Last Updated on 16/04/2025 by Liz @ HealthTenfold
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Petroleum Jelly for Eczema? Here’s What No One Tells You
If you Google “Is petroleum jelly good for eczema?” chances are the first result is from Vaseline themselves, proudly declaring their product is “approved by the National Eczema Association.”
Sounds convincing, right? But let’s dig a little deeper.
🚫 What Petroleum Jelly Actually Does:
Petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) works by sealing the skin. It creates a barrier that traps moisture and prevents water loss. However, this is where its effectiveness ends.
Here’s what petroleum jelly for eczema doesn’t do:
- Treat inflammation – Eczema often involves inflammation, and petroleum jelly doesn’t address this underlying issue.
- Soothe itching – It doesn’t relieve the itching that comes with eczema flare-ups.
- Repair damaged skin – While it forms a barrier, it doesn’t heal or repair the skin from within.
- Provide nutrients or vitamins – Petroleum jelly doesn’t nourish the skin with vitamins, minerals, or essential fatty acids.
It’s similar to placing plastic wrap over a wound and hoping for healing—while the skin stays sealed, it won’t promote recovery.
🔍 The “Approval” Doesn’t Mean It’s the Best
Yes, Vaseline has the NEA seal—but that just means it’s not irritating for most people. It doesn’t mean petroleum jelly is effective at actually healing eczema or addressing the root cause.
The truth is, while petroleum jelly can lock in moisture temporarily, it doesn’t address the root causes of eczema. If you’re looking for a product that actively helps heal and nourish the skin, there are far better alternatives available in our opinion.
🧪 What Is Petroleum Jelly Made Of, Anyway?
Before trusting it on sensitive, eczema-prone skin, it’s worth knowing exactly what petroleum jelly is made of.
Petroleum jelly is a byproduct of the oil refining process. It’s a semi-solid mixture of mineral oils and waxes, derived from petroleum—a fossil fuel. While it’s been purified for cosmetic use, it’s still a synthetic substance that doesn’t actually feed or nourish the skin.
That’s why so many people with chronic eczema eventually ask the question:
“Is petroleum jelly good for eczema, or is it just a quick fix?”
If your goal is long-term healing, relying on a petroleum byproduct might not be the best solution. Unlike natural oils and plant-based butters, petroleum jelly doesn’t contain any beneficial compounds like:
- Antioxidants
- Essential fatty acids
- Vitamins A, D, or E
- Anti-inflammatory compounds
Natural oils like jojoba oil for eczema and shea butter for eczema bring real, skin-loving nutrients to the table—things your skin can actually use to regenerate and protect itself.
So while Vaseline for eczema might be popular, it’s important to consider what it’s made of—and what your skin is really absorbing.
🌿 Better Natural Alternatives for Eczema Relief:
If you’re truly seeking effective relief for eczema, look beyond petroleum-based products. These natural treatments for eczema provide active support to your skin and address eczema’s root causes:
✅ Jojoba Oil – Balances natural oils, reduces inflammation
Jojoba oil is packed with nutrients that help restore the skin’s natural balance. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a great choice for calming eczema flare-ups, promoting healing, and reducing redness.
👉 You can read more in our full guide: Using Jojoba Oil for Dry Skin – The Ultimate Guide
✅ Calendula Oil – Soothes and speeds up healing
Calendula has been used for centuries for its skin-healing properties. It’s excellent for soothing irritated skin, speeding up recovery, and reducing inflammation.
✅ Shea Butter – Rich in fatty acids that repair skin barriers
Shea butter is loaded with essential fatty acids that help rebuild the skin’s protective barrier. It locks in moisture while healing the skin, reducing dryness, flakiness, and irritation.
✅ Colloidal Oatmeal – Calms itching and irritation
Colloidal oatmeal is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that works wonders for calming itching and irritation caused by eczema. It’s particularly helpful for sensitive or inflamed skin.
✅ Chamomile – Naturally anti-inflammatory
Chamomile is known for its gentle, soothing properties. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, helping to calm eczema and promote faster skin recovery.
These natural oils for eczema relief don’t just create a barrier—they nourish, restore, and protect your skin at a deeper level.
🩺 When Might Petroleum Jelly Help with Eczema?
To be fair, petroleum jelly isn’t totally useless for eczema. In some very specific situations, it can be helpful—just not in the way many people think.
Here’s when Vaseline for eczema might offer temporary relief:
✅ After a bath: If you’ve just soaked in a warm (not hot) bath and applied a healing treatment like jojoba oil or calendula oil, layering petroleum jelly on top may help trap those beneficial ingredients in.
✅ In cold or dry weather: When the air is brutally dry, petroleum jelly can act as a windblock for raw, irritated skin—especially on hands or cheeks.
✅ As part of “wet wrap therapy”: Some dermatologists use a technique where a moisturizer is applied, followed by damp bandages and sometimes petroleum jelly to help seal the skin. But even here, most prefer healing oils or prescription creams underneath the wrap.
💬 But remember: These are short-term strategies. Petroleum jelly doesn’t treat eczema. It just creates a barrier—and that barrier can block out healing ingredients if it’s the first thing you apply.
And while brands like Vaseline use highly refined petroleum jelly, it’s still a petroleum byproduct. There are no known long-term health risks when it’s properly refined, but concerns remain around impurities—especially in lower-grade products. Incompletely refined petroleum jelly can contain PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), which are linked to cancer. This is why the European Union restricts its use in cosmetics unless strict purity standards are met.
So yes, it might help in a pinch—but if you’re using it daily on sensitive, broken skin, it’s worth knowing:
Some experts and natural health advocates question the long-term reliance on petroleum-based products for sensitive skin.
For true healing and long-term skin health, choose ingredients that actively work with your skin—like natural oils for eczema relief that restore, soothe, and support regeneration.
💬 Bottom Line:
Petroleum jelly might seal in moisture for a while—but that’s where the benefits end.
It doesn’t add anything of its own. It simply locks in whatever’s already on your skin. If your skin is dry, inflamed, or lacking nourishment, petroleum jelly won’t fix that—and it won’t let anything healing in either.
If you’re serious about managing eczema and promoting healthy skin, don’t settle for quick fixes made from petroleum byproducts. Choose natural eczema remedies that actively soothe, restore, and nourish your skin.
Your skin deserves more than just a seal—it deserves real care. 🌿
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The content provided on this site is based on personal experience and research but should not be used as a substitute for professional medical consultation. Results from using natural remedies and products may vary from person to person.