Petrolatum

Petrolatum-Petro-chemicals are derived from crude oil and petroleum products that include mineral oil. These ingredients are widely used in personal care products for their emollient qualities. Commonly found in gellies, ointments and salves. However, they can cause photosensitivity and skin problems by creating an impenetrable chemical barrier that prevents skin from "breathing" and expelling wastes. This leads to chapping, dry skin - can you say "clogged pores"?

Used to make emollients for face cream, petroleum byproducts-made by the same factories that make gas for your car-also contain cancer-containing impurities. Ingredients include carcinogens in baby shampoo called 1,4-dioxane and coal tar in scalp-treatment shampoos.