Is Petroleum Jelly Safe And Is There A Natural Alternative?

No doubt, we’ve all got a tub of Petrolatum, commonly known as Petroleum Jelly somewhere in the house. It's a byproduct of petroleum (petrol), loved for decades by the black community, it’s considered an inexpensive, ‘cure-all’ product that over the years, has been used as a hair grease, nappy cream, skin emollient and a balm for lips, cuticles, burns and wounds.

It would seem there’s no problem that petroleum jelly can’t fix. But as we all seek to better understand the potentially harmful chemicals lurking in our cosmetics, is petroleum jelly really that great?

Petroleum jelly is an unnatural substance derived from the refining process of petroleum, a toxic crude oil. Without any mineral content, petroleum jelly has no skin healing or moisturising benefits, but because it is water repellent like most oils, it works by forming a barrier over the skin, preventing moisture loss.

Being a produced from the petroleum (petrol ) process, the environmental impact of petroleum is negative because it is toxic to  all forms of life and its extraction fuels has a negative impact on the environment. Due to it's toxicity it contributes to climate change, acid rain, oil spills and waste oils.  Needless to say, it's not Eco friendly.

According to studies, a massive 80 percent of all beauty products may contain or be contaminated with Petroleum Jelly, which has been linked to cancer and other health issues, as Petroleum Jelly is a known carcinogen. How much you’re exposed to depends on the product you’re using: it’s in 82% of hair dyes, 45% of self-tanners and 36% of face moisturisers.

Not only is it is filled with  carcinogenic chemicals linked to cancer, the chemicals also cause hormonal imbalances, sensitivity, allergies and respiratory issues.

Although they are even marketed at babies and seen as safe, the reality is much different.  It is however difficult to verify the purity of branded Petroleum Jelly.

Within 26 seconds 80% of what you put on your skin will be absorbed into your blood stream – which completely bypasses the liver and petroleum-based products are no exception, hence why they are able to cause serious health issues. 

Because Petroleum Jelly is non-breathable, and a non-moisture-adding product that has carcinogens, it doesn’t nourish and hydrate your skin the way that is needed to prevent ageing. The barrier process described above in 8 below inhibits this moisturizing affect and causes collagen breakdown. Specifically, when petroleum jelly coats the skin, it blocks the skin’s natural ability to breathe and absorb nutrients, which slows the cell renewal process and causes the skin to pull the necessary moisture and nutrients from within. This leads to collagen breakdown over time, which in turn causes wrinkles!  Instead of nourishing your skin, petroleum jelly creates the illusion of hydration by making the surface of your skin appear soft and supple, when in fact it dries out the skin by preventing the circulation of air and moisture. Additionally, its thick, sticky texture traps dirt and toxins and is incredibly difficult to wash off. This can aggravate the skin and block pores, resulting in sensitivity and blemishes.

 As mentioned above, Petrolatum is one of the numerous products which contain xenoestrogens, chemicals which cause hormone disruption and may throw estrogen out of balance in your body. These chemicals may act on hormone receptors in your body and lead to oestrogen dominance. It's then linked to causing infertility, menstrual problems, accelerated ageing, allergies and autoimmune problems as well as nutrient deficiencies, sleep problems and even some types of cancers.

As published in the new scientist, paediatricians found that infants treated with petroleum jelly were more likely to develop systemic candidiasis (fungal infections) because the tight seal created a warm, moist place for fungi to grow. the same study also found that women who used petroleum jelly were 2.2 times more likely to test positive for bacterial vaginosis.

Take the  “for external use only” warnings seriously. All branded Petroleum jelly products are not to be used internally. Do not eat or insert petroleum jelly. Avoid using petroleum jelly for masturbation or as a vaginal lubricant. According to studies, 40 percent of women who used it as a lubricant frequently develop fungal or bacterial infections. 

 

The list is of Petroleum jelly's side effects is long, but these are the main points of the dangers.  After all, you wouldn't drink petrol, so why would you put it on your skin or your hair?

Are there natural alternatives?

 

Nature is abundant with nourishing hydrators that keep the skin soft, elastic and protected and AfroHairCandy and Mbembi formulate natural blends that supports you with your skin care. 

Shea Butter, Palm Oil, Coconut Oil and Cocoa Butter seal in moisture on your skin, whilst being naturally anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and rich in vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and anti-oxidants, neutral in ph balance,  while fresh Aloe Vera provides intense plant based moisture.  These are the ingredients at the core of AfroSkinCandy🍃 and Mbembi's composition.

These work to deeply nourish your skin, soothing irritations from allergies, eczema, psoriasis and

protects your skin from environmental damage, and premature ageing. 

Our skin and body care Butter and Cream uses these organic ingredient’s and more to feed your skin wholesomely.

With us, supple hydrated skin is not an illusion. Your skin is nourished to healthy vibrancy, with no crude side effects and no chemicals. AfroSkinCandy🍃 green beauty is safe, effective and without compromising your health. 

Written by Ma Mbembi and Latoyah Innereraty.