The Truth About Petroleum-Based Lip Products

Petroleum jelly has been marketed as a skin protectant for well over a hundred years. It's in everything from baby products to lip balms, and most people grow up thinking it's perfectly safe and effective. But the reality is more nuanced than the marketing suggests.

Petroleum jelly is a byproduct of oil refining. While pharmaceutical-grade versions are highly refined and generally considered safe by regulatory bodies, the fundamental issue is that petroleum jelly doesn't actually moisturize your skin. It creates a barrier on the surface that traps existing moisture, but it doesn't add any nourishment. Over time, this barrier can actually prevent your lips from breathing and repairing themselves naturally, leading to increased dryness when the product wears off.

There's also the concern of contamination. Lower-grade petroleum products can contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have been flagged by the European Union as potential carcinogens. While reputable brands use purified versions, the question remains: why use a petrochemical derivative when plant-based alternatives exist that actively nourish your skin?

Plant-based oils like coconut oil and jojoba oil don't just sit on the surface. They penetrate the skin, delivering fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that support cell repair and moisture retention. Beeswax provides a breathable protective layer that shields without suffocating. These ingredients work in harmony with your body rather than against it.

At Numbrrrz, we made a deliberate choice to formulate without petroleum, parabens, or any synthetic fillers. We believe lip care should be about genuine nourishment, not just surface-level protection. When you read the ingredient list on our tubes, you'll find four things you recognize, and that's exactly the point.