Is petroleum jelly suitable for use as a moisturizer?

The adage "you get what you pay for" frequently holds true for shoppers. For example, budget-friendly clothing is often crafted from lower-quality materials that deteriorate quickly. However, this principle doesn't always apply to skin care products. When searching for the ideal moisturizer, cost isn't always an indicator of quality.

Many premium skin care products claim to eliminate wrinkles and maintain a youthful appearance indefinitely — at a premium price. These high-end formulas often include luxurious ingredients like tretinoin, alpha hydroxy acids, and collagen. While dermatologists confirm that some of these components can enhance skin health, consumers should approach overly ambitious product claims with skepticism. The FDA regulates skin care products differently from food, meaning advertising claims don't always align with actual results.

In fact, some of the most effective skin care solutions are affordable and straightforward. Petroleum jelly, costing just a few dollars per tube or jar, has been a go-to remedy for decades to hydrate and calm dry skin. Commonly recognized by its brand name Vaseline, this hydrocarbon compound is extracted from petroleum. Robert A. Chesebrough stumbled upon petroleum jelly in the 1800s while exploring Pennsylvania oil fields [source: Al Aboud and Khachemoune]. He noticed the jelly-like substance forming on oil pumps and developed a method to refine it into the waxy ointment, which he patented in 1872.

Initially, Chesebrough saw petroleum jelly as a healing ointment, and the FDA has since endorsed it as a reliable over-the-counter skin protectant. Nowadays, people use petroleum jelly for numerous purposes, such as an affordable makeup remover, lubricant, and DIY lip balm. If you're searching for a budget-friendly moisturizer, Vaseline is a worthy contender.

Petroleum Jelly Properties

Moisturizers are primarily divided into two types: occlusives and humectants. Occlusives create a barrier to lock in moisture and stop it from evaporating, whereas humectants attract water to the skin's surface to hydrate and plump skin cells. Petroleum jelly, being lipid-based and water-insoluble, is classified as an occlusive. Additionally, it functions as an emollient, providing soothing and hydrating benefits to the skin.

In fact, petroleum jelly is one of the most effective occlusive agents for severely dry skin. Scientists measure a lotion's moisturizing efficacy by testing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) after application. Petroleum jelly reduces TEWL by up to 98 percent, surpassing both lanolin and mineral oil [source: Kraft and Lynde]. Its effectiveness stems from its ability to block water loss and fill gaps between skin cells in the epidermis [source: Mayo Clinic].

Due to its exceptional skin-softening abilities, petroleum jelly is often applied to dry-prone areas like hands and feet. It also serves as a protective barrier against windburn and chapping in harsh weather. However, many avoid using it on their faces, fearing it may clog pores. Dermatological guidelines often recommend avoiding pure Vaseline on acne-prone facial skin.

However, a study published in the Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists suggests that petroleum jelly's pore-clogging reputation might be unfounded. In the study, two groups of acne patients applied varying concentrations of petroleum jelly to their faces twice daily for eight weeks. Both groups experienced a notable reduction in acne [source: Kligman]. This aligns with its classification as non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn't clog pores, a label also given to lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers.

Achieving clear, healthy skin requires two key steps: gentle cleansing and proper hydration. Contrary to popular belief, expensive lotions and creams aren't necessary. Applying petroleum jelly to slightly damp skin can effectively lock in moisture, promoting a youthful glow at an affordable cost.