Hidden Carcinogenic PAHs in Lip Balm, Lipstick, Mascara & Baby Ointment

If you are reading this post, I am assuming that you are on a journey of better living, and as part of that you have began reading the labels on your personal care products. I am thrilled that you have chosen to look into what you are placing on your skin, your lips and your whole body because your skin is a semi-impermeable organ and we know that a high ratio of what you are placing on your skin, you are absorbing right into your bloodstream, and therefore delivering to all your vital organs.

Petrolatum, Petroleum Jelly, and Mineral Oil

Are you familiar with the ingredients petrolatum, paraffin wax, mineral oil or petroleum jelly (AKA Vaseline)? These cosmetic ingredients are byproducts of petroleum or what you might know as fossil fuels. You might have heard the bad rep that mineral oil has gotten since we know that it is associated with clogged pores and causing allergic reactions. We know that it creates a plastic like barrier on the skin and has addictive properties. Over time the skin learns to stop producing sebum (oil) on it's own. The skin therefore becomes reliant on mineral oil. For all of these reasons, I stay away from mineral oil and petrolatum, however there is a much more serious concern about these ingredients that you must know... They can be contaminated with PAHs.

What are Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs):

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are are a group of more than 100 different chemicals that are released from burning coal, oil, gasoline, trash, tobacco, wood, or other organic substances such as charcoal-broiled meat, (National Library of Medicine).

Petrolatum, mineral oil and all petroleum derivatives can be contaminated with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) during the manufacturing process. Studies show that exposure to PAHs are associated with cancer. The European Union classifies petroleum as a carcinogen and restricts it's use in cosmetics. PAHs can also cause skin irritation and allergies as well (David Suzuki Foundation: Petroleum).

The Environmental Working Group rates PAHs as a 9/10 on the HAZARD SCORE admitting they have robust research backing the data. You can read all of the list of resources and details here. Or check out the chart below:

According to The Environmental Working Group petrolatum is in 1 of every 14 cosmetic products on the market, and it is in 15% of lipsticks, and 40% of baby lotions and oils. Due to the potential contamination of PAH's, EWG gives petrolatum a moderate hazard score.

A study published in Pediatrics in 2000 found that extremely low birth weight infants treated with petroleum jelly were more likely to develop systemic candidiasis (fungal infections). It created a warm moist place for fungi to grow.

Why do people still use mineral oil and petroleum jelly?

Dermatologists and Pharmacists often still suggest these skin treatments for people who have skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. They create the strongest physical barrier on the skin and believe that the skin can heal more optimally while protected.

How To Protect Sensitive Skin

My favourite way to protect sensitive skin is to nourish the skin daily, and if needed, treat it with nutrition: 100% natural, cold pressed, organic E-Cream. I love that this Canadian organic product sources it's beeswax from a 3 generation organic bee farmer is used to help lock moisture into the skin, and includes gentle anti-inflammatories and herbs to soothe irritation. The skin also requires important minerals to help strengthen cell walls as the skin heals/replenishes. Skin Essence has done such a beautiful job in this blend, to provide the skin with all of it's vital minerals, to naturally strengthen weak skin. I enjoy the Tropical Tradition Sun Lotion as a hand and body moisturizer as well. You can also blend your own simple healthy hand and body lotions and lip balms with healthier emollient's. Here are some recipes: Lip Balm, Body Butter.