Petroleum / Petrolatum.
Also known as: petrolatum, petroleum jelly, white petrolatum, mineral jelly, soft paraffin
A semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum refining. Widely used as a moisture barrier in lip balms, lotions, and ointments. When inadequately refined, it can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are linked to cancer.
By the numbers.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid.
Risk by usage.
How risk shifts depending on how often you use products with Petroleum / Petrolatum.
Low risk if the product uses fully refined petrolatum.
Repeated daily exposure increases cumulative PAH risk from poorly refined sources.
Significant concern on lips where ingestion is likely; switch to plant-based alternatives.
What the research says.
Potential contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), classified as probable carcinogens.
EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex II
Occlusive nature can trap bacteria and impurities against the skin, potentially worsening acne and irritation.
May interfere with the skin's natural moisturizing processes over time, leading to dependency.
Global status.
How petroleum / petrolatum is regulated in cosmetics around the world.
18% of countries with data ban or restrict this ingredient
Details
Petrolatum permitted only when full refining history is known; banned if not fully refined per Annex II entry 306.
Details
Same as EU; must show full refining history.
The reason brands include it.
Creates an inexpensive occlusive barrier on the skin that locks in moisture, giving products a smooth, protective feel.
34
products in our database
13
brands use it
3
product categories
Better alternatives exist. Brands choose petroleum / petrolatum because it’s cheap and effective, but safer options like shea butter, cocoa butter, beeswax deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Petroleum / Petrolatum in product types.
Click a category to see every product containing petroleum / petrolatum.
Products Containing Petroleum / Petrolatum
These popular products list petroleum / petrolatum in their ingredient labels. Tap any card to see the full breakdown.
And 22 more products in our database.
Compared to Numbrrrz.
Here’s how the lowest-scoring product containing petroleum / petrolatum compares.
Carmex Cherry Lip Balm
Carmex
Numbrrrz
Organic Lip Balm
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What to use instead.
What Numbrrrz uses instead
Numbrrrz uses Organic Coconut Oil and Organic Jojoba Oil for deep hydration, sealed with Organic Beeswax for occlusive protection — no petroleum byproducts needed.
Quick answers.
Is petroleum jelly safe for lips?
Why do so many lip balms contain petrolatum?
Is petroleum jelly banned in Europe?
What are other names for petrolatum on ingredient labels?
Can petroleum jelly cause cancer?
Does Numbrrrz use petroleum or petrolatum?
What lip balms don't contain petroleum?
How these brands stack up.
Brands that use petroleum / petrolatum — see how they compare.