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Being that we're connected to the internet pretty much 24/7, seven days a week, there's no denying that beauty is a global experience. We're no strangers to seeing product reviews on social media from brands that aren't based where we are, and the possibility of being unable to get our hands on said product makes it even more intriguing. One location with many booming beauty brands is Australia, with Lucas' Papaw Ointment among its top offerings.
The ubiquitous red tube retails for less than $10 and has used the same creamy formula since it was first created over 100 years ago—that's how good it is. It can be used to treat dry lips, insect bits, minor burns, torn cuticles, rashes, chafed skin, sunburns, cuts, and scrapes. In short, it's a little miracle worker. However, as with many popular ointments, one of its main ingredients is the controversial petroleum jelly. So, we tapped several skincare experts to learn more about what it is and whether or not it's safe to use.
To find out more about the Australian skincare staple, keep reading.
Meet the Experts
- Justine Kahn is a California-based esthetician and founder of Botnia Skincare.
- Michele Farber, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Philadelphia
- Kirsten Carriol is a skincare expert and founder of Lanolips.
What Is Lucas' Papaw Ointment?
Lucas' Papaw Ointment is a thick, emollient product that's designed to relieve dry, flaky lips and skin. In terms of ingredients, the formula contains fresh fermented papaya, plus pharmaceutical-grade petroleum jelly and wax as the base (along with trace amounts of naturally derived fragrance). The fermented papaya is meant to be the hero ingredient, as it is said to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory healing properties. Also, in this ointment, the petroleum acts as a "carrier" so that the fermented fruit can be applied topically in a manner that is safe and effective.
Lucas' Papaw Remedies
Is Lucas' Papaw Ointment Safe?
To put it simply, yes. Petroleum undergoes a refining process to make it safe for use on the skin, and Lucas' Pawpaw formula, in particular, uses pharmaceutical-grade petroleum that's safe for the skin, along with other beneficial ingredients.
However, there is some reason for the controversy over petroleum jelly in general. "As a byproduct of the oil refining process, concerns have been raised about the purity and safety of petroleum jelly, says esthetician Justine Kahn. "Furthermore, due to its occlusive nature, it creates a barrier on the skin that can potentially trap bacteria, possibly leading to breakouts, particularly in those with acne-prone skin."
According to Lanolips founder and skin expert Kirsten Carriol, petroleum is a "mixture of hydrocarbons and other chemicals coming from crude oil, which is a byproduct of the oil industry—usually made in various grades and is cheap to use in cosmetics. It works by creating a protective barrier over the skin to seal in moisture, but since petroleum jelly is water-repellent and not water-soluble, it makes it hard for the skin to breathe." Simply put, it's a barrier that keeps moisture in but cannot add hydration on its own.
Key Ingredients
"Petroleum jelly is composed of natural mineral oils and waxes and goes through a refining process to make it is safe for use on skin," says dermatologist Michele Farber, MD. "It is hypoallergenic and nonirritating and is a great skin protectant."
Ultimately, while some view petroleum jelly as a potentially sketchy ingredient, it's widely considered safe and highly effective. This is said to be especially true for pharmaceutical—grade petroleum—which is used by Lucas' Papaw Remedies—as it has been purified so thoroughly that no toxic chemicals remain.
How to Use Lucas' Papaw Ointment
As with any other ointment, the process is quite simple—just apply a thin layer of ointment to clean skin.
"An ointment can be used as a hydrator on dry skin; given that ointments often have occlusive properties, they can seal in moisture and help hydrate," says Farber. Because of the nature of petroleum, Lucas' Papaw Ointment is not technically categorized as a moisturizer, but it does help hydrate the skin and seal in moisture. Farber adds that because of its occlusive properties, it may increase the effects of irritating ingredients, such as exfoliants and retinol. So avoid using Lucas' Pawpaw Ointment over any super potent skincare formulas.
If you have very dry or cracked skin, apply the ointment over damp skin or other moisturizing products to seal in all the hydration. Lastly, if you're applying ointment to a minor wound, be extra diligent in taking sanitary measures—such as applying it with a Q-tip or while wearing gloves—to avoid the risk of infection.
The Final Takeaway
Lucas' Papaw Ointment is safe and effective. So, use it as a cream, lip balm, and wound treatment as you see fit. However, if you'd rather steer away from petroleum jelly altogether, it may be best to go with a semi-permeable ingredient such as lanolin, allowing the skin to self-hydrate from within. Or, you can use other plant-based formulas that are better suited for vegan beauty lovers.
If you're looking to relieve dry lips but also want a touch of color, this is the option for you. It gives you a gorgeous raspberry-tinted color and is formulated with good-for-your-skin ingredients like olive oil, beeswax, avocado oil, and green tea seed oil.
