Petrochemicals in skincare refer to petroleum-derived ingredients such as petrolatum, mineral oil, and paraffin, which act as occlusive agents that form a protective barrier on the skin to reduce transepidermal water loss. They are widely used in moisturizers and ointments as inert base or emollient components rather than as biologically active treatments.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Comedogenic reactions (clogged pores) | Uncommon | More associated with less refined grades; highly refined cosmetic-grade petrolatum is generally non-comedogenic. |
| Folliculitis or acneiform eruptions | Rare | Reported with heavy occlusive use in acne-prone individuals. |
| Allergic or irritant contact dermatitis | Very rare | Highly refined petrolatum and mineral oil are considered low-sensitizing; reactions are uncommon and often due to impurities or additives. |
| Greasy feel or temporary skin barrier occlusion discomfort | Common | Cosmetic rather than medical; relates to texture and heavy occlusion. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.