Petrolatum in cosmetics: do you really need it?

For decades, petrolatums have been a common base in creams, balms, lipsticks, and personal care products. They are cheap, easy to formulate, and provide an initial feeling of softness… but do they truly benefit your skin?

At Maxalli, we believe in more conscious cosmetics, based on plant-derived and biodegradable ingredients that respect your body and the planet. That's why we do not use petrolatums in any of our formulas. Here's why.

What are petrolatums?

Petrolatums are petroleum derivatives, highly refined, used in cosmetics for their ability to create a barrier on the skin. Some of the most common include:

• Petrolatum (petrolatum, Vaseline, petroleum jelly)
• Paraffinum Liquidum (mineral oil)
• Paraffin Wax
• Propylene Glycol (Solvent)
• Microcrystalline Wax
• Ozokerite (Wax)
• Polyisobutene (Common in lip gloss)
• Hydrogenated Polybutene (Viscous oil)
• C8–C10 Alkane (Synthetic hydrocarbon-derived oil)
• Polyethylene (Structuring agent)
• Polyester (Structuring agent)
• Butylene Glycol (Humectant)
• Phenoxyethanol (Preservative)
• C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (Emollient)
• Carbomers (Gelling agent)

Although the industry considers them safe, their function is primarily occlusive: they seal the skin but do not actively nourish or repair it.

Why avoid petroleum derivatives?

1. They offer no real benefits: they contain no vitamins, antioxidants, or skin-compatible lipids. They merely "cover."
2. They are neither biodegradable nor renewable: their fossil origin implies a high environmental burden.
3. They can interfere with the skin's self-regulation: by forming an artificial barrier, the skin can become dependent or unbalanced.
4. They are not suitable for acne-prone skin: some are comedogenic or create an environment conducive to breakouts.
5. Risk of contamination by carcinogenic components.

Botanical technology: Maxalli's conscious alternative

Instead of using petroleum derivatives, at Maxalli, we formulate our products with cold-pressed vegetable oils, functional extracts, and biotechnological actives. In our ointment and multi-purpose balms, we use ingredients such as:

• Coconut triglycerides and glycerin (plant-derived emollients)
• Vegetable butters such as cocoa: rich in antioxidants and nourishing lipids
• Vegetable oils such as rosehip: regenerates and repairs
• Vegetable waxes such as candelilla: Mexican vegetable wax that provides texture and protection
• Dexpanthenol, vitamin E, and liposoluble vitamin C (ATIP): actives with real benefits

These ingredients not only protect but also provide biological value to the skin, helping to restore its natural barrier, maintain hydration, and improve its appearance in the long term.

Conclusion

Petrolatums are not necessarily dangerous, but they are unnecessary when safer, more effective, and eco-friendlier botanical alternatives exist. At Maxalli, we take every ingredient seriously: we formulate not for fashion, but with purpose.