Vaseline and ‘Toxic’ Claim: What Experts and Regulators Actually Say

A number of social media posts claim that Vaseline is “toxic” and carcinogenic. Because the product is widely used as a skin protectant, these claims have gained attention online. However, our investigation finds that they misrepresent how cosmetic- and pharmaceutical-grade petrolatum is regulated and used.

Social Media Posts 

Social media posts say Vaseline (petroleum jelly) is “toxic” and loaded with carcinogens, trapping dirt and bacteria on the skin. It further says Vaseline doesn’t do any good for the skin and further says polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are included in vaccines and are considered the main carcinogenic component. And the video suggests that substitutes for Vaseline are beef tallow, coconut oil, shea butter, and olive oil.

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We decided to do a fact check on this.

Fact Check 

Claim 1: Is the claim that “Vaseline is toxic” accurate, or is properly refined petroleum jelly recognized as safe by regulators like the FDA?

The main ingredient in original Vaseline Petroleum Jelly is petrolatum, a mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. Other ingredients vary by product, but many formulas also include components like various fragrances and preservatives. 

FDA and OTC use: The U.S. FDA classifies white petrolatum as a recognized safe and effective over-the-counter (OTC) skin protectant active ingredient under 21 CFR Part 347 (see here). This means it meets purity and safety standards for topical use. It is also permitted in food‑contact applications, which implies high purity.

EU and other regulators: EU cosmetics laws allow only petrolatum from non‑toxic feedstocks. If such proof is lacking, the product cannot be sold. Similarly, Health Canada requires pharmaceutical‑grade petrolatum for consumer products. In summary, global regulators recognize Vaseline-style petrolatum as safe when properly refined.

Claim 2: Does most Petroleum jelly Contain Carcinogenic polyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or is this risk limited to inadequately refined non pharmaceutical grades ? 

Claims that “most petroleum jelly” contains cancer-causing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) stem from the fact that crude petroleum can have PAHs. The key is refinement. Cosmetic and pharmaceutical petrolatum is highly refined to remove these impurities. A Canadian toxicology review tested 20 petrolatum products and found nearly all had undetectable or extremely low PAH levels .More details can be read here 

International expert groups agree: refined petrolatum has essentially no carcinogenic effect. The IARC explicitly noted that “class 5 (refined) petrolatum” showed no evidence of cancer risk in studies . Only untreated or mildly treated oils, not pharmaceutical‑grade petrolatum, were classified as carcinogenic. The European Commission’s own regulation emphasizes that if the source oil had any carcinogenic PAHs, that petrolatum batch is excluded from cosmetics use . 

Claim 3: Does Vaseline lock in moisture and does not directly moisturize the skin while also potentially trapping dirt, oil and bacteria on the skin ? 

Vaseline works as an occlusive moisturizer, meaning it forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface. This barrier helps prevent transepidermal water loss and keeps existing moisture sealed in. While it does not directly hydrate the skin, it supports the skin barrier and helps maintain softness and elasticity. (Source)

When used on clean skin, Vaseline does not trap bacteria or cause acne. Studies and dermatology reviews confirm that petrolatum itself is inert and non-comedogenic; any irritation usually results from applying it over unclean skin or pre-existing breakouts. In medical settings, petrolatum is even used to keep wounds moist and to protect healing tissue from external irritants. (Source)

Claim 4: Are substitutes like beef tallow, coconut oil, shea butter, or olive oil safer or more beneficial for skin than petroleum jelly ?

Many social posts tout “natural” alternatives as superior to petroleum jelly. In reality,  each option has pros and cons, and none are universally better.

Beef Tallow: Proponents claim it contains skin‑friendly fats and vitamins. It does share some lipid types with human skin and may form a moisture‑locking barrier . However, as experts emphasize, clinical evidence is very limited . A recent review found that while tallow can hydrate, the optimal formulation is unclear and “short or long‑term negative side effects of beef tallow are unknown” Beef tallow remains a novel, unproven trend , not a guaranteed healthier choice. More details can be read here

Coconut oil: Coconut  is a plant fat with saturated fatty acids (lauric acid). It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit eczema and barrier repair. Indeed, a pediatric trial showed virgin coconut oil outperformed mineral oil for improving eczema in children . Other studies find coconut oil can increase skin moisture and reduce eczema symptoms . However, coconut oil is highly comedogenic – it is known to clog pores. Dermatologists warn that coconut oil “can easily clog pores and cause blackheads” . Healthline likewise notes coconut oil is an emollient (hydrating) but not occlusive, meaning it won’t seal moisture as completely as Vaseline .

Shea butter: This plant butter is rich in fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants. It’s solid at room temperature and melts on skin. Dermatologists note shea butter is anti-inflammatory and moisturizing. A clinical study found shea butter actually reduced eczema symptoms better than petroleum jelly . It lubricates and forms a barrier much like an occlusive cream. However, shea butter can also be comedogenic for some

Olive oil: A commonly available oil with monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Studies show extra virgin olive oil can improve skin hydration and even skin renewal, but petrolatum still reduces water loss better More details can be read here

Conclusion  

Properly refined Vaseline is not toxic and does not inherently carry a high cancer risk. It works simply by forming a moisture‑locking barrier. The social media claim misrepresents the facts: it confuses crude oil with the purified petroleum jelly sold as Vaseline. Scientific studies and dermatology reviews consistently find that petrolatum is an effective, inexpensive skin protectant used safely for decades. Natural alternatives (tallow, coconut, shea, olive) can sometimes moisturize and have their own benefits, but they also have downsides (pore‑clogging, allergies, spoilage) and lack the regulatory safeguards of cosmetic-grade petrolatum. In short, experts conclude that a branded petroleum jelly remains a trusted staple for sealing in moisture, and there’s no evidence that it is “toxic” when used as directed.