vaseline safety
There is a debate about using petroleum jelly on the skin. Some people think it contains harmful chemicals that can suffocate pores and have damaging effects. Before it has been refined, raw petroleum jelly does include some carcinogenic stuff, it’s true, but Vaseline is highly refined, triple-filtered, and claims not to contain any harmful chemicals. But beware of cheap alternatives, however, as they may not have been subjected to rigorous refinement.
Are there any warnings about using petroleum jelly?
It’s flammable, so avoid using it near fires.
Make sure to only apply it to clean, disinfected skin, or else it can trap bacteria and pathogens inside and delay healing.
It should be used for external use only. Don’t eat or insert it anywhere inside your body.
Women should avoid using it as a sexual lubricant, as it promotes bacterial vaginosis.
If you are concerned about the environment, you probably want to choose a plant-based product instead of oil-based petroleum jelly.
Avoid using petroleum products around the nose area, especially in children, since inhaling mineral oils may cause aspiration pneumonia.
It’s probably smartest to use Vaseline rather than a cheaper brand of petroleum jelly, since that brand adheres to proper refinement techniques.
