Your medicine cabinet probably has a tub of petroleum jelly sitting somewhere on the shelf. As a pharmacist, I've watched parents reach for it without thinking, slather it on chapped lips, and apply it to dry patches. It's convenient, affordable, and widely available.
But I'm constantly asked: Is it safe? Should I worry about chemicals? Is there something better?
Here's the thing: while petroleum jelly works, it's only part of the picture. If you're looking for a skincare solution that goes beyond just sealing moisture in, plant-based alternatives like Paw Paw balm offer something different. They absorb into your skin and actively nourish, rather than simply creating a barrier on top.
Today, I want to give you a straight answer about what petroleum jelly actually is, how it compares to natural alternatives, and why many Australian families are making the switch to plant-based options.
What Exactly Is Petroleum Jelly?
Petroleum jelly starts as crude oil. The oil undergoes a refinement process that removes potentially harmful compounds. What remains is a purified, odorless, wax-like substance used in pharmacy for over 150 years.
High-quality, pharmaceutical-grade petroleum jelly (labelled USP or BP grade) is highly purified and thoroughly tested. It contains no colours, fragrances, or additives. The difference between pharmacy petrolatum and cheap versions comes down to refinement standards. If you're going to use it, pharmaceutical grade is the only option.
Think of petroleum jelly as a preserved substance. It doesn't spoil, break down, or support bacterial growth. This stability explains its long shelf life and historical use in pharmacies.
According to dermatological research, purified petrolatum is effective at reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that petroleum jelly reduced TEWL by 98% compared to untreated skin.
How Petroleum Jelly Works on Your Skin
Petroleum jelly is an occlusive. It doesn't hydrate your skin the way water does. Instead, it creates a protective barrier, preventing moisture from evaporating. This means it works best on skin that already has hydration to lock in.
When your lips are chapped or your heels are dry, applying petroleum jelly without water underneath is like putting a lid on an empty jar. You need moisture first, then seal it in with the jelly. This is why dermatologists recommend using it after a shower or bath.
For people with eczema or sensitive skin, this occlusive property can be helpful. The barrier it creates protects compromised skin from irritants and reduces the water loss cycle that makes inflammation worse. The National Eczema Association specifically acknowledges petroleum jelly for managing eczema with a compromised skin barrier.
Real Concerns Worth Considering
Pore-clogging: If you have oily skin or prefer non-comedogenic products, petroleum jelly can trap bacteria and oils. The American Academy of Dermatology advises against applying it to skin prone to comedones. For these skin types, a lighter option works better.
Source concerns: Some people feel uneasy about petroleum-derived products. That's a valid value choice. If crude oil derivatives bother you, this matters for your skincare decisions.
Limited benefits: Petroleum jelly is functional. It won't reduce fine lines, brighten dull skin, or actively nourish the way plant oils can. It does one thing: create a moisture barrier.
Residue: It's thick and greasy. Too much feels uncomfortable and stains clothes. Getting the amount right takes practice.
Petroleum Jelly vs. Natural Plant-Based Alternatives
Organic Paw Paw balm, like what we formulate at Natralus, works differently from petroleum jelly. Paw Paw contains natural enzymes (particularly papain) and a rich profile of vitamins (A, C, E, and B complex) that don't just seal moisture in. They support your skin's natural processes through multiple mechanisms: gentle enzymatic exfoliation, antioxidant protection, and active nourishment.
Key Difference: The magic of Paw Paw lies in what petroleum jelly can't offer. Petroleum jelly provides zero vitamins, zero enzymes, and zero active compounds. It's a pure barrier. Paw Paw, by contrast, is a nutrient-dense plant extract that absorbs into your skin and works actively—not passively—to support skin health.
For people who want their skincare to do more than create a barrier, this matters significantly. And not all paw paw balms are created equal. Fermented papaya extract is more potent than fresh papaya because fermentation activates additional bioactive compounds that your skin can readily absorb. When formulated with pharmaceutical-grade standards (GMP and ISO9001 certified), the difference in efficacy becomes even more pronounced.
Comparative research in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that plant-based balms can support skin barrier function while also offering nourishing properties that petroleum jelly cannot provide.
To help you make an informed decision, here's how these options stack up side by side:
| Feature | Petroleum Jelly | Paw Paw Balm | Natralus Paw Paw |
| Absorbs into skin | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Nourishes skin | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gentle, non-irritating formula | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Low comedogenic potential | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plant-based | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Contains vitamins | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fermented extraction (enhanced potency) | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| GMP + ISO9001 certified | Varies | Varies | ✓ |
| 100% cruelty-free | Varies | Often | ✓ |
| Multi-generational heritage | N/A | N/A | ✓ |
As you can see, while petroleum jelly provides a moisture barrier, plant-based alternatives like Natralus Paw Paw Balm offer multi-functional benefits for everyday family use.
When Natural, Plant-Based Options Make Sense
If you're health-conscious, you probably think about what goes on your skin. You read labels and care about sourcing. For you, switching to a plant-based balm like Paw Paw means using something with a clear origin story and verifiable benefits.
Natural alternatives appeal to those who prefer plant-based moisturisers over mineral oil derivatives. You'll notice the difference: better absorption, less greasy residue, and skin that feels nourished rather than sealed.
Beyond moisturising, Paw Paw actively supports your skin through natural enzymes (papain) that gently exfoliate and vitamins (A, C, E) that protect and nourish at the cellular level.
Parents often choose natural options because they want to use the same products for their kids. A quality Paw Paw balm works from infancy through adulthood. One product, whole family.That's practical.
What to Look For When Choosing
If you use petroleum jelly, ensure it's pharmaceutical grade. Check for USP or BP certification. Avoid anything with added fragrances, colours, or mineral oils.
For a natural alternative backed by three generations of pharmaceutical expertise, I recommend Natralus Organic Paw Paw Balm. It carries full GMP and ISO9001 certification, certified organic status, fermented Paw Paw extract sourced for maximum potency, and verifiable vitamin content (A, C, E, B complex).
That's genuine quality you can trust.
The Honest Take
Petroleum jelly has its place in skincare routines. It's affordable and provides a moisture barrier when needed. But it's not the only option, and for many families, it's not the best long-term choice.
For families committed to plant-based, natural skincare, Paw Paw Balm offers a multi-purpose option that supports the whole family, from infancy to adulthood. You get effective skin care, plant-based ingredients, verifiable quality standards, and genuine pharmaceutical heritage. That's the genuine advantage of choosing Natralus.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you have specific skin concerns, eczema, or allergies, consult with a qualified pharmacist or dermatologist.
References
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National Eczema Association. Eczema Management. https://nationalezzema.org/eczema-management/
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American Academy of Dermatology. 5 ways to use petroleum jelly for skin care. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/petroleum-jelly
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Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Petroleum jelly: A comprehensive review of its history, uses, and safety. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0190962223011076
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International Journal of Cosmetic Science. Skin occlusive performance: Sustainable alternatives for petroleum jelly. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5796020/
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Park S, Sun K, Kim Y, et al. The Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Function Recovery Effects of Carica papaya Peel in Mice with Contact Dermatitis. Int J Mol Sci. 2025;26(22):11122. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12653787/
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Kim HM, Kang YM, Lee M, An HJ. Papain Suppresses Atopic Skin Inflammation through Anti-Inflammatory Activities Using In Vitro and In Vivo Models. Antioxidants (Basel). 2024;13(8):928. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11351312/
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Manosroi A, et al. Transdermal absorption enhancement of papain... European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2013;48(3):474-483. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23266464/
