Petroleum in Hand Creams: A Controversial Ingredient

Do you check ingredients in formulations you put on your body? Well, now is the time to start. Checking ingredients in hand creams  helps to ensure that the product you are using is safe and free from harmful ingredients that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. It also allows you to choose products that are free from harmful chemicals, such as parabens and phthalates, which can have negative impacts on both your health and the environment. Additionally, checking the ingredients list can help you choose products that are made with sustainable and environmentally friendly ingredients, such as plant-based oils and butters, beeswax, and essential oils. By being aware of the ingredients in your hand cream, you can make informed decisions about your skincare routine and help to protect your health and the environment.

Hand creams are an essential part of our daily skincare routine, helping to keep our hands moisturized and protected from harsh environmental factors. However, not all hand creams are created equal, and the use of petroleum in many popular products has come under scrutiny in recent years. 

What is petroleum and why is it used in hand creams?

Petroleum is a byproduct of oil refining and is commonly used in personal care products, including hand creams, as a moisturizer. It is a cheap and readily available ingredient that provides a smooth and silky texture to creams and lotions. However, the use of petroleum in skincare products has raised concerns among consumers and environmental organizations for several reasons:

Lack of biocompatibility: Petroleum is not biocompatible with human skin, as it can cause dryness, irritation, and disrupt the skin's natural protective barrier. This can result in skin that is more vulnerable to environmental factors such as cold, wind, and sun exposure.

Environmental impact: The extraction and processing of petroleum can have significant environmental impacts, including air and water pollution. Petroleum is a non-renewable resource, and its continued use is not sustainable in the long term.

Potential contamination: The refining process of petroleum can result in the presence of impurities, such as carcinogenic substances, in the final product. This can be harmful to the skin and to overall health if the product is absorbed through the skin.

Why choose alternative ingredients in hand creams?

There are several alternative ingredients that can be used in hand creams that are more sustainable and less harmful to the environment:

Plant-based oils and butters: Ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil are widely used in natural hand creams and are known for their moisturizing and nourishing properties. These ingredients are biocompatible with human skin, making them a gentler alternative to petroleum.

Beeswax: Beeswax is a natural wax produced by bees and is commonly used in hand creams as an emulsifying agent. It provides a protective barrier to the skin, helping to retain moisture and protect from environmental factors.

Plant-based glycerin: Glycerin derived from plants like soy and palm is a popular alternative to petroleum-based glycerin in skincare products. It is a natural humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated.

Essential oils: Essential oils from plants like lavender, tea tree, and chamomile can provide fragrance and nourishing benefits in hand creams. These oils are derived from renewable and sustainable sources, making them a more environmentally friendly option than petroleum.

We are proud to say that we do not use any petroleum in our formulations and only source superior ingredients such as jojoba oil, hempseed oil, grapeseed oil and lavender oils.  Jojoba oil is biocompatible with human skin, meaning it won't cause dryness, irritation, or disrupt the skin's natural protective barrier like petroleum can. Jojoba oil is also a renewable resource, making it a more sustainable option than petroleum. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent moisturizer that can help to soothe and nourish the skin. Unlike petroleum, jojoba oil is easily absorbed by the skin, allowing it to hydrate deeply without leaving a greasy residue.