The Lancet · 2020 · rct · n=2397
Randomized controlled trial (n=2397, 52 weeks): AD at 12 months NO PREVENTION effect in intervention arm.
occlusive
Petrolatum
Evidencemoderate · Tier 2Irritation riskLowIn products368
Highly occlusive hydrocarbon that reduces TEWL by ~98%. Generally excellent for barrier repair, but heavy occlusion can worsen perioral dermatitis and steroid-induced rosacea by trapping heat and creating an anaerobic environment that alters perioral microbiome. Context-dependent — beneficial for most, problematic for POD.
Concerns it helps
| Concern | Strength | Studies | What the research says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dryness | Strong | 4 | Review noting that heavy occlusive agents including petrolatum can exacerbate perioral dermatitis by trapping heat, creating anaerobic conditions, and altering the perioral skin microbiome; this is a condition-specific… |
Not recommended for: Perioral Dermatitis. Petrolatum may aggravate this concern/condition.
Strength reflects the ingredient’s effect on each concern; study counts match research whose findings relate to that concern.
The research
Petrolatum is a occlusive backed by a moderate body of supporting evidence (evidence tier 2 of 4). We track 12 studies for it, 11 reporting a positive effect.
Read the research — 12 studiesHide the research
Perioral dermatitis: the role of heavy occlusive agents and altered perioral microbiome
Q85Cutis · 2012 · systematic review
Review noting that heavy occlusive agents including petrolatum can exacerbate perioral dermatitis by trapping heat, creating anaerobic conditions, and altering the perioral skin microbiome; this is a condition-specific exception to petrolatum's otherwise excellent safety profile; recommends lightweight, non-occlusive moisturizers for POD patients
Emollient enhancement of the skin barrier from birth offers effective atopic dermatitis prevention
Q80Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology · 2014 · rct · n=124
Randomized controlled trial (n=124, 26 weeks): Cumulative AD incidence at 6 months RR 0.50 95% CI 0.28 to 0.9 p=0.017 50% relative risk reduction.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology · 2014 · rct · n=118
Randomized controlled trial (n=118, 32 weeks): 32% AD reduction HR 0.48 95 CI 0.27 to 0.86; emulsion emollient vs petroleum jelly control.
JAMA · 1996 · rct · n=922
Randomized controlled trial (n=922, 4 weeks): Infection rate petrolatum 2% vs bacitracin 0.9% NOT statistically different; allergic contact dermatitis petrolatum 0 cases vs bacitracin 4 cases 0.9%.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology · 1992 · rct · n=20
Landmark study (n=20): petrolatum accelerated barrier recovery after tape-stripping by 30% compared to untreated control; mechanism is occlusive — petrolatum reduces TEWL by ~98%, allowing endogenous lipid repair without water loss; the most effective single occlusive agent studied; beneficial for most barrier-impaired skin
+ 6 more studies in our evidence base.
Products with Petrolatum
In 368 products — most often moisturizers (211), serums (72), cleansers (32), from $5.91 to $590.55. Set up a profile to rank these for your skin. Click any product to learn more.
10 of 24
Cetaphil
Moisturizer – for Dryness, Dark spots & hyperpigmentation
$21.59450ml · $0.05/ml
★★★★★4.8(553)
Ideal for
- GoodDryness
- LowUneven texture
Caution
May aggravate: Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum); Seborrheic Dermatitis (Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol and Sweet Almond Oil); Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema (Propylene Glycol); Rosacea (Propylene Glycol)
Cetaphil
Moisturizer – for Dryness, Dark spots & hyperpigmentation
$21.59450ml · $0.05/ml
★★★★★4.8(553)
Ideal for
- GoodDryness
- LowUneven texture
Caution
May aggravate: Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum); Seborrheic Dermatitis (Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol and Sweet Almond Oil); Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema (Propylene Glycol); Rosacea (Propylene Glycol)
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is a antioxidant serum by Cetaphil. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Petrolatum.
Product Ingredients (16)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profileShiseido
Benefiance Dark Spot and Wrinkle Smoothing Serum
Serum
$89.0029.6ml · $3.01/ml
★★★★★4.9(490)
Ideal for
- GoodDryness
- GoodRedness & sensitivity
- GoodFine lines & wrinkles
- RelevantDark circles
Not recommended for
Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasma
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Shea Butter); Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum and Fragrance)
Shiseido
Benefiance Dark Spot and Wrinkle Smoothing Serum
Serum
$89.0029.6ml · $3.01/ml
★★★★★4.9(490)
Ideal for
- GoodDryness
- GoodRedness & sensitivity
- GoodFine lines & wrinkles
- RelevantDark circles
Not recommended for
Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasma
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Shea Butter); Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum and Fragrance)
Benefiance Dark Spot and Wrinkle Smoothing Serum is a brightening serum by Shiseido. Key ingredients include Alcohol Denat, Dipropylene Glycol, Dimethicone.
Product Ingredients (27)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
Alcohol DenatDipropylene GlycolDimethiconeGlycerinNiacinamideShea ButterPetrolatumSilicaChlorphenesinXanthan GumSodium CitrateDipotassium GlycyrrhizateLinaloolDisodium EDTAHyaluronic AcidLimoneneCitrus OilsCitronellolGeraniolPanax Ginseng Root ExtractButylene GlycolFragranceVitamin ECitric AcidAlpha-Isomethyl IononePhenoxyethanolIron Oxides
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profileLancôme
Rénergie Multi-Action Lift And Firm Anti-Aging Night Cream Moisturizer - 2.6 oz
Moisturizer
$180.0076.9ml · $2.34/ml
★★★★★4.8(2,656)
Ideal for
- StrongFine lines & wrinkles
- GoodDryness
- RelevantRedness & sensitivity
- LowUneven texture
Not recommended for
Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasma
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate and Stearyl Alcohol); Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum)
Lancôme
Rénergie Multi-Action Lift And Firm Anti-Aging Night Cream Moisturizer - 2.6 oz
Moisturizer
$180.0076.9ml · $2.34/ml
★★★★★4.8(2,656)
Ideal for
- StrongFine lines & wrinkles
- GoodDryness
- RelevantRedness & sensitivity
- LowUneven texture
Not recommended for
Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasma
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate and Stearyl Alcohol); Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum)
Rénergie Multi-Action Lift And Firm Anti-Aging Night Cream Moisturizer - 2.6 oz is a peptide serum by Lancôme. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol.
Product Ingredients (22)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
GlycerinCaprylic/Capric TriglycerideCetyl AlcoholAlcohol DenatPetrolatumPentylene GlycolGlyceryl StearateDimethiconeHyaluronic AcidSodium HydroxideSodium BenzoatePhenoxyethanolAdenosineStearyl AlcoholDimethiconolLimoneneXanthan GumBenzyl AlcoholCaprylyl GlycolAlpha-Isomethyl IononeGeraniolHexyl Cinnamal
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profile
Lancôme
Lancôme Rénergie Multi-Lift Night Cream 50ml
Moisturizer
$92.4650ml · $1.85/ml
★★★★★4.8(718)
Ideal for
- GoodFine lines & wrinkles
- GoodDryness
- RelevantRedness & sensitivity
- LowUneven texture
Not recommended for
Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasma
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate and Stearyl Alcohol); Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum)
Lancôme
Lancôme Rénergie Multi-Lift Night Cream 50ml
Moisturizer
$92.4650ml · $1.85/ml
★★★★★4.8(718)
Ideal for
- GoodFine lines & wrinkles
- GoodDryness
- RelevantRedness & sensitivity
- LowUneven texture
Not recommended for
Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasma
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate and Stearyl Alcohol); Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum)
Lancôme Rénergie Multi-Lift Night Cream 50ml is a peptide serum by Lancôme. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol.
Product Ingredients (28)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
GlycerinCaprylic/Capric TriglycerideCetyl AlcoholAlcohol DenatPetrolatumPentylene GlycolGlyceryl StearateDimethiconeHyaluronic AcidSodium HydroxideSodium BenzoateHydroxyethylcelluloseSodium CitratePhenoxyethanolAdenosineStearyl AlcoholDimethiconolLimoneneXanthan GumBenzyl AlcoholCaprylyl GlycolAlpha-Isomethyl IononeGeraniolCitric AcidPotassium SorbateBHTHexyl CinnamalGlyceryl Caprylate
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profile
CeraVe
CeraVe Moisturising Cream Pot with Ceramides for Dry to Very Dry Skin 454g
Moisturizer
$21.01454ml · $0.05/ml
★★★★★4.7(599)
Ideal for
- GoodDryness
- GoodFine lines & wrinkles
- LowUneven texture
- LowRedness & sensitivity
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetearyl Alcohol and Cetyl Alcohol); Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum)
CeraVe
CeraVe Moisturising Cream Pot with Ceramides for Dry to Very Dry Skin 454g
Moisturizer
$21.01454ml · $0.05/ml
★★★★★4.7(599)
Ideal for
- GoodDryness
- GoodFine lines & wrinkles
- LowUneven texture
- LowRedness & sensitivity
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetearyl Alcohol and Cetyl Alcohol); Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum)
CeraVe Moisturising Cream Pot with Ceramides for Dry to Very Dry Skin 454g is a antioxidant serum by CeraVe. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride.
Product Ingredients (17)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profileAveeno
Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion
Moisturizer
$12.99354.9ml · $0.04/ml
★★★★★4.7(1,350)
Ideal for
- GoodDryness
- LowRedness & sensitivity
- LowUneven texture
Not recommended for
Acne & breakouts
Caution
May aggravate: Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum); Seborrheic Dermatitis (Isopropyl Palmitate and Cetyl Alcohol)
Aveeno
Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion
Moisturizer
$12.99354.9ml · $0.04/ml
★★★★★4.7(1,350)
Ideal for
- GoodDryness
- LowRedness & sensitivity
- LowUneven texture
Not recommended for
Acne & breakouts
Caution
May aggravate: Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum); Seborrheic Dermatitis (Isopropyl Palmitate and Cetyl Alcohol)
Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion is a basic moisturiser by Aveeno. Key ingredients include Dimethicone, Water, Glycerin.
Product Ingredients (8)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profileLancôme
Absolue Longevity MD Reset Face Cream for Mature Skin - 1.7 oz
Moisturizer
$155.0050.3ml · $3.08/ml
★★★★★4.7(3,304)
Ideal for
- ExcellentOiliness & shine
- StrongEnlarged pores
- StrongDryness
- GoodFine lines & wrinkles
Not recommended for
MelasmaAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasis
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate and Stearyl Alcohol); Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum)
Lancôme
Absolue Longevity MD Reset Face Cream for Mature Skin - 1.7 oz
Moisturizer
$155.0050.3ml · $3.08/ml
★★★★★4.7(3,304)
Ideal for
- ExcellentOiliness & shine
- StrongEnlarged pores
- StrongDryness
- GoodFine lines & wrinkles
Not recommended for
MelasmaAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasis
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate and Stearyl Alcohol); Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum)
Absolue Longevity MD Reset Face Cream for Mature Skin - 1.7 oz is a exfoliant by Lancôme. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Niacinamide, Cetyl Alcohol.
Product Ingredients (26)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
GlycerinNiacinamideCetyl AlcoholAlcohol DenatPetrolatumPentylene GlycolGlyceryl StearateStearyl AlcoholAdenosineArginineButylene GlycolCaprylyl GlycolCarbomerCitric AcidMatrixyl 3000Polysorbate 20PropanediolPropylene GlycolSodium HydroxideVitamin EXanthan GumDimethiconeDimethiconolPhenoxyethanolSalicylic AcidSodium Benzoate
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profileClinique
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream
Moisturizer – for Dryness, sagging
$34.0050.3ml · $0.68/ml
★★★★★4.7(1,152)
Ideal for
- GoodDryness
- GoodFine lines & wrinkles
- LowUneven texture
- LowRedness & sensitivity
Caution
May aggravate: Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum); Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetyl Alcohol)
Clinique
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream
Moisturizer – for Dryness, sagging
$34.0050.3ml · $0.68/ml
★★★★★4.7(1,152)
Ideal for
- GoodDryness
- GoodFine lines & wrinkles
- LowUneven texture
- LowRedness & sensitivity
Caution
May aggravate: Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum); Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetyl Alcohol)
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream is a basic moisturiser by Clinique. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone.
Product Ingredients (15)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profile
Aveeno
Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion 200ml
Moisturizer
$8.75200ml · $0.04/ml
★★★★★4.7(5,018)
Ideal for
- GoodDryness
- LowRedness & sensitivity
- LowUneven texture
Not recommended for
Acne & breakouts
Caution
May aggravate: Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum); Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Palmitate and Glyceryl Stearate)
Aveeno
Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion 200ml
Moisturizer
$8.75200ml · $0.04/ml
★★★★★4.7(5,018)
Ideal for
- GoodDryness
- LowRedness & sensitivity
- LowUneven texture
Not recommended for
Acne & breakouts
Caution
May aggravate: Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum); Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Palmitate and Glyceryl Stearate)
Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion 200ml is a antioxidant serum by Aveeno. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Petrolatum.
Product Ingredients (10)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profile
Aveeno
Aveeno Face Calm+Restore Oat Rich Balm 50ml
Moisturizer
$14.3950ml · $0.29/ml
★★★★★4.7(1,020)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- GoodRedness & sensitivity
- LowUneven texture
Not recommended for
Acne & breakouts
Caution
May aggravate: Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum); Seborrheic Dermatitis (Isopropyl Palmitate and Cetyl Alcohol)
Aveeno
Aveeno Face Calm+Restore Oat Rich Balm 50ml
Moisturizer
$14.3950ml · $0.29/ml
★★★★★4.7(1,020)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- GoodRedness & sensitivity
- LowUneven texture
Not recommended for
Acne & breakouts
Caution
May aggravate: Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum); Seborrheic Dermatitis (Isopropyl Palmitate and Cetyl Alcohol)
Aveeno Face Calm+Restore Oat Rich Balm 50ml is a antioxidant serum by Aveeno. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Panthenol.
Product Ingredients (11)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profileEducational information, not medical advice. Study findings summarise the cited research and may not reflect every formulation.