Petrolatum(in 8,554 products)
Potential Risk Index®:
About:
Functions:
1. Antistatic Agent - Reduces or eliminates the build up of static electricity.
2. Bulking Agent - Non-nutritious or inactive substances added to increase stability of the mixture.
3. Emollient - Softens and soothes the skin. Helps with skin conditioning.
4. Occlusive (Cosmetics) - Forms a protective layer to retain skin hydration
A semisolid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum can also be called petroleum jelly or mineral jelly. [1]
Recent Findings:
The full context of the CosIng Annex 2 ruling on "Petrolatum" is that it belongs on the list except if the full refining history is known and it can be shown that the substance from which it is produced is not a carcinogen.
Petrolatum is fairly benign, and concerns of its carcinogenicity arise from toxic contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
As petrolatum is also used as a bulking agent and is a core component in many cosmetic products, 1Source presumes that the petrolatum used in those products is fully-refined and contaminant-free.
Scientific References:
1. PubChem: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/170530
Regulatory References:
1. EU CosIng Annex II, SUBSTANCES PROHIBITED IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS [2017]
- Ref: II/904
2. Canada List of Permitted Food Additives
- List 8 - Petrolatum
Safety and Hazards (UN GHS):
1. Causes skin irritation (H315)
2. Causes serious eye irritation (H319)
3. May cause respiratory irritation (H335)
4. May cause cancer (H350)
Potential Health Concerns For:
1. Pneumonia, Lipid (PubMed ID:18765715)
User Comments:
Submit
