When it comes to skincare, we all want products that work—whether it’s to heal dry skin, soften lips, or lock in moisture. But have you ever stopped to think about what’s actually in the products you’re using? Many of the go-to items in our routines, like petroleum jelly, come from crude oil. Yes, the same stuff used to make gasoline. While they’re affordable and easy to find, they may not be the best choice for your skin—or the planet. Let’s break it down and explore why natural ingredients are the better option.
 
What’s the Deal with Petroleum-Based Products?
Petroleum-based products, like mineral oil, petrolatum (petroleum jelly), and paraffin, have been used for decades. They create a barrier on your skin that locks in moisture, which is why they’re so popular in lip balms, moisturizers, and healing ointments. Vaseline, for example, was discovered in 1859 when workers noticed it helped protect against cuts and burns. Sounds great, right? The problem is, these products don’t actually nourish your skin. They just sit on top, sealing everything in—including dirt and bacteria. Over time, this can clog pores and make issues like acne worse. Plus, while most products are purified, some cheaper or unregulated options might contain trace chemicals that aren’t beneficial for you in the long run.
 
What About the Environment?
Here’s the kicker: petroleum-based products aren’t just bad for your skin—they’re rough on the environment too. Extracting crude oil and refining it into usable ingredients is energy-intensive and polluting. Oil spills, habitat destruction, and greenhouse gas emissions are all part of the process. And that’s not all. These products aren’t biodegradable, which means they can linger in the environment for years. When you rinse them off, they can end up in waterways, potentially harming aquatic life. If we’re being honest, that’s a lot of damage for something that’s supposed to make us feel good about ourselves.
 
Why Natural Ingredients Are Healthier
Luckily, nature gives us plenty of amazing alternatives! Plant-based ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, almond oil, and jojoba oil don’t just sit on your skin—they actually nourish it. They’re packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids that help your skin stay healthy, hydrated, and glowing. For example, shea butter not only moisturizes but also soothes irritation and promotes healing. If you’re open to animal-based products, options like beeswax, honey, emu oil and lanolin are also excellent. They’re super effective at locking in moisture while providing nutrients your skin can actually use. And the best part? These ingredients are biodegradable and often come from renewable sources. By choosing natural, you’re not only doing your skin a favor—you’re also helping the planet.
 
The Bottom Line
While products like petroleum jelly have been around forever, they might not be the healthiest or most eco-friendly option. If you care about your skin and the environment, you might want to consider switching to natural, plant-based alternatives. These ingredients provide nourishment and hydration without the potential drawbacks of petroleum-derived products. Choosing natural options not only promotes healthier, more radiant skin but also aligns with a commitment to environmental responsibility. The difference can be both significant and lasting.
 
Ann Maez, January 23, 2025
Independent researcher, Author