Petrolatum
0-6 month old newborns • Skin contact product
Check for Different Age (6 available)
Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Petrolatum?
ℹ️General Overview
Usually okay for infants when very pure and used sparingly as a moisture barrier, but purity matters a lot at this age.
✅What to Do
Pick white, fully refined, fragrance-free petrolatum that clearly says it meets medical or pharmaceutical standards (often shown as USP or similar). Apply a very thin layer to clean, intact skin for dry spots or as a diaper barrier. Keep it off the baby’s nose and mouth, and do not use on deep cuts or weepy rashes. Stop and see a pediatrician if you notice redness, bumps, or worsening rash.
⚠️Warnings
Potential impurity risk: Some batches can contain harmful oil-related impurities if not well refined (listed as a contamination concern in ingredient safety summaries). Regulatory limits: European Union cosmetic rules restrict this ingredient unless the refining process and purity are verified. Health classification: Canada’s environmental health agency has flagged certain forms as potentially harmful to health. Build-up concerns: Studies in animals and human tissues (2015 and 2017 mineral oil research) suggest some mineral oils can build up in the body if swallowed—so keep products away from the baby’s mouth and use only a thin layer on skin. Allowed uses: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration allows certain uses, but parents should still choose high-purity, baby-friendly products and use them sparingly.
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Safety Risk Labels
This ingredient has the following documented risks:
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Alternative Names for Petrolatum
This ingredient may also be listed as:
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Products Containing Petrolatum
This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Petrolatum or its alternative names.
Research Articles on Petrolatum
Scientific research related to this ingredient:
These research articles provide scientific evidence about Petrolatum safety and effects.
Common Questions About Petrolatum
Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Petrolatum?
Use caution with Petrolatum for 0-6 month old babies. Some safety concerns have been identified.
What are the banned risks of Petrolatum for newborns?
Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
What are the organ risk risks of Petrolatum for newborns?
May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
What are the builds up risks of Petrolatum for newborns?
Builds up in the body over time with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
What are the long-term risk risks of Petrolatum for newborns?
Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
What products contain Petrolatum?
Petrolatum is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.
When can infants start using products with Petrolatum?
The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 0-6 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.
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