Vaseline
Vaseline is a brand owned by Unilever that traces its origins to 1870 when Robert Chesebrough patented the process for refining petroleum jelly. The brand is essentially synonymous with petrolatum, which remains the primary ingredient in virtually all Vaseline products. Vaseline Lip Therapy products contain petrolatum as their base ingredient, sometimes comprising over 95% of the formula. While pharmaceutical-grade petrolatum is generally recognized as safe by the FDA, its petroleum origin and occlusive mechanism raise questions for consumers seeking plant-based alternatives. The brand's dominance in the lip care space means that millions of people are applying petroleum byproducts to their lips multiple times daily.
Products Analyzed
Flagged Ingredients Found
Who Owns Vaseline?
Big Corp SubsidiaryParent Company
Unilever(UL)
Parent Industry
Consumer Goods
Parent Revenue
Approximately $62 billion (2024)
Also Makes
Vaseline has been part of Unilever's portfolio for decades. Unilever is one of the world's largest consumer goods companies, spanning food, home care, and personal care.
Corporate ownership does not automatically mean a product is unsafe. It means ingredient and sourcing decisions are influenced by a parent company whose primary business is consumer goods. Consumers deserve to know who profits from their purchases.
Products by Vaseline
Vaseline Lip Therapy Original
Vaseline
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Organic Lip Balm
Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips
Vaseline
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Organic Lip Balm
Vaseline Lip Therapy Cocoa Butter
Vaseline
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Organic Lip Balm
Vaseline Lip Therapy Advanced Healing
Vaseline
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Organic Lip Balm
Vaseline Lip Therapy Aloe Vera
Vaseline
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Organic Lip Balm
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Flagged Ingredients in Vaseline Products
We found 2 different ingredients of concern across Vaseline's product line. Each one links to a full safety analysis with details on health risks, regulatory status, and which other brands use the same ingredient.
Petroleum / Petrolatum
A semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum refining. Widely used as a moisture barrier in lip balms, lotions, and ointments. When inadequately refined, it can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are linked to cancer.
Artificial Colors
Synthetic dyes derived from petroleum or coal tar, used to give cosmetics vivid colors. Many are contaminated with heavy metals and have been linked to behavioral issues, allergies, and potential carcinogenicity.
