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Can Petroleum jelly can lead to cancer?

Its is a byproduct of the oil refining process. This means it is not sustainable or eco-friendly, and is found in the bottom of oil rigs then further refined for use in the beauty industry. According to packaging and safety info, all of the harmful components are removed before use in beauty or personal care products, but some sources argue that it still contains some harmful components (like hydrocarbons).

Harmful Hydrocarbons

A 2011 study found:

There is strong evidence that mineral oil hydrocarbons are the greatest contaminant of the human body, amounting to approximately 1 g per person. Possible routes of contamination include air inhalation, food intake, and dermal absorption.

This study  evaluated both the long term storage potential of these hydrocarbons , how they can be passed to a child through breastfeeding and  possible long-term accumulation of these cancer causing hydrocarbons in the body. 

Petroleum based products contain other harmful chemicals like 1,4 dioxane, a known carcinogen found in almost a quarter of all beauty products tested.  There is also potential that it may contribute to other types of cancer because of its estrogenic properties mentioned earlier. 

Additional issues: Collagen Breakdown causes wrinkles

Because of the barrier that mineral oil/petroleum jelly creates on the skin, there is also some concern about its potential to cause collagen breakdown (which is the opposite of what most women want!).

This can slow the cell renewal process and cause the skin to pull the necessary moisture and nutrients from within, leading to collagen breakdown over time (aka wrinkles!).

Try using Shea Butter,  Jojoba, Coconut oil or Cocoa Butter instead.


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