It seems that you just can’t be safe enough where cosmetics are concerned. Some of the most harmless seeming beauty products, including some lip glosses and balms used in high frequency by women nationwide contain ingredients that may be hazardous to health.
Petrolatum, a petrol-based product, is one of these ingredients and has been deemed unsafe by different researchers. In fact, petrolatum has been banned in cosmetics sold within the European Union since 2004 is listed in the Dangerous Substances Directive for its potential carcinogenic effects. Yet, cosmetics distributors within the United States continue to stock store shelves with uncountable items containing this ingredient, because petrolatum is an inexpensive addition to cosmetics that guarantees prolonged shelf life.
White petrolatum, or soft paraffin, as used in petroleum jelly (most prominently known as Vaseline), baby oil (mineral oil), lip balm, lip gloss, lotions, creams, and hair products, was initially added to cosmetic products for its protectant and healing properties. In recent years, however, petrolatum was found to contain impurities that in prolonged usage may pose a cancer risk in women. Aside from suspected cancer risks, petrolatum is also feared to exhibit a suffocating effect on the skin.
When applied in jelly or lotion form, the petrolatum remains on the skin’s surface, potentially blocking pores and preventing toxins from escaping while hindering the skin’s absorption of oxygen. Oxygen deficiency may then cause skin cells to die, bringing about signs of premature aging.
These findings should not be particularly shocking considering the petrolatum is derived from petroleum, which in turn is used to produce gasoline. But is it rational to decry the common usage of products like petroleum jelly if a direct link between petrolatum and cancer is amiss?
Apparently, the health risk stems from carcinogenic chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (or PAHs) that are typically found in crude oils, such as petroleum, if the oil is not sufficiently refined. PAHs are otherwise commonly found in coal, tar, or oil residue resulting from fuel burning. Some breast cancer patients have shown traces of PAHs in mutated DNA and cancerous tissue.
The debate on whether products containing petrolatum are safe to use or whether claims of health concerns are valid will likely continue until the results of more thorough studies are available. Needless to say, before you buy, check the ingredients label on your beauty product and think twice about purchasing an item that might not be safe to use. Cosmetics can be costly and there is simply no need to overpay for an item that contains an additive creating a potential health hazard. If the prospect of a possible carcinogenic ingredient makes you nervous, then beware of products that do not provide a comprehensive ingredients listing on the package or container and instead look for items with natural oils derived from plant, vegetable, nut, or seed sources.
