Petroleum jelly often referred to as petrolatum, multi-hydrocarbon, white petrolatum, or soft paraffin, was discovered in 1859 by Robert Augustus.
It is a translucent and semisolid mixture of mineral oils and waxes, originally promoted as a topical ointment for its healing properties.
So, how long does petroleum jelly last?
Petroleum Jelly has a 3 years shelf life according to the “best by date”. But it can last up to 10 years or more even after opening provided it is well preserved.
If unopened it will last a lifetime because there are no active ingredients in there to expire.
To ensure that your petroleum jelly lasts for a long time, avoid sticking dirty fingers into the jar.
This will prevent the introduction of harmful fungi or bacteria into the Jelly.
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How Long Does Petroleum Jelly Last On Skin?
It takes about 15 seconds for this perfect dry skin moisturizer, and non-greasy body and hand lotion to absorb into the skin and provide immediate moisturization.
Does Petroleum Jelly Vaseline Expire?
According to the manufacturer, the hydrocarbon in petroleum jelly Vaseline will surely degrade as time goes on or, if not stored properly.
But this isn’t going to happen overnight that’s why it comes with a recommended usage of 3 years.
How Long Does Vaseline Petroleum Jelly Last?
Vaseline petroleum jelly has a long life of 3 years and can last for much longer even after the best date if you store it properly.
How Long Does Petroleum Jelly Last After Expiration Date?
An opened jar of petroleum jelly can last up to 10 years or even longer if harmful bacteria or fungi are not introduced into it.
Whereas an unopened jar will last for a lifetime because they are no active ingredients that will cause it to expire.
How Long Does Petroleum Jelly Last After Opening?
After opening, petroleum jelly will last for up to 10 years or more not minding the 3 years best by date often found on it.
To ensure it keeps well for a long time,
Keep it close after use and do not introduce harmful bacteria or fungi with dirty fingers.
How Long Does Homemade Petroleum Jelly Last?
Homemade Petroleum Jelly will keep fresh on the counter for up to a year without losing its effectiveness provided it is kept at room temperature
And away from direct sunlight.
What Happens When Petroleum Jelly Expires?
Petroleum Jelly has no pharmacological properties like drugs, chemicals, or compounds that would make it hazardous if expired.
It will only lose its fragrance but it will not be dangerous.
If the jelly smells and looks good after its expiration date,
Then it should be safe to use.
How Long Does Petroleum Jelly Last Vacuum-Sealed?
When vacuum sealed, the petroleum Jerry has been provided with an air-tight environment, to keep germs away from it.
Vacuum-sealed petroleum jelly will last for an extended period of time, past its recommended time.
Can Bacteria Grow In Petroleum Jelly?
Technically, Petroleum Jelly has no active ingredient required for the growth of bacteria, but this doesn’t imply that it is impossible for the jar to be contaminated with fungus and germs.
We can transfer germs to the Jerry from our fingers each time we make use of it.
Also, applying petrol jelly on wet skin can cause fungal or bacterial infections.
Does Petroleum Jelly Heal Scars?
Petroleum jelly is a topical ointment that has healing properties and prevents scars from getting itchy, deep, or too large.
Does Petroleum Jelly Grow Eyelashes?
Petroleum Jelly is a moisturizer for skin and lashes
And also a makeup remover that includes some stubborn glued fake lashes but it can’t grow your lashes.
It can only make them “look” fuller and lusher by moisturizing them.
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How To Know If Petroleum Jelly Is Expired
There are a couple of things to have in mind if you have had your jar for a long time or have a clue that it may have expired.
If the Jelly develops a smell or consistency that you didn’t notice before,
Then it is best to throw it as it’s probably not at its best anymore
If the jar of petrol jelly has been exposed to above 100°F or below freezing temperature,
It might be more likely to expire than a jar that hasn’t.
Why Does My Vaseline Smell Weird?
A weird smell from your Vaseline is either a sign of impurities in the product or some sort of contamination.
Pure Vaseline is void of smell and taste,
So, if yours develops one you should discard it and get a new one to avoid the risk of an infectious agent on your skin.
How Do You Read Expiration Dates On Lotion?
To get to know the expiration date of your lotion, look to the bottom of your packaging for a stamp in these forms:
DDMMYY, MMDDYY, or YYMMDD where DD represents the day, MM for the month, and YY represents the Year that it will expire.
Some lotions use the last two numbers in a year to reflect the expiration year while others use the complete four digits.
So don’t get confused when reading.
Another way to know the expiration date if the above format isn’t used is to open the lid
And look for a symbol m which indicates how many months your lotion will last after opening.
Does Petroleum Jelly Darken Skin?
Petroleum Jelly will not darken your skin but because it takes a while to be absorbed by the top layer of the skin,
It would cause dust to stick on the skin during this process thereby closing up your pores and causing a reaction that will make your skin look darker and dull.
Does Petroleum Jelly Darken Lips?
Putting petroleum jelly on your lips after exposure to the sun will make them get darker instead of smoothening out the lips.
10 Best Alternatives For Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly is a multi-purpose balm that is being used by millions for different purposes.
It can be used as a body lotion, diaper rash cream, scar treatment for chapped lips, and more.
Despite this, it might not be the best for your skin, environment, or overall health,
The Best Petroleum Jelly Alternatives to using instead are:
-
Honest Organic All-Purpose Balm
This petroleum jelly alternative has a thick jelly texture similar to Vaseline. It comes with seals from USDA Organic as well as the National Eczema Association making it suitable for kids, adults, and even babies. It can be used as a body moisturizer, lip balm, or hand cream.
-
Dr. Shannon’s Organic Skin Balm from Zoe Organics
Formulated with beeswax, marshmallow root, coconut oil, and calendula, this nourishing all-purpose balm is suitable for all skin types. It also has a diaper balm that helps soothe your baby’s skin issues.
-
Lip & Face Balm from Kahina Giving Beauty
Packed with soothing oils, Shea butter, beeswax, and other unique ingredients like blue tansy, sea buckthorn, and immortelle, this restorative treatment balm help to reduce skin inflammation, moisturize sensitive skin, and even help with relieving bruising and headaches.
-
Waxelene Multi-Purpose Ointment
This organic petroleum jerry alternative is made with just four natural ingredients: organic rosemary oil, beeswax, natural vitamin E, and organic soy oil, is specifically formulated for people with psoriasis-prone skin and to cure eczema.
Certified by USDA organic and Leaping Bunny to be cruelty-free, waxelene can be used by the whole family. -
One Love Organics Skin Savior Multi-Tasking Wonder Balm
It can be used as a face mask, moisturizer, or makeup remover. It is waterless and contains chia seed, which helps to hydrate and nourish the skin.
-
Naturally London Healing Foot Balm
Formulated using nourishing ingredients like essential oils, baobab oil, and cupuacu butter, natural London healing foot balm soften hard calluses and heals and leaves your feet smelling fresh. This super-moisturizing balm can also be used all over the body.
-
Dr. Bronner’s Organic Magic Balm
Made with fair trade and non-GMO ingredients like hemp, avocado oil, beeswax, jojoba, and more. This organic balm is certified by USDA organic to be cruelty-free.
-
Jao Goe Oil
Formulated with 28 naturally-derived ingredients, it is quite expensive but it works great when used as a shaving cream or aftershave moisturizer, hair oil, dry nose healer, makeup remover, or as a general body lotion.
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Earth Mama Organics’ Collection of Balms
Certified by Leaping Bunny, USDA Organic, EWG Verified, and Non-GMO these awesome healthy alternatives serve different purposes for new moms and their babies.
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Kari Gran Essential Balm
It’s a multipurpose luxury skincare balm that can be used on your face, neck, and décollété, delicate areas around the eyes, and your lips.
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Conclusion
Petrol Jelly is one of the oldest and most versatile products which is non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and gentle on most skin types.
To get the desired results, do not apply after exposure to sunlight as this will cause your skin to darken.
If used to treat wounds or burns always keep the area clean and covered till it heals.
Remember, how long does petroleum jelly last?
