Natural vs Petrochemical Baby Skincare: A Science-Based Comparison for Eczema

By Dr. Nirvana Pillay — Neuroscientist & Public Health Epidemiologist & Formulator

Parents are often told that petroleum jelly (Vaseline)  is “safe and effective” for baby skin. While it has its place, the picture changes when we talk about eczema-prone, sensitive baby skin, especially in South Africa’s diverse climates.

Here’s what the science says about the difference between natural, breathable ingredients and petrochemical occlusives.

How Petrochemicals Behave on Baby Skin

Common petrochemical ingredients in baby products include petrolatum, liquid paraffin, and mineral oil. These form an airtight, occlusive layer on the skin.

For eczema-prone babies, this can mean:

• Trapped sweat and heat under the layer.
• Irritants and friction staying in contact with skin longer.
• Worsening flare-ups under nappies and clothing.
• No added hydration — they seal, but don’t moisturise.

They can also be combined with other ingredients that are not ideal for sensitive babies. You can see some of the ingredients we avoid in our formulations in the Ingredients & Science Glossary.

How Natural Ingredients Behave on Baby Skin

Natural ingredients chosen carefully can support the skin’s biology instead of simply coating it. For eczema, we look for three main actions:

• Hydration: humectants like glycerine draw water into the skin.
• Barrier support: oils like castor oil and shea butter help rebuild the lipid layer.
• Calming the skin: ingredients like aloe vera, non-nano zinc, and allantoin help reduce redness and discomfort.

These ingredients don’t just sit on top of the skin, they support barrier repair, which is at the core of eczema management.

Why Natural Often Wins for Eczema

Eczema is not just dry skin. It is a chronic condition involving a compromised barrier and an over-reactive immune response in the skin.

That means eczema-prone skin needs:

• Consistent hydration.
• Ingredients that help the skin rebuild its own barrier.
• Formulas that don’t trap heat or irritants.
• Simple, fragrance-free, gentle formulation.

Natural, evidence-based ingredients can provide these benefits without some of the drawbacks of heavy petrochemical occlusion.

Final Thoughts

For eczema-prone babies, especially in South Africa’s dry winters and harsh winds, natural, breathable skincare can offer better long-term comfort and barrier support than heavy petrolatum-based products alone.