Is Petrolatum (Vaseline) Safe for Skin? Essential Facts You Need to Know
Petrolatum has become one of those skincare ingredients people love to hate. You’ll see “petrolatum-free” splashed across labels, right alongside “clean” and “non-toxic,” as if it’s something we should all be running from.
And yet, my favorite diaper cream is petrolatum-based. So is my go-to lip balm. I even made my own petrolatum diaper cream during the COVID shortages. True story.
So which is it? Is petrolatum a hidden danger we should avoid, or a misunderstood workhorse that’s been quietly protecting skin for generations?
This post breaks down what petrolatum actually is, how it’s made, why dermatologists still rely on it, where legitimate concerns come in, and how to decide, without fear or hype, whether it deserves a place in your skincare routine.