Is it safe to consume petroleum jelly? Expert weighs in

Did you know Robert Augustus Chesebrough, founder of Vaseline, consumed a spoonful of petroleum jelly every day? He claimed the “wonder jelly” had medicinal properties and could cure various ailments, stated Britannica.

You might be surprised, but according to the Food Distribution Authority (FDA), petroleum jelly surpasses safety checks and complies consumption guidelines.

But, does that mean you should go about ingesting petroleum jelly straight out of the tub? Before you begin to shake your head, find out whether consuming this product can come with any health risks or promises any particularly unsuspecting rewards.

“It is not safe to consume, even though it isn’t toxic,” said Dr Prashant, Consultant Pediatrician at Yatharth Super Specialty Hospital, Greater Noida. He explained that ingesting petroleum jelly can lead to abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and potentially serious complications like intestinal obstruction. “This happens because petroleum jelly is thick, greasy, and difficult to digest,” he said.

Should you go about ingesting petroleum jelly straight out of the tub? (Source: Freepik)

Dr Prashant said that petroleum jelly is primarily used in skincare to add moisture to the skin and protect against external bacteria and irritants. It’s effective for healing minor cuts, abrasions, cracked heels, lips, and diaper rashes.

When asked about common mistakes people make with petroleum jelly, Dr Prashant noted that applying it to an infected wound can prevent proper healing.

According to him, some people like to apply it all over their face, often in an attempt to heal their skin barrier. But he shared that doing so is a recipe for disaster and clogs up pores and leads to acne, or in certain cases aggravates acne already present on the skin.

The doctor warned against applying it all over the face, as it can clog pores and lead to or worsen acne. He also advised against using petroleum jelly as a sexual lubricant, recommending products specifically designed for that purpose instead.

*DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.*

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