Vaseline: Toxic or Not?

Send us a text

Vaseline is NOT toxic when used as intended. It is made from purified petroleum, and modern Vaseline is triple purified and deemed safe for external use by dermatologists and the FDA. That is why it is found in so many skin products, lip balms and even baby ointments. 

Why do some people call it toxic?

There are a few reasons:

1-Its petroleum based, and anything linked to the petroleum industry can raise red flags for people looking for natural or eco friendly options.

2-Contaminants in unrefined petroleum jelly can be toxic -But Vaseline the brand purifies theirs to remove those

3-Petroleum jelly creates a barrier on the skin-which can lock in moisture; but also dirt and bacteria if the skin isn’t clean. Some people with acne prone or sensitive skin avoid it.

4-Its not breathable- which some critics claim may hinder the skins natural processes. This is more a skin preference that a health issue

 For most people Vaseline is totally safe when used on intact skin. It’s great for so many things.  Vaseline has 1 active ingredient, it's 100%  White Petroleum Jelly, that’s it. Just  ultra refined ingredient, triple purified. 

Aquaphor has 7- and its 41% petroleum based. 

Sometimes, the stuff labeled “dirty” has a cleaner track record than the stuff labeled “clean”!

 If you are looking natural alternatives, things like shea butter or coconut oil can offer similar benefits without the petroleum base.

IT all started in the 1850’s – oil workers in Pennsylvania noticed this weird, waxy substance on  their rigs. They called it “ Rod Wax”. It was a kind of nuisance, but they also noticed something strange- when they got minor cuts or burns they would smear this goo on their skin and it helped heal them faster.

Enter Robert Chesebrough, a young British born chemist who was working in the oil industry. He got curious about this rod wax and in 1859 traveled to Pennsylvania oil fields to investigate. He saw the oil workers using it and decided to study it.

In 1872 Robert patented the process and named his product Vaseline( a mix of German- “Wasser” for water and the  Greek word “Elaion”(L-li on) for oil) Water oil. He started selling it as a medicinal balm for burns, cuts and chapped skin and more.

Robert believed in his product so much that he supposedly ate a spoonful of Vaseline everyday and lived to be 90. He also went around burning himself in public demonstrations then applying the Vaseline to show how fast he would heal. 

In the early 1900’s Vaseline became a household staple, and still is today, Vaseline is  Dermatologist recommend  & used from everything from lip care; Diaper rash, makeup remover and much much more!

It was also used during WW1 as wound treatment for soldiers, which boosted its reputation even more

What started as a gross nuisance by product from oil rigs became a global skin care icon.

Petroleum jelly Literally comes from the earth- it’s a byproduct of natural oil deposits, and once it has been purified, it becomes one of the most stable, non reactive, and long lasting moisturizers out there. To me it was the best and remains the best- especially keeping your lips moisturized. 

Since 1872 -The Original Vaseline  formula has never changed ingredients, or added to it since it was introduced. That’s very rare in the skin care world. Vaseline has not had to change- because it works.

Vaseline has. It has stood the test of time in homes, hospitals, war zones, baby bag and beauty kits. 

Enjoy!

Follow along on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask