#4 Petrolatum
Do not confound it with petroleum, as you will not find crude oil in your skincare products, but rather you will be finding petrolatum which is actually a byproduct of petroleum jelly. It is used as a common moisturizing agent, so you can find it in most hydrating products. Why is there concern around petrolatum? While there is nothing to fear about it when it is properly refined, the problems come into play when it isn’t, or when companies used this ingredient from non-trusted sources.
When it isn’t refined properly, it can end up being contaminated with PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) that have been flagged as
Petrolatum is a byproduct of petroleum jelly that is commonly used as a moisturizing agent. When properly refined, petrolatum is no cause for concern.
However, when it is not fully refined, it can become contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which have been flagged as a potential carcinogen. It is not uncommon for the petrolatum found in many skincare products to be inadequately refined, especially in the US.
There are many types of PAHs, some of which are considered probable or potential carcinogens, and one has been classified as a known carcinogen. When exposed to high levels of PAHs, some studies have shown that it increases the risk of breast cancer. Imagine that this unrefined petrolatum is like a magnet for carcinogenic PAHs.
Avoid moisturizers that contain petrolatum, unless the company certifies it has undergone adequate refinement. If you see the ingredient “white petroleum” listed, this indicates that it has been fully refined and is safe for use!
