Is Petrolatum Comedogenic?
Comedogenic rating: 0/5 — Non-comedogenic
Petrolatum is an occlusive that forms a barrier to seal water into the skin. In cosmetics it is typically found in balms, ointments, night creams and 'slugging' products. On a label it may also appear as petroleum jelly, vaseline.
| Comedogenic rating | 0/5 — Non-comedogenic |
|---|---|
| Pore-clogging | Unlikely |
| Fungal-acne safe | Yes |
| Category | Occlusive |
| Also known as | petroleum jelly, vaseline |
Is Petrolatum comedogenic?
No — Petrolatum scores 0 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale. It is considered non-comedogenic and will not clog pores for the overwhelming majority of users, which makes it a reliable choice for acne-prone, oily and congestion-prone skin.
Does Petrolatum cause fungal acne?
Petrolatum is generally considered fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe. It is not among the oils, fatty acids or polysorbates known to feed Malassezia yeast, so it should not aggravate fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) for most people.
Should you use Petrolatum if you're acne-prone?
Petrolatum is suitable for virtually all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. You can generally use it with confidence in daily skincare.
How Petrolatum compares to other occlusives
| Ingredient | Rating | Pore-clogging |
|---|---|---|
| Petrolatum | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Mineral Oil | 0/5 | Unlikely |
Frequently asked questions
Is Petrolatum comedogenic?
No — Petrolatum scores 0 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale. It is considered non-comedogenic and will not clog pores for the overwhelming majority of users, which makes it a reliable choice for acne-prone, oily and congestion-prone skin.
Does Petrolatum cause fungal acne?
Petrolatum is generally considered fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe. It is not among the oils, fatty acids or polysorbates known to feed Malassezia yeast, so it should not aggravate fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) for most people.
Is Petrolatum safe for acne-prone skin?
Petrolatum is suitable for virtually all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. You can generally use it with confidence in daily skincare.
What products is Petrolatum found in?
Petrolatum is an occlusive that forms a barrier to seal water into the skin, and is commonly found in balms, ointments, night creams and 'slugging' products.
What can I use instead of Petrolatum?
Look for non-comedogenic emollients rated 0–1 such as squalane, glycerin, hemp seed oil or sunflower oil.
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