Do you have a moment to learn about Petroleum in skincare and how it affects your skin?

Rather than focusing on explaining why this ingredient is bad for your skin like the green/ organic industry does, I am going to explain why Petroleum is an ingredient used in skincare and why it potentially shouldn't be used. After learning the pros and cons of using petrol based skincare, it can be your call whether you want to use it or not.

Why does the skincare industry use Petroleum?

The first reason is history. Older skincare products usually used paraffin liquid base cream, and they haven’t changed the formula ever since.

Secondly is price. Paraffinium liquidum is a cheap ingredient that when mixed with water turns into a cream, an emulsion.

On the positive side, the substance doesn’t cause a reaction from the skin. Skincare companies do not want their products to cause a reaction on their customers’ skin and want their products to be suitable for everyone.

Petroleum also works as a barrier. It sits on top of the skin, doesn’t let any water out and it helps keep the moisture in the skin. At the same time that keeping the water in the skin might be seen as a good thing, those who suffer from acne, blackheads, and pimples, putting this ingredient on the skin is not a good idea. 

Another negative point is that there has been scientific proof that the human body doesn’t metabolise petroleum very well. This substance has been found even in human baby milk.

Learn more about Petroleum in skincare below: