Is Petrolatum Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Petrolatum is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (emollient).
INCI name PETROLATUM. Also called Petroleum Jelly. CAS 8009-03-8.
Other names: Petroleum Jelly, Vaseline, White Petrolatum
Is Petrolatum banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly, Aquaphor Healing Ointment, CeraVe Healing Ointment, Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream |
| CAS number | 8009-03-8 |
What is Petrolatum?
Petrolatum is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum refining. It forms an occlusive barrier on the skin surface, sealing in moisture and protecting against external irritants. It has been used in skincare since 1872.
Why is Petrolatum used in personal-care products?
Used as an occlusive moisturizer and skin protectant in ointments, lip balms, and healing salves. It is one of the most effective ingredients for preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Is Petrolatum dangerous? Documented risks
Fully refined white petrolatum (as used in cosmetics) is considered safe by the FDA and CIR, and is an FDA-approved OTC skin protectant. The EU restricts petrolatum unless full refining history is known due to concerns about polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in inadequately refined grades. Cosmetic-grade petrolatum in the US undergoes extensive refining that removes PAHs. It does not penetrate the skin, is non-comedogenic in pure form, and has no evidence of systemic toxicity or endocrine disruption at cosmetic use.
Products that may contain Petrolatum
- Curél Dry Skin Therapy Original LotionCurél
- Bath & Body Works Eucalyptus Spearmint Body CreamBath & Body Works
- Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Body LotionBath & Body Works
- Cetaphil Moisturizing CreamCetaphil
- CeraVe Moisturizing CreamCeraVe
- Vaseline Intensive Care Deep Restore LotionVaseline
- Aveeno Daily Moisturizing LotionAveeno
- Eucerin Original Healing CreamEucerin
How to avoid Petrolatum: safer alternatives
Shea butter, coconut oil, or lanolin for occlusive moisturization with a more natural origin.
Frequently asked questions about Petrolatum
Is petrolatum safe for the skin?
Cosmetic-grade (fully refined, white) petrolatum is safe. It is one of the most effective skin barrier ingredients known and is FDA-approved as an OTC skin protectant.
Is Vaseline banned in the EU?
Petrolatum is restricted in EU cosmetics — it must only be used if the full refining history is documented and the product is shown to be non-carcinogenic. Vaseline-branded products sold in the EU comply with this requirement.
Does petrolatum cause breakouts?
Pure petrolatum is actually considered non-comedogenic in controlled studies. Products labeled 'petroleum jelly' or 'white petrolatum' are generally safe for acne-prone skin, though individual responses vary.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Petrolatum or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related emollient
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- CIR Safety Assessment of Petrolatum — Cosmetic Ingredient Review
- FDA OTC Monograph: Skin Protectants — U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II — Restricted Substances — European Commission
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.