Kidalog/Baby Love Products, Camrose, Alberta, Canada
Allergic Reactions to Petroleum Jelly
Petrolatum (petroleum jelly) can cause allergic
skin reactions and there have been studies linking petroleum products
with cancer. Used in skin care products to form an occlusive barrier
on the skin. Prevents the skin from taking in oxygen and respiring
out waste. Highly comedogenic (acne producing) ingredient. It
is a petrochemical. May contain 2 well-known carcinogens, benzo-a-pyrene
and benzo-b-fluroanthene.
Stearyl alcohol is a pearlizing agent, lubricant, and antifoam
agent used in cosmetics. Studies show that it may cause contact
dermatitis (skin disease/abnormality) and allergies.
From Beauty to Die For (see book section.)
Pre & Post Natal News carried an article in the Autumn 1998
issue, saying that disposable diaper companies were planning a
"new and improved" diaper which will contain a thin
layer of petrolatum (petroleum jelly). The petrolatum will transfer
to baby's skin, penetrating the superficial layers of the stratum
corneum. The objective of including this ingredient is to decrease
diaper rash (they said).
Sure enough, in 1999, the new "premium" and "supreme"
disposable diapers arrived on the market, with advertising boasting
that they contained "gentle care lotion"! If you read
the fine print on the packages, you'll notice that the "lotion"
on one brand consists of petrolatum, stearyl alcohol, and aloe
vera. On the other brand, it is petrolatum and ozokerite (ozocerite).
After reading about the side effects of some of these ingredients,
do you think they would be helpful to a baby with diaper rash?
Both brands say that gel-like particles can be found on baby's
skin and to wipe this off with a damp cloth.
