The question of whether petrolatum, widely known as petroleum jelly, is safe to use during pregnancy is a common concern for expectant parents. Petrolatum is a highly effective, semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons used for over a century in personal care products to moisturize and protect the skin. Concerns often arise because of its origin and the potential for impurities. The safety of petrolatum depends almost entirely on its level of refinement, which determines the presence or absence of certain contaminants. This article will explore the nature of petrolatum, the source of safety worries, and the current medical consensus on its use for pregnant individuals.
Understanding Petrolatum
Petrolatum is a mixture of mineral oils and waxes derived from crude oil, a byproduct of the petroleum refining process. Its primary function in skincare is as an occlusive agent, meaning it forms a protective, water-repellent barrier on the skin’s surface. This barrier effectively slows down the natural evaporation of water from the skin, a process known as transepidermal water loss. The resulting moisture retention makes petrolatum highly effective at soothing dry, chapped, or irritated skin.
Extensive processing is required before the material is deemed safe for cosmetic and pharmaceutical use. Refinement removes impurities and transforms the raw substance into the white, odorless, and tasteless product found in regulated consumer goods. Cosmetic and medical-grade petrolatum must meet strict purity standards, such as those established by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) or the European Pharmacopoeia (EP). These standards ensure the final product is a highly purified mixture suitable for topical application.
Addressing Common Safety Concerns
The main source of consumer concern regarding petrolatum is the potential presence of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) if the product is not fully refined. PAHs are a class of compounds found naturally in crude oil that are known to be carcinogenic and mutagenic. Unrefined or poorly refined petrolatum may retain trace amounts of these contaminants, which can be absorbed through the skin. This worry is particularly heightened during pregnancy due to the desire to limit fetal exposure to potentially harmful substances.
The theoretical concern is that systemic absorption of PAHs from topical products could pose a risk, although this is primarily linked to unrefined grades. Some non-regulatory bodies recommend avoiding petrolatum because the complete refining history of every product is not always transparently disclosed. The classification of PAHs as reasonably anticipated human carcinogens by organizations like the National Toxicology Program highlights the importance of using only highly purified grades.
Current Medical Consensus on Pregnancy Safety
Medical and regulatory bodies worldwide consider highly refined, cosmetic-grade petrolatum safe for topical use during pregnancy. The distinction between industrial and pharmaceutical-grade petrolatum is the basis for its safety profile. In the United States, petrolatum used in skin protectants must be of a quality that eliminates health concerns associated with unrefined products.
The primary scientific reason for its safety is its large molecular structure, which prevents significant absorption through the skin into the bloodstream. Petrolatum acts almost entirely on the outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, creating a surface barrier rather than penetrating deeply. Because of this limited transdermal absorption, it is highly unlikely that the compound, even if contaminated, would reach the placenta or the developing fetus. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes petrolatum as an approved over-the-counter skin protectant, and there is no evidence suggesting that USP-grade petrolatum causes reproductive toxicity or adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Practical Use and Alternative Moisturizers
Pregnant individuals who choose to use petrolatum-containing products should look for specific labeling to ensure the highest level of purity. Products labeled with “White Petrolatum USP” or “White Petrolatum BP” confirm the ingredient meets the stringent purity requirements set by pharmacopeial standards. This labeling indicates the petrolatum has been rigorously refined to remove PAHs and other impurities, making it acceptable for use.
If a pregnant person prefers to avoid petrolatum, there are several effective, naturally derived alternatives that also provide occlusive and moisturizing benefits. Natural butters and oils like shea butter, cocoa butter, and coconut oil function similarly by creating a protective layer on the skin. Other popular alternatives include beeswax, lanolin, and various botanical oils, which can help maintain skin health and combat dryness during pregnancy.