Petrolatum Products
The Bottom Line
Petrolatum is a common household product used in many medicated ointments. It is also used as a moisturizer. Petrolatum is generally considered nontoxic when consumed but should not be applied to the eye or within the nose due to risk of irritation or other side effects.
What is petrolatum, the ingredient in Vaseline and Aquaphor?
Petrolatum is an emollient that is the main ingredient in products such as Aquaphor and Vaseline. Petrolatum also serves as a base for medications, such as topical antibiotics, to help carry the active ingredient into the skin. Emollients moisturize the skin by forming an oily layer that traps moisture in the skin. Petrolatum products can be used to prevent and treat dry skin and chafing, for basic wound care, and to treat diaper rash.
Can you use petrolatum on the lips and face?
Petrolatum products such as Vaseline can be used on the lips as a moisturizer. In fact, there are some petrolatum-based products that are available in small tubes specially meant for lip application. Petrolatum can be used on the face, but sometimes it can clog pores and lead to pimple development. Rarely, some individuals can develop minor skin irritation after petrolatum use. Because it is possible to accidentally inhale petrolatum into the lungs from the nose, petrolatum application in the nose should be avoided.
Can you put petrolatum products in the eye?
Petrolatum products can be used around the eye because they are generally not irritating, but it is important to note that petrolatum may cause skin irritation in this area because the skin around the eye is quite sensitive. In addition, while some eye ointments do contain petrolatum, these products are meant specifically for ophthalmologic use and are held to higher standards of sterility than ointments used on other areas of the body. For this reason, petrolatum products can be used around the eye but should not be applied into the eye itself, unless the product is meant specifically for the eye. If petrolatum accidentally gets in the eye, irrigate the eye with comfortable temperature tap water for 15-20 minutes.
Can you put petrolatum on burns and other wounds?
Petrolatum products can be applied safely to minor cuts and burns after the wound has been initially cleansed. Petrolatum products can help keep injured skin from drying out and forming scabs that can prolong healing and lead to scar formation. If a wound or cut is large and deep or appears infected (with redness or drainage), seek medical attention before applying petrolatum to the wound. In addition, burns that involve sensitive areas of the body (hands, face, genital area) should be evaluated by a health care professional prior to applying petrolatum. People who are undergoing radiation treatment for cancer and have radiation burns should speak with their radiation oncology doctor before applying petrolatum to the burned area. It is also very important to avoid using petrolatum products while smoking or near flames, as these products are flammable and may cause burns.
Can you use petrolatum products on tattoos?
There is little information known about whether petrolatum can be used safely on newer tattoos. The manufacturer of Vaseline suggests that the product is safe on tattoos and can help prevent drying out of the skin around a new tattoo. At the same time, some tattoo professionals say that applying petrolatum can trap dirt within a tattoo, leading to infection. Also, some tattoo professionals believe that tattoos need air in order to heal properly. Individuals with tattoos should ask a tattoo professional about specific recommendations for tattoo aftercare. Application of petrolatum products to older or healed tattoos is unlikely to cause harm.
Are petrolatum products toxic?
Petrolatum products are generally not toxic when swallowed. However, because these products are thick and greasy, people can choke on them when they are swallowed.
Do petrolatum products expire?
There are no active ingredients in petrolatum products, and product quality can remain stable for a long time. Expired petrolatum products are generally not harmful but should be discarded if they have an abnormal color, odor, or consistency. In addition, touching the inside of a petrolatum ointment container can contaminate the product with germs and dirt. Any product that appears to be contaminated should be discarded immediately.
Do petrolatum products cause cancer?
Unrefined (unprocessed) petrolatum products that are used in manufacturing and industry contain impurities that may be associated with cancer development. Petrolatum products that are meant for human application are refined, meaning these impurities have been removed and there is minimal risk of cancer.
What should I do if a petrolatum product makes me sick?
If someone chokes or has difficulty breathing after swallowing a petrolatum product, call 911 for immediate assistance. For other unwanted or unexpected events related to use of petrolatum products, contact Poison Control online at www.poison.org and by phone at 1-800-222-1222.. Both options are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
Maryann Amirshahi, PharmD, MD, MPH, PhD
Medical Toxicologist
Poisoned?
Call 1-800-222-1222 or
Prevention Tips
- Keep petrolatum products out of the reach of children.
- Wash your hands prior to touching the inside of a jar of petrolatum.
- Seek medical care before applying petrolatum to deep and large cuts, significant burns, and infected wounds.
- Discuss aftercare instructions for new tattoos with your tattoo professional.
This Really Happened
Case #1: A 3-year-old boy swallowed a taste of Vaseline that was on his diaper changing table. He had a brief choking episode and spit it out, but had no other problems. His mother called Poison Control and was advised to monitor him at home.
Case #2: A 9-year-old pug swallowed a portion of a tub of Aquaphor being used for a baby’s diaper rash. He had two episodes of diarrhea but experienced no other problems.
Case #3: A 27-year-old woman applied Vaseline around her eye due to chronic blepharitis (inflammation of the skin at the base of the eyelash). She accidentally got some Vaseline into her eye and developed blurry vision and eye irritation. She called Poison Control and was instructed to rinse the eye with room temperature water for 15 minutes. Her symptoms resolved within an hour.
For More Information
American Academy of Dermatology. Five ways to use petrolatum for skincare.
References
Poisoned?
Call 1-800-222-1222 or
Prevention Tips
- Keep petrolatum products out of the reach of children.
- Wash your hands prior to touching the inside of a jar of petrolatum.
- Seek medical care before applying petrolatum to deep and large cuts, significant burns, and infected wounds.
- Discuss aftercare instructions for new tattoos with your tattoo professional.
This Really Happened
Case #1: A 3-year-old boy swallowed a taste of Vaseline that was on his diaper changing table. He had a brief choking episode and spit it out, but had no other problems. His mother called Poison Control and was advised to monitor him at home.
Case #2: A 9-year-old pug swallowed a portion of a tub of Aquaphor being used for a baby’s diaper rash. He had two episodes of diarrhea but experienced no other problems.
Case #3: A 27-year-old woman applied Vaseline around her eye due to chronic blepharitis (inflammation of the skin at the base of the eyelash). She accidentally got some Vaseline into her eye and developed blurry vision and eye irritation. She called Poison Control and was instructed to rinse the eye with room temperature water for 15 minutes. Her symptoms resolved within an hour.