Cloves + Petroleum Jelly: Is This “Secret” Remedy Really Safe?
You may see recipes online recommending ground cloves or clove oil mixed with petroleum jelly for problems such as dry skin, pain, acne, or wrinkles. But there isn’t good clinical evidence that this mixture is a proven treatment for those conditions.
Petroleum jelly itself is a well-established moisturizer and skin protectant.
A
AAD
+1
The concern is the clove component. Clove oil is highly concentrated, and essential oils can cause irritation or allergic skin reactions when applied incorrectly.
A
AAD
+1
If you want to try it
Don’t apply concentrated clove oil directly to your skin.
Avoid the eyes, lips, mucous membranes, and broken or irritated skin.
Patch-test any new topical mixture on a small area first.
Stop immediately if you develop burning, redness, itching, or swelling.
Bottom line: Calling cloves and petroleum jelly a “secret cure” is misleading. Petroleum jelly can help protect and moisturize dry skin, but adding cloves doesn’t make it a medically proven miracle treatment.
A
Sources
