The Green Beauty Guide

Vaseline (soft paraffin) is claimed to be the ultimate baby skin care essential that has been trusted by moms for almost 150 years. Midwives, hospital nurses, doulas, and well-meaning relatives faithfully use Vaseline for everything from diaper rash and sticky eyes to cradle cap and teething pain. Vaseline Baby (which is the same Vaseline plus a synthetic powdery fragrance) claims to solve all diapering needs, except for providing clean diapers. According to the packaging, it “protects chafed skin due to diaper rash, seals out wetness, treats and prevents diaper rash.” Considering that Vaseline is a cheap petroleum derivative, it may sound like an economical solution to all new moms’ woes. But is it really safe and effective?

            As a cosmetic ingredient, mineral oil is considered to be highly comedogenic since it blocks pores and forms a waterproof and airtight film on the skin’s surface, obstructing its natural ability to perspire and expel toxins. In fact, Vaseline is the only cream that ensures a 100 percent barrier! Mineral oil has a sealing effect on skin irritations, preventing germs and moisture from getting into the sore area. At the same time, it doesn’t allow any anti-inflammatory and soothing substances to enter the area of inflammation. This way, Vaseline doesn’t hurt, but it doesn’t heal, either.

          Mineral oil is considered to be nontoxic because it is not absorbed by the skin. Yet, according to a 2008 study, mineral paraffin might be the largest contaminant in our body, widely amounting to 1 g (.032 ounces) per person and reaching 10 grams  (approximately .3 ounces) in extreme cases. (Mineral oil paraffins in human body fat and milk. Concin N, Hofstetter G et al. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2008 Feb; 46(2):544-52.)

            Scientists note that most paraffin comes into our bodies from food, but babies ingest up to 1 percent of mineral oil from moms. Plus, babies often consume mineral oil from breast care products, such as balms and salves during breast-feeding. Sometimes babies can swallow up to 1.5  g petroleum jelly a day! However, there have been no studies determining the safe level of petroleum jelly consumption in children. Until science knows more, it makes good sense to use plant oil–based nipple creams when you breast-feed.

            It also appears that plant oils have yet another benefit over Vaseline. During a unique Indian study in 2005, premature babies were given a massage with either Vaseline or pure coconut oil. By the end of the study period, babies who were massaged with coconut oil gained more weight and were growing faster than the ones who were massaged with Vaseline. Consider this the next time you are choosing your baby’s moisturizer or diaper cream.