Why You Might Want to Rethink Petroleum-Based Products (and What to Use Instead)

Petroleum in Your Products: What’s the Big Deal?

Petroleum sounds like something for your car, not your body—but it hides in everyday products like lotions, lip balms, shampoos, and even baby oil. Ingredients such as mineral oil, petrolatum, and paraffin all come from crude oil.

While refined versions are considered “safe,” they don’t align with low-tox living. Once you understand where they come from, how they’re processed, and what they might contain, it’s easy to see why skipping them is a better choice for both you and the planet.

1. Hidden Contaminants and Refining Concerns

Petroleum derivatives used in personal care—like mineral oil, petrolatum, and paraffin—can contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as contaminants from the refining process. Some PAHs are known carcinogens, which is why their presence in cosmetics raises concern.

The problem is, you can’t tell from a label whether an ingredient is free of PAHs. The purity depends entirely on how it was refined, and not all companies are transparent about their process.

In the U.S., cosmetic-grade mineral oil and petrolatum are expected to be “highly refined,” but there’s no independent pre-market testing to prove that they’re free of PAHs. In contrast, the European Union and Japan require stricter documentation to confirm purity before products reach consumers.

If you see labels that specify “white mineral oil” or “highly refined USP-grade petrolatum,” that’s a sign the ingredient has gone through additional purification. However, unless a brand provides third-party lab testing or certifications, it’s impossible to know with certainty.

Clean tip: Look for products that carry certifications such as MADE SAFE, EWG Verified, or USDA Organic, or brands that publish their Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) or lab results. These are good indicators that the product has been tested for contaminants like PAHs.

2. What Petroleum-Based Ingredients Do

For your skin:
Mineral oil and petrolatum create a film that traps moisture, but they also block pores and prevent the skin from naturally releasing toxins. Your skin might feel soft, but it’s not actually being nourished. Over time, this can alter your skin’s microbiome and make dryness or breakouts worse.

For your health:
Researchers have found mineral oil hydrocarbons in human fat tissue and breast milk, showing that some of these compounds can build up in the body over time. Although studies are ongoing, the idea that petroleum residues can accumulate is enough for many people to choose cleaner alternatives.

For the planet:
Petroleum is a non-renewable resource. Refining it releases pollutants, and the finished ingredients aren’t biodegradable. Every time we wash them off, they linger in waterways and soil. Choosing plant-based formulas reduces your exposure and supports a healthier planet.

3. How to Spot Petroleum on Labels

Avoid products that list:

• Mineral oil

• Petrolatum

• Paraffin

• Microcrystalline wax

• PEGs or ingredients ending in “-eth”

If a product contains one of these and the brand doesn’t clearly state that it’s highly refined, tested for PAHs, or certified clean, it’s safest to skip it.

Look for brands that are transparent about sourcing and testing or carry third-party certifications like EWG Verified or MADE SAFE, which screen for petroleum derivatives and related contaminants.

4. Low-Tox Swaps That Actually Work

When you swap out petroleum ingredients, look for these plant-powered alternatives:

• Shea or cocoa butter – deep, vitamin-rich hydration

• Coconut, jojoba, or sunflower oil – mimic your skin’s natural sebum

• Beeswax or carnauba wax – seal in moisture without clogging pores

• Squalane (from olives or sugarcane) – lightweight, vegan, and silky

These natural alternatives offer real nutrients that support your skin barrier and overall health while helping you avoid petroleum-related contaminants.

You can also explore low-tox skincare directly in my Low-Tox Marketplace.
I’ve curated skincare formulated without petroleum, synthetic fragrance, or harsh preservatives. Every item is vetted for transparency, sustainability, and ingredient integrity—so you can shop confidently and bring cleaner living into your home.

Final Thoughts

Petroleum-based ingredients might make products feel smooth, but they don’t actually support healthy skin or a sustainable planet. Without clear transparency around refining and testing, you can’t know whether they contain PAHs or other residual contaminants.

When you know better, you can choose better, and I’m here to make that easier.

Explore Feather & Nest’s Low-Tox Marketplace

Ready to replace your mineral-oil moisturizer or petrolatum-based lip balm?
Visit the Low-Tox Marketplace to explore curated products that meet my ingredient standards, no hidden harmful fragrances, petroleum, or unnecessary additives.

You’ll find clean beauty, safer home essentials, air purifiers, and kid-friendly swaps, all vetted to help you live a healthier, low-tox life.