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It is the time of year when skin becomes dry, hands crack and skin conditions like dry eczema worsen.\u00a0 And what is the longest and most widely used remedy for these ailments?\u00a0 That\u2019s right\u2026Vaseline, aka petroleum jelly.\u00a0 Most physicians prescribe this product to treat winter-time skin conditions, and even recommend using it on our babies and children.\u00a0 So it has to be safe, right?\u00a0 Wrong.<\/p>\n
Petroleum, or petrolatum, is derived from hydrocarbon.\u00a0 Its origins are natural-based (coming from the earth) but production often causes petroleum to become contaminated with toxic impurities.\u00a0 These impurities, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are cancer-causing chemicals found in crude oil and its by-products.<\/p>\n
But because petroleum is relatively cheap and easy to produce many skincare manufacturers opt for use of this ingredient in their products.\u00a0 It may be cheap right now, but because it comes from crude oil, petroleum is not a renewable resource.<\/p>\n
Though there is no definitive link between petroleum and cancer in humans the European Union has banned all but the purest grade of petroleum for use in cosmetics.\u00a0 The Environmental Working Group\u2019s Skin Deep Datatbase <\/a>(EWG) rates petroleum a 7 (High Hazard) on its hazard ranking scale, listing the ingredient as a possible human carcinogen.<\/p>\n Petroleum and mineral oil (a petroleum-derived oil) are added to many conventional lotions and creams for moisturizing and protection.\u00a0 Because of their thick, rich consistency these ingredients may seem like a good choice.\u00a0\u00a0 But they actual sit on the skin\u2019s surface.\u00a0 Skin cannot breathe or properly eliminate toxins.\u00a0 This also blocks pores and eventually causes breakouts.\u00a0 Products that moisturize while allowing skin to breathe are more effective.<\/p>\n Petroleum is found in a wide variety of skincare, baby products, hair care, body care, makeup and skin treatments such as those marketed for eczema.\u00a0 A study by EWG found petroleum in one of every 14 cosmetic products on the market, 40 percent in baby lotions and oils.<\/p>\n To check a product for this ingredient look for petrolatum, petroleum jelly or mineral oil<\/strong> in the ingredient listing.\u00a0 Choosing products made with pure plant oils and butters are not only better for skin, but for your overall health and that of our planet.<\/p>\n Stay tuned in coming weeks as our series on Harmful Ingredients to Avoid<\/a> continues.\u00a0 If you have further questions on petroleum, or any other cosmetic ingredient, please leave a comment below.<\/p>\n Image:\u00a0 Petroleum jelly photo via Shutterstock<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Which products contain petroleum\/petrolatum?<\/h3>\n