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Answer: Petrolatum is restricted (not fully banned) in EU. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: low. Commonly found in: Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly, Aquaphor Healing Ointment, CeraVe Healing Ointment.
TL;DR: Petrolatum is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (emollient).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name PETROLATUM. Also called Petroleum Jelly. CAS 8009-03-8.
Other names: Petroleum Jelly, Vaseline, White Petrolatum
| 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 |
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.
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).
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.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Petrolatumwith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Shea butter, coconut oil, or lanolin for occlusive moisturization with a more natural origin.
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.
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.
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.
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