You read that right. Vaseline. In. Your. Deodorant. Petroleum jelly can be hiding in your commercial deodorant. It or one of its forms may be hiding under names like mineral oil, petrolatum, liquid paraffin or paraffin oil. Why would this be an ingredient in your deodorant and why should you be concerned? Let’s find out!

Many of us may remember our grandmothers and/or mothers using vaseline on burns, diaper rashes and dry skin. What we may not have known or realized then is that petroleum jelly is water proof and not able to be washed off with water, either. This means that the “protective” barrier it forms, also forms a barrier where sweat, bacteria and other substances the body is trying to eliminate aren’t able to get out because the pores are blocked!

Petrolatum/Mineral Oil/Petroleum Jelly also contain hydrocarbons. According to a study in 2011 published in the Journal of Women’s Health found that hydrocarbons are the largest contaminants in the human body. They are stored in our fat and not broken down by the body. The study found that this contamination was linked to skin application of cosmetic and beauty products, NOT from inhaling or ingesting them.

Petrolatum/Mineral Oil/Petroleum Jelly may also be carcinogenic. The Environmental Working Group says that up to 80 percent of beauty products may have contamination from the impurities of these substances. These chemical impurities are linked to cancers and other health issues. Europe has even banned the use in cosmetics unless it can be proven the petroleum based products did not come from carcinogenic sources or have potential carcinogens in them from the refining process. The US has NO such ban or restrictions in place.

Finally, the presence of these chemicals is NOT subject to government safety standards and are legal at any level. You read that correctly, the safety is NOT regulated. Europe has regulated the use and amount of these substances and recognizes the potential danger of their usage, why haven’t we?

Once again, we ask: WHY RISK YOUR HEALTH?!

Come join the club!