The Dangers of Petrolatum

Petrolatum products like petroleum jelly and mineral oil have been staples in personal care products for decades. However, in recent years, more and more studies about the long-term health effects of petrolatum and petroleum-based ingredients have come to light. Does petrolatum pose a health risk after all?

Why Are Some Consumers Avoiding Petrolatum in Skin Care?

Consumers avoid products in skin and hair care formulations for many reasons. Many people find that petrolatum products are too heavy for their skin or hair, leaving them feeling greasy or weighed down. 

Allergies to petrolatum products are relatively rare, but they can occur.

Some consumers are also concerned about the safety of petrolatum and petroleum-based products, worrying that petroleum could be carcinogenic. 

Can Petrolatum Clog Pores?

Many consumers avoid petroleum because they have heard it can clog pores, but this isn’t strictly true; petrolatum on its own is non-comedogenic. However, because it traps moisture as an occlusive agent, it can also trap dirt, oil, and bacteria, indirectly leading to clogged pores and breakouts. 

Is Petrolatum Safe?

Petrolatum itself is safe when processed correctly. In its pure form, the ingredient has few known concerns. However, because it is a byproduct of the petroleum-making process, petrolatum has a high risk of contamination with other, more dangerous chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). 

Is Petrolatum Bad For You?

When used correctly, high-quality petrolatum is only inherently bad for you if you have a petroleum allergy or sensitivity. However, petrolatum that has not been correctly or adequately refined can pose a health risk to consumers. 

Is Petrolatum Toxic?

Petrolatum is nontoxic when used externally, as directed, and when the manufacturing process has been closely monitored to ensure no cross-contamination with dangerous chemicals. 

Unrefined or adulterated petrolatum, however, can contain toxic chemicals, namely polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Links Between Petrolatum and Cancer

The most significant health concern linked to petrolatum and petroleum ingredients is cross-contamination with carcinogenic chemicals. Studies have shown that people who use unrefined, improperly processed, or contaminated petrolatum products in their skin, hair, or wound care routines have a higher risk of several types of cancer. 

Contamination of petrolatum products is a significant concern for consumers in the United States. The European Union requires that all petrolatum products are closely monitored at every step in the manufacturing process, as this is the only way to ensure cancer-causing chemicals have not contaminated these products. The United States, however, has no such regulations in place. Therefore, it can be difficult for American consumers to determine the purity and safety of products containing petrolatum or petroleum ingredients. 

Using Cannabinoid Compounds to Formulate Cosmetics and Moisturizers Without Petrolatum

Though petrolatum is falling out of favor due to concerns about cross-contamination and environmental ramifications, consumers are still searching for products that help lock in moisture and protect their skin, hair, and minor wounds. Product manufacturers, therefore, need to find an alternative ingredient that performs the same function. 

Hemp-derived cannabis compounds can fill this niche. Synergy Life Science’s line of multifunctional active esters, CannaSol, offers moisturizing and protecting ingredients for formulation into any number of skin and hair care products, allowing your company to bring novel, petrolatum-free products to market. All CannaSol products are nontoxic and tested for safety, and Synergy Life Science’s rigorous protocols ensure the purity and efficacy of every batch. 

CannaSol CB-D Ester is A Safe and Effective Petrolatum Alternative

Synergy Life Science’s Polycannaboate Dicaprylate, or CannaSol CB-D Ester, is particularly well suited to applications where a protective, occlusive moisturizer is needed and is an excellent, safe alternative to petrolatum products. 

CannaSol CB-D is perfect for oil- and water-based systems, availing it to a wide range of applications. It has a refractive index of 1.4823 and triggers 19 genetic pathways to address many skin concerns, such as:

• Acne regulation
• Cell renewal and regeneration
• Epidermal barrier formation
• Extracellular matrix breakdown
• Extracellular matrix integrity
• Melanin regulation
• Pain and inflammation
• Pigmentation
• Skin brightening
• Skin hydration
• Tissue remodeling and integrity
• Wound healing 

Where to Source Cannabinoid Ingredients for Petrolatum-Free Skin Care

Synergy Life Science is the only supplier of CannaSol Active Esters. We have an innovative cannabinoid ingredient suited to virtually any product, and our team of formulation experts is standing by to help your company create your next novel product. Contact us to learn more about CannaSorb CB-D and get started today.