Dermatologist Explains: What Is Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline) and Is It Safe to Use on the Skin?
Petroleum jelly, commonly known by the brand name Vaseline, has been a skincare staple for over a century—but is it safe? Where does it come from, and what are the pros and cons of using it on your skin today?
The Origins of Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly was first discovered in 1859 on oil rigs. Workers noticed a thick, dark substance—initially called “rod wax”—building up on the joints of oil pumps. They began using it to protect and heal minor skin injuries on their hands.
In 1870, Vaseline was introduced as a purified, colorless, odorless occlusive ointment distilled from rod wax and marketed for its medicinal properties.
How Does Petroleum Jelly Work?
Petroleum jelly forms an occlusive barrier on the skin, helping to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Clinical research shows that this barrier effect promotes better healing by keeping wounds moist and protected [1,2].
Contrary to outdated advice, skin heals faster when it is kept moist—not when wounds are left to dry out and scab. The key question becomes: What’s the best way to keep the skin protected without introducing irritants or harmful ingredients?
Is Petroleum Jelly Safe?
Allergies to petroleum jelly are rare. The primary concern is the theoretical risk of contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)—compounds formed when fossil fuels are burned (e.g., coal, gasoline, grilling meat). At least 15 types of PAHs are listed in the Report on Carcinogens (14th Edition) as “reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens” (NIH).
Ideally, the petroleum refining process should remove any PAHs. In fact, the European Union requires full documentation of the refining process to ensure petroleum jelly is non-carcinogenic. The U.S., however, does not currently require this level of transparency or regulation.
So, Should You Use Petroleum Jelly?
For basic skin protection, petroleum jelly is likely safe, especially when sourced from reputable brands using triple purification. But there are two important caveats:
- Petroleum jelly is not renewable, and the idea of coating your skin in a fossil fuel derivative is understandably unappealing to many.
- It only provides a physical barrier—it doesn’t deliver nutrients or hydration to help the skin repair itself. The petroleum just sits on top of the skin preventing water loss.
The Problem With Petroleum-Based Healing Ointments
The issue is not the petroleum–it’s what it's mixed with that can cause problems! Products like Aquaphor, Bag Balm, Neosporin, Polysporin, Skinceuticals Hydrabalm and EltaMD Laser Balm contain petroleum jelly blended with other ingredients—many of which are now known skin allergens, such as lanolin and neomycin. These additives can irritate the skin and slow healing rather than support it. I recommend to my patients to use plain Vaseline over these options due to the risk of reactions from the other ingredients.
But, after seeing countless reactions to these ointments in my dermatology practice and my patients not wanting to use petroleum, I decided to try to make something better. Something that works better, is safer and more sustainable. Doctor Rogers Restore Healing Balm is plant-based and hypoallergenic, made with only three carefully selected ingredients clinically proven to support the skin’s natural healing process.
Castor Oil: Food for the Skin
Castor oil is a hypoallergenic plant oil rich in fatty acids that nourish the skin and helps reduce inflammation. It supports skin barrier repair and overall health.
Glycerin: Water for the Skin
Glycerin is a powerful, skin-identical humectant that draws water into the skin. Studies show it speeds healing, reduces irritation and restores barrier function.
Castor Wax: Shelter for the Skin
This hydrogenated form of castor oil forms a breathable, long-lasting protective barrier—shielding skin while it repairs itself. Plain petroleum jelly offers shelter but not food or water—that’s why the skin heals faster with Doctor Rogers Restore Healing Balm.
Clinically Proven to Outperform Aquaphor
In a double-blinded, split-face study following CO₂ laser resurfacing, patients used Doctor Rogers Restore Healing Balm on one side of the face and Aquaphor on the other. The Healing Balm outperformed Aquaphor in every metric: speed of healing, reduction in redness, swelling, and crusting. These findings were published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology and presented at the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Annual Meeting. See the full study here.
The Bottom Line
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option to protect the skin, petroleum jelly is a safe and effective occlusive readily available. For those who are looking for something more, then Doctor Rogers Restore Healing Balm is a superior choice—for your skin and the planet.
References:
1. Lodén M, Bárány E. Skin-identical lipids versus petrolatum in the treatment of tape-stripped and detergent-perturbed human skin. Acta Derm Venereol. 2000;80(6):412-5.
2. Ghadially R, Halkier-Sorensen L, Elias P. Effects of petrolatum on stratum corneum structure and function. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1992;26(3 Pt 2):387-96.
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