

As we shared above, some potential petroleum jelly dangers include the potential for digestive issues or loose stools.Īdditionally, because of its thick consistency, it poses a potential choking hazard, especially for children. However, just as hand sanitizer shouldn’t be purposefully consumed, it is also not a good idea to purposefully eat petroleum jelly. This means that it is not likely to cause serious harm to the body, especially if only a small amount is ingested. Petroleum jelly is considered minimally toxic. Our digestive systems also aren’t used to us eating petroleum jelly, which can lead to digestive issues. This could potentially result in diarrhea. It may also cause you to cough due to the way it may feel going down your throat.Īnother possible side effect of eating petroleum jelly is that it can cause your stool to become soft or loose. Due to its thick consistency, eating too much can put you at risk of choking. If you can imagine putting a big spoonful in your mouth and thinking about the consistency and how it may feel going down your throat, you should be able to get a good sense of what could happen if you eat petroleum jelly. It is an example of a semi-solid ointment. While it is not completely solid, it is also not very liquidy. However, the amount you ingest can impact the exact results you’re likely to experience.īefore discussing what is likely to happen if you eat petroleum jelly, think about what you know about petroleum jelly and its consistency. If you eat petroleum jelly, chances are you will be fine. If you are interested in history, you may be intrigued by the fact that Robert Chesebrough, the person who invented Vaseline, used to eat a spoonful of it each day! While it is unlikely to cause serious harm, there is still a risk of loose stools or choking (especially with young children). Other individuals and organizations believe that you should not eat petroleum jelly. If some gets in your mouth as you are applying it to your lips, that is fine, but they do not suggest purposefully eating it. However, these manufacturers also stress that petroleum jelly is not designed for consumption. Vaseline, one of the most well-known manufacturers, points to the fact that their Vaseline petroleum jelly satisfies the requirements laid out by the FDA for something to be considered safe for humans to consume. Many petroleum jelly manufacturers stress that petroleum jelly is safe if ingested. Truthfully, the answer to this question can vary depending on who you ask. You may be surprised to find out that petroleum jelly is vegan, but does that mean it is edible? Can you use petroleum jelly internally?.What are the side effects of petroleum jelly?.What happens if you eat petroleum jelly?.
