Petrolatum, also known as petroleum jelly, is a mineral oil derivative used for its emollient properties in cosmetics. When I first learned this fact, I was on the search for a moisturizer without petrolatum and found it extremely difficult to find. Ninety-five percent of the moisturizers I looked at not only contained the ingredient, but it was the main ingredient listed on the product, no matter if it was an expensive or an inexpensive brand.

Petrolatum has no nutrient value for the skin and can interfere with the body's own natural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dryness and chapping. Petrolatum often generates the very conditions it claims to ease. Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is extremely inexpensive. The majority of hair care products geared towards African-Americans contain petrolatum as the key ingredient.

Mineral oil (a petroleum product) and its by-products are also used as an emollient in skin care products. Like petrolatum, mineral oil cannot be absorbed properly by the body and it is phototoxic, allergenic and it stops the skin from using its own moisture-producing capabilities. It is not good to use mineral oil or it derivatives in any cosmetics, but look on the back of any of your "moisturizers" and I can guarantee that this is either the first or second ingredient listed. Regular use of either mineral oil or petrolatum on the scalp can remove the sebum, causing even additional drying. A good moisturizer should be water based. Here are a few other ingredients that a good moisturizer should NOT contain:

ŸWax Ester - Spermaceti is sperm whale oil. (Banned in the US), but may be found in products from other countries. ŸHydrocarbon Oils & Waxes - Paraffin, Silicone Waxes, Ceresin, Silicone Oils, Ozokerite. ŸPolyhydric Alcohol Esters - Propylene Glycol, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), Sorbitan (Tweens), Mono and Di-Fatty Acid Esters of Ethylene Glycols, Polyoxyethylene Sorbitol, Propylene Glycol, Diethylene Glycol, and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG). ŸIsopropyl alcohol

Moisturizers that contain ingredients that will not only leave the hair moisturized, but leave the scalp healthy and nourished as well, are what you should be looking for. Shea, Cocoa, Mango, Olive, and Avocado Butter are all excellent bases for a moisturizer. Jojoba, Grapeseed, and Olive Oil are all oils that further add benefits to a moisturizer. Sweet Nature by Eddie's moisturizers not only contain ALL of these ingredients, but are 100% natural and can be used on the skin as a body butter. For more information check out www.sweetnaturebyeddie.com

Article Source: http://articlequicksubmit.com/article-what--s-in-that-jar.html

About The Author: 
I am a healthy hair care specialist, creator of Sweet Nature by Eddie comprehensive healthy hair care system, author of Relaxed or Natural, You Can Have Beautiful, Healthy Hair, and the owner of http://fabulousblackwoman.com/