The Environmental Working Group says that :petrolatum is in one out of every 14 cosmetic products on the market, including 15% of lipsticks and 40% of baby lotions and oils."
If you're thinking "that's really disgusting," no need to worry. It has other uses too. Outside of the beauty industry it's used as machine lubricant.
Have you ever wondered why when you apply Chapstick to your chapped lips you have to continually reapply because they are still chapped? That is thanks to good old petrolatum. It actually interrupts the mechanism that the body uses to keep itself moisturized, which causes skin to dry, leading to reapplying lotion and lip balm repeatedly. So why pay money for products to give moisture back into your skin when it's actually keeping it from being moisturized?
Columbia University actually did a study that found polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PHAs), which is found in petrolatum, in breast tumors.
There is still lots of controversy as to if it is safe or not. Just letting you know that the government does NOT regulate the ingredients that go into skincare. Many people say it's fine, but there is evidence that proves it is dangerous.
I stay away from it at all costs. It might be fine but I'm not taking any chances. You can find more natural products that contain things that a great for moisturizing for your skin such as coconut oil, shea butter, or olive oil. Do some research for yourselves if you are interested. It is very eye opening when you find out what companies put into their products that you put directly onto your skin. Remember, you only have one skin and it's the body's largest organ. You better take care of it now before you regret it!