The Truth About Petrolatum: Why You Won’t Find It in Our Products

When you look at the back of most drugstore skincare products—from body lotions to lip balms—you’ll see a common ingredient near the top of the list: petrolatum (a.k.a. petroleum jelly, mineral oil jelly, soft paraffin).

You’ve probably used it for years. Maybe it was marketed as “dermatologist-recommended,” or “clinically proven to heal dry skin.” Sounds comforting, right?

Here’s the problem.

What Is Petrolatum Really?

Petrolatum is a byproduct of petroleum refining—the same fossil fuel used to make gasoline. Once it’s “purified” (a term used loosely in the industry), it’s turned into a semi-solid substance that forms a barrier on the skin.

It’s cheap. It’s easy to formulate with. And for many of our competitors, it’s the backbone of their so-called “moisturizing” products.

But here’s the kicker: it doesn’t actually moisturize your skin.

Petrolatum Doesn’t Nourish—It Smothers

Petrolatum doesn’t deliver hydration. It simply sits on top of your skin, trapping whatever moisture is already there. If your skin is dry and irritated underneath, petrolatum will just lock in that irritation.

At Marshay, we call it “skin suffocation.”

Imagine covering your skin with cling wrap—that’s what petrolatum does. No real nourishment, no repair, just a temporary illusion of smoothness.

Meanwhile, your skin’s natural barrier gets weaker. Over time, that can lead to chronic dryness, sensitivity, and more frequent flare-ups of conditions like eczema or dermatitis.

But What About “Refined” Petrolatum?

Many brands defend petrolatum by saying it’s “pharmaceutical grade” or “highly refined.” That sounds good on a label—but it doesn’t tell the full story.

In the U.S., petrolatum can legally contain trace contaminants called PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons)—some of which have been linked in studies to cancer and endocrine disruption when absorbed over time.

Let’s be clear: We’re not saying you’ll get sick from one jar of petroleum jelly.

But we are saying—why take the risk?

Especially when there are plant-based alternatives that actually help your skin heal.

Marshay: Moisture Without the Middleman (Or the Crude Oil)

We don’t use petrolatum in any of our products. Not in our lotions. Not in our creams. Not in anything.

Why? Because we believe your skin deserves real nourishment, not just a glossy coat of oil sludge.

Instead, we use ingredients like:

• Shea Butter – rich in fatty acids and vitamins that actually penetrate and repair dry skin

• Colloidal Oatmeal – clinically proven to calm inflammation and soothe eczema

• Moringa Oil – antioxidant-packed and fast-absorbing, for glow without the grease

• Vegetable Glycerin – draws moisture into the skin, not just traps it

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – brightens, strengthens the skin barrier, and improves texture

The Bottom Line

Big brands might keep using petrolatum because it’s cheap, easy, and legal.

But legal doesn’t mean healthy. And common doesn’t mean safe.

At Marshay, we go beyond the bare minimum. We formulate for skin health, not just skin feel. Because you deserve ingredients that work with your body—not ones that come from the same barrel as motor oil.

Want to ditch the grease for good?

👉 Explore Our Skin Therapy Line – Plant-Based Moisture That Works

👉 Learn More: How Shea Butter, Oatmeal & Vitamin B3 Transform Dry Skin