Drugs

Vaseline imposes Cancer Risk? Uses, Side Effects & Ingredients

Author Bowtie Team

Updated on 2025-07-28

Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.

Wondering what Vaseline really is and if it could cause cancer? Dive into this guide where the Bowtie team breaks down proper usage, benefits, potential side effects, ingredients, and busts common myths for smarter skincare choices.

What is Vaseline?

Vaseline is a famous brand of petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly is a mixture of natural waxes and mineral oils, primarily composed of paraffin and hydrocarbons, which locks in moisture to the skin, helping treat dryness.

10 Uses and Benefits of Vaseline

Vaseline offers a multitude of functions in skincare and treatment. Here are some of its most notable uses ^1,2,4,5 :

Moisturizing: Vaseline keeps drier areas hydrated, such as the skin on elbows and heels.
Treating Burns: For minor burns, Vaseline maintains skin moisture to aid the healing process. It’s generally recommended to apply it to the affected area three to four times a day until healed.
Anti-Inflammatory: Vaseline is hypoallergenic with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Relieving Eczema: Vaseline’s moisturizing effects can alleviate itching, flaking, and inflammation in eczema sufferers. After showering or bathing, apply the ointment immediately, cover the area with gauze dampened in warm water, and wrap with food-grade cling film. Leave the dressing on for a few hours or overnight.
Treating Hemorrhoids: For hemorrhoid sufferers, applying Vaseline inside the anus can reduce pain during bowel movements, but note that this isn’t a cure for hemorrhoids.
Pet Paw Care: If your pet’s paws are cracked and causing discomfort, clean and dry them, then apply a small amount of Vaseline. Avoid over-applying, as pets might lick their paws, and ingesting too much could lead to stomach upset.
Preventing Diaper Rash: Vaseline can reduce the chance of diaper rash in babies. After cleaning and towel-drying the skin, apply Vaseline to create a protective barrier that shields against rashes.
Removing Eye Makeup: Oil is effective for makeup removal, and according to a study on ocular ultrasound, Vaseline is safe for use around the eyes. Close your eyes and gently press with a cotton pad to remove eye makeup.
Repairing Split Ends: Rub a small amount of Vaseline between your palms and apply to the ends of your hair to reduce split ends.
Preventing Stains from Hair Dye or Nail Polish: When dyeing hair, apply Vaseline along the hairline to prevent the dye from staining the skin. You can use the same method when painting nails.

4 Potential Side Effects of Vaseline

While Vaseline is generally safe to use, it’s not without potential side effects. These may include ^2,5 :

Allergies: Some people are sensitive to petroleum-derived products and may experience allergic reactions, leading to skin irritation and adverse effects.
Infections: Applying Vaseline to skin that’s not dry or properly cleaned could lead to fungal or bacterial infections.
Inhalation Risks: Consult a doctor before using Vaseline on the nose, especially for children. Inhaling Vaseline could cause aspiration pneumonia.
Clogged Pores: Some people may experience skin issues after using Vaseline. Ensure your skin is properly cleaned before applying to reduce the risk of breakouts.

Is Vaseline Lip Balm Carcinogenic?

In recent years, many lip balms have been found to contain high levels of carcinogenic mineral oil substances (such as MOSH and MOAH). If swallowed, some may accumulate in the body. If the ingredient list includes mineral oil components like petrolatum, mineral oil, polyethylene, or polybutene—and these are among the top 3 ingredients—the product is more likely to have high MOSH levels and possibly MOAH too. So, it’s best to avoid lip balms with these ingredients. The Hong Kong Consumer Council’s test revealed that “Kiehl’s” and “Vaseline” had MOAH totals of 3.7% and 4.5% respectively ³ .

Common Questions on Vaseline

Is Vaseline Effective for Athlete’s Foot?

While Vaseline can moisturize the skin, it doesn’t fight fungi. In fact, using Vaseline or other moisturizers might do more harm than good. Keep your feet dry and clean, wear fresh, dry socks, and try over-the-counter meds to slow down fungal growth.

Does Vaseline Help with Dyshidrotic Eczema?

Vaseline can hydrate the skin, helping to prevent and soothe dyshidrotic eczema flare-ups ⁶ .

Is Vaseline Useful for Acne?

Vaseline has anti-inflammatory properties that might reduce redness, but it can clog pores and won’t actually cure acne ⁵ .

Can Vaseline Remove Blackheads?

Some claim that applying Vaseline to blackheads and wrapping with cling film can remove stubborn ones, but if it’s not pure Vaseline, it might clog pores. Plus, over-squeezing can lead to inflammation, other skin issues, or even scars ^4,5 .

Can Vaseline Be Used for Leather Care?

Vaseline adds a waterproof layer to leather, moisturizing and softening stiff areas to prevent drying, cracking, and flaking. It also blocks water and dirt from penetrating. Plus, it enhances the color, keeps leather clean and shiny, removes dust and grime from fibers, replenishes lost oils, and helps fade minor scratches and scuffs.

References

Author

Bowtie Team

The Bowtie Life Insurance Company Limited is an authorized life insurance company and Hong Kong’s very first virtual insurer approved. Through the use of modern technology and medical expertise, Bowtie offers an agent-free, commission-free and more convenient online platform for customers to quote, apply and claim for Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) anytime anywhere. Bowtie is ranked first in the direct channel sales throughout 2021. Stay up to date at www.bowtie.com.hk