Petroleum jelly (petrolatum) is a semisolid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum that forms an occlusive barrier on the skin, reducing transepidermal water loss and protecting against irritants. It is widely used as a base ingredient and skin protectant in dermatology and cosmetic formulations.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Acneiform eruptions or folliculitis | Uncommon | Occlusion may aggravate acne or clog follicles in acne-prone individuals, though refined petrolatum is generally non-comedogenic. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | True allergy to purified petrolatum is very rare; reactions are usually due to impurities or other formulation components. |
Folliculitis from prolonged occlusion | Rare | Heavy, prolonged application in warm/humid areas can trap bacteria and moisture. |
Lipoid pneumonia with nasal/oral application | Very rare | Reported with chronic application around nostrils leading to aspiration of mineral oils. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.