everything you need to know about this ingredient in lip care.

Overview

What it is.

Petroleum jelly (petrolatum, mineral oil) is the most common base ingredient in conventional lip balms, including ChapStick, Carmex, Vaseline, and Aquaphor. It is a byproduct of oil refining that creates an occlusive barrier on skin. While effective at preventing moisture loss, petroleum jelly does not deliver any moisture or nutrients — it simply traps whatever is already there. More concerning, petroleum jelly's fully occlusive nature can trap bacteria against skin, and there are ongoing debates about the purity of petroleum-derived ingredients in cosmetics.

The science

Scientific backing.

The European Union has classified certain grades of petrolatum as potentially carcinogenic when not fully refined, though highly refined pharmaceutical-grade petrolatum (used in most commercial products) is considered safe. Research published in the Journal of Women's Health found detectable levels of mineral oil hydrocarbons accumulated in human tissue over time from cosmetic use. A study in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science demonstrated that while petrolatum excels at preventing transepidermal water loss, it provides no active moisturizing benefit — a key distinction from plant-based oils.

In our formula

How Numbrrrz uses it.

Numbrrrz contains zero petroleum-derived ingredients. Numbrrrz helps moisturize and condition dry lips, soften their feel, and lock in moisture. Our approach is to nourish lips, not just seal them.

Questions

Quick answers.

Is petroleum jelly dangerous?
Highly refined pharmaceutical-grade petroleum jelly is considered safe by the FDA. However, it provides no actual moisture or nutrients to lips, only prevents water loss. If you prefer to avoid petroleum-derived products for health or environmental reasons, plant-based alternatives like Numbrrrz provide better active lip care.
Why do so many lip balms use petroleum?
Petroleum jelly is extremely cheap, has a long shelf life, and creates an immediately noticeable 'slippery' feel that consumers associate with moisture. It is a cost-effective ingredient for manufacturers, even though plant-based oils provide superior lip care benefits.
What can I use instead of petroleum jelly on my lips?
Organic plant oils like coconut oil and jojoba oil provide active moisturization rather than just barrier protection. Combined with beeswax for a natural seal, this approach — used by Numbrrrz — delivers genuine lip care benefits that petroleum cannot match.
Experience the formula

Clean lip care, simplified.

Just 4 organic ingredients. Nothing you can’t pronounce.

Shop the balm

Oversized 0.5 oz USDA Organic tubes — about 3.3x a standard balm. Free U.S. shipping.