Petrolatum (petroleum jelly): what the AAD and Healthline say

Reviewed October 17, 2026

The short answer

Petrolatum, also sold as petroleum jelly, is a semisolid jelly that the AAD says dermatologists recommend for dry skin, minor wounds, chafing and diaper rash. The AAD also says people prone to acne should keep it off their face, since it can trigger breakouts for some. Healthline adds a purity warning: certain types may contain cancer-causing ingredients.

What is it?

Healthline describes petroleum jelly (petrolatum) as a blend of waxes and mineral oils that sets into a semisolid jelly. It says the product has changed little since it was found in 1859, and that it works by sealing the skin under a layer that repels water, which helps skin hold on to moisture.

What the AAD says it is used for

• AAD: dry skin, including lips and eyelids. It says ointments beat lotions on both effect and gentleness, and that it works best when skin is damp.
• AAD: minor cuts, scrapes and scratches, where it keeps the wound moist so a scab does not form. The AAD says this may keep a scar smaller, shallower and less itchy.
• AAD: chafing, diaper rash and dry nails and cuticles.

What Healthline adds

Healthline says it is an occlusive moisturizer that prevents skin from drying out, and cites a study showing it kept skin moist during healing after surgery. It says the surface should be properly cleaned first, because bacteria trapped underneath can delay healing.

Cautions

• AAD: acne-prone skin should skip it on the face, since breakouts can follow for some users.
• Healthline: possible clogged pores and breakouts, allergies in people sensitive to petroleum-derived products, and infection if skin is not clean or dry before it goes on.
• Healthline: external use only. It also says to check with a doctor before putting it near the nose, especially in children, and says not to use it with latex condoms, citing ACOG.
• Healthline: certain types may hold cancer-causing ingredients, so it advises buying only triple-distilled products. This page has no way to tell how any product you own was refined.

How to read it on a label

US cosmetic labels generally list ingredients in descending order of amount, but anything at 1% or less can appear in any order after those above 1%. Its position does not tell you the exact concentration. Judge the whole product, how it feels on your skin, and what changes when you add or drop it.

What not to conclude

This page does not say petrolatum suits your face or your acne-prone skin. The AAD page is general advice from one organization and Healthline's is a 2024 update. If a product with it irritates your skin, stop using it and ask a dermatologist.