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Petrolatum, also known as petroleum jelly, is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from crude oil.
Petrolatum is a widely used substance in various industries, particularly in the fields of cosmetics, personal care, and medicine, due to its unique properties.
Petrolatum serves as an effective skin protectant by creating a barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and helping to heal dry or damaged skin.
CAS Number: 8009-03-8
Molecular Formula: C15H15N
Molecular Weight: 209.2863
EINECS Number: 232-373-2
Synonyms: Petrolatum, 8009-03-8, 4T6H12BN9U, Paraffin Jelly, 232-373-2, Petrolatum Jelly, 43% Petrolaum Skin Protectant, A and D (petrolatum) Ointment, AQUA-NU, ASTONEA PETROLATUM, ASTONEA-Vitamins A and D, Advanced Healing, Allermi Skin Savior, Aloe Vera Petrolatum Jelly, AquaGard, Aquaphor Healing, Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick, Aquaphor Original, Astonea 93-Vitamins A and D, BAG BALM Skin Protectant, BALMEX MULTI-PURPOSE, Baby Fresh Scent Petroleum, Baby Healing Jelly, Baby Petroleum, Baby Petroleum Jelly, Baby Skin Protectant, Babyfresh Petroleum Jelly, Black and White Skin Protectant, CAREALL Petroleum, CR-5667753 Leader Daily Moisturizer, CUREFINI Skin Protection Cream, CareALL Creamy Petroleum Jelly, Caring Mills Petroleum Jelly, Cars Petroleum, CeraVe Developed with Dermatologists Baby Healing, CeraVe Developed with Dermatologists Healing, Cetaphil Healing, ChapStick Classic Cherry, ChapStick Classic Original, ChapStick Classic Spearmint, ChapStick Supreme Classic Cherry, CheryLee MD Sensitive Skin Care TrueLipids Double Action Boo-Boo Bum, CheryLee MD Sensitive Skin Care TrueLipids Relieve and Protect Ointment, CherylLee MD Sensitive Skin Care TrueLipids TrueLips Lip Balm, Creamy Petroleum Jelly, D-Cerin, Dawnmist Petroleum, DermaCerin, Desitin Multi-Purpose Healing, Dry Skin Healing, EltaMD Laser Balm, Equate Baby Advanced Healing, FOTE SPACOLOGY SKIN PROTECTANT, Fisher-Price Petroleum Jelly, Flanders Healing, Gerigentle-Vitamins A and D, GoHeal, Gold Bond Medicated Advanced Healing, Gold Bond Medicated Cracked Foot Skin Relief, Gold Bond Medicated Cracked Skin Fill and Protect, Gold Bond Ultimate Cracked Skin Fill and Protect, Good Neighbor Petroleum Jelly, HERSTAT, Healing, Healing Jelly, Healing Ointment, Healing for Babies, Healquick Tattoo Balm, Health Smart Aloe Vera Petroleum, Health Smart Baby Petroleum, Health Smart Creamy Petroleum, Health Smart Lavender Baby Petroleum, Health Smart Original Petroleum, Hydrating Ointment, Hydrolatum, 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EMOLLIENT, UP AND, TISSUE EMBEDDING MEDIUM (PARAPLAST(R) REGULAR);WAX PARAFFIN;WAX WHITE;WAX;VASELINE;VASELINE, WHITE;VASELINE YELLOW;VASELINUM ALBUM
Petrolatum is a complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained as a semi-solid from dewaxing paraffinic residual oil.
Petrolatum consists predominantly of saturated crystalline and liquid hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly greater than C25.
This barrier also helps to protect against irritants and pollutants, making it beneficial for use in the treatment of minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.
Petrolatum, white petrolatum, soft paraffin, or multi-hydrocarbon, CAS number 8009-03-8, is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons (with carbon numbers mainly higher than 25), originally promoted as a topical ointment for its healing properties.
Vaseline has been an American brand of petroleum jelly since 1870.
After petroleum jelly became a medicine-chest staple, consumers began to use it for cosmetic purposes and for many ailments including toenail fungus, genital rashes (non-STI), nosebleeds, diaper rash, and common colds.
Its folkloric medicinal value as a "cure-all" has since been limited by a better scientific understanding of appropriate and inappropriate uses.
Petrolatum is recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an approved over-the-counter (OTC) skin protectant and remains widely used in cosmetic skin care, where it is often loosely referred to as mineral oil.
There are many names for petroleum jelly.
The most common is petrolatum and white petrolatum.
Petrolatum's made of hydrocarbons, and manufacturers refine the material into an odorless, semi-solid product.
Petrolatum, or petroleum jelly, derived from petroleum, is often used in personal care products as a moisturizing agent.
When properly refined, petrolatum has no known health concerns.
Petrolatum is the malthenes purified from lubrication oil, the mixture of residue oil and cerate.
It is an important lubricant for medicines, cosmetics, fine chemical raw materials and precision instruments.
In China, major vaseline products include ordinary vaseline, industrial vaseline and medical vaseline.
Ordinary vaseline is suitable for the preparation of various ointments and softener of dark rubber products; industrial vaseline can be used to protect metal products and general machinery parts against rust and lubricate machines under light loads, but also can be used as treating compound for leather and rubber softener.
Vaseline products are mainly concentrated in the medicinal Vaseline, which is divided into two: medical white vaseline and medical yellow Vaseline.
Medical Vaseline is mainly used in the preparation of ointment, skin protection cream and cosmetics raw materials, as well as antirust and lubricating materials for medical instruments and precision instruments.
Petrolatum is mineral oil jelly (i.e. petroleum jelly).
Petrolatum is used as a barrier to lock moisture in the skin in a variety of moisturizers and also in hair care products to make your hair shine.
White or yellow homogeneous paste, almost odorless and tasteless, a mixture of liquid and solid paraffin hydrocarbons.
Relative density: 0.815~0.830, viscosity: 0.01 ~ 0.02 Pa•s (100℃), flash point > 190℃ (open type), drop point: about 37~54℃.
Petrolatum is easy to dissolve in ethyl ether, petroleum ether, fatty oil, benzene, carbon disulfide, chloroform and turpentine, difficult to dissolve in ethanol and almost insoluble in water.
Petrolatum is heated into a transparent liquid, which can be fluorescent in the dark after ultraviolet radiation.
Petrolatum is a byproduct of petroleum refining.
With a melting point close to body temperature, petrolatum softens upon application and forms a water-repellant film around the applied area, creating an effective barrier against the evaporation of the skin’s natural moisture and foreign particles or microorganisms that may cause infection.
Petrolatum is odorless and colorless, and it has an inherently long shelf life.
These qualities make petrolatum a popular ingredient in skincare products and cosmetics.
When properly refined, petrolatum has no known health concerns.
However, with an incomplete refining history, petrolatum could potentially be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs.
PAHs are byproducts of organic material combustion, commonly stored in fats upon exposure due to its lipophilic properties.
There is no way to confirm proper refinement unless a complete refining history is provided.
Petrolatum is a common ingredient in a variety of ointments, creams, and lotions, where it is used to maintain skin hydration, alleviate dryness, and improve the overall condition of the skin.
Its non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) properties make it suitable for use in products for sensitive skin or areas prone to irritation.
While petrolatum is primarily valued for its moisturizing and protective benefits, it is also used as a base for the formulation of various pharmaceutical products.
In personal care, products such as lip balms, diaper creams, and moisturizers often contain petrolatum for its ability to help soothe and protect the skin.
A white, yellow or light amber semisolid fatty substance.
Transparent when thin-layered, slightly fluorescent.
Insoluble in water, almost insoluble in cold or hot ethanol and cold anhydrous ethanol.
Soluble in ether, hexane and most volatile or non-volatile oil; easily soluble in benzene, carbon disulfide, chloroform and turpentine.
Petrolatum is manufactured from the semisolid residue that remains after the steam or vacuum distillation of petroleum.
This residue is dewaxed and/or blended with stock from other sources, along with lighter fractions, to give a product with the desired consistency.
Final purification is performed by a combination of high-pressure hydrogenation or sulfuric acid treatment followed by filtration through adsorbents.
A suitable antioxidant may be added.
Petroleum jelly is a mixture of hydrocarbons, with a melting point that depends on the exact proportions.
The melting point is typically between 40 and 70 °C (105 and 160 °F).
Petrolatum is flammable only when heated to liquid; then the fumes will light, not the liquid itself, so a wick material is needed to ignite petroleum jelly.
Petrolatum is colorless (or of a pale yellow color when not highly distilled), translucent, and devoid of taste and smell when pure.
Petrolatum does not oxidize on exposure to the air and is not readily acted on by chemical reagents.
It is insoluble in water.
It is soluble in dichloromethane, chloroform, benzene, diethyl ether, carbon disulfide and turpentine.
Petrolatum jelly is slightly soluble in alcohol.
It acts as a plasticizer on polypropylene (PP), but is compatible with a wide range of materials and chemicals.
Petrolatum is a semi-solid, in that it holds its shape indefinitely like a solid, but it can be forced to take the shape of its container without breaking apart, like a liquid, though it does not flow on its own.
At room temperature, it has 20.9% solid fat content.
Its partially crystalline stacks of lamellar sheets, which immobilize the liquid portion, make up its microstructure.
In general, only 7–13% of it is made up of high molecular weight paraffins, 30–45% of smaller paraffins, and 48–60% of small paraffins.
Depending on the specific application of petroleum jelly, it may be USP, B.P., or Ph. Eur. grade.
This pertains to the processing and handling of the petroleum jelly so it is suitable for medicinal and personal-care applications.
Petrolatum, also known as petroleum jelly, is a byproduct of the oil refining process.
Petrolatum has been used for over a century as a common ingredient in various skincare and cosmetic products.
Many of our patients at Mid-County Dermatology ask us about the uses of petrolatum and if it is healthy to use on their skin.
In this article, we will delve into the composition, benefits, and potential risks associated with petrolatum.
Petroleum jelly (also called petrolatum) is a mixture of mineral oils and waxes, that form a semisolid jelly-like substance.
This product hasn’t changed much since Robert Augustus Chesebrough discovered it in 1859.
Chesebrough noticed that oil workers would use a gooey jelly to heal their wounds and burns. He eventually packaged this jelly as Vaseline.
Products with this ingredient are allowed for use in EWG VERIFIED but must meet use restrictions and warnings based on EWG review of company data.
This ingredient's score is higher if used in product forms that are inhalable (e.g., sprays, powders) because of respiratory concerns.
The score is lower if used in product forms that have lower risk of inhalation (e.g., solids, liquids)
This ingredient's score is higher if used in products that may not meet industry safety guidelines or U.S. and international government requirements and may have contamination concerns from toxic impurities.
The score will be lower if used in products that do meet these safety guidelines and requirements and EWG’s contamination restrictions.
Petrolatum is a petroleum-based product that exists in a semisolid state.
Petrolatum is used as a hair and skin-conditioning and moisturizing agent in personal care products.
It forms a a water-repellant barrier against the evaporation of the skin’s moisture.
Petrolatum is odorless and colorless, and it has an inherently long shelf life.
These qualities make petrolatum a popular ingredient in skincare products and cosmetics.
Petrolatum can be found in personal care products including products for baby care such as hair conditioners or skin conditioners, diaper creams, lip products, sunscreens, and moisturizers.
Petrolatum is a rich emollient and FDA-approved skin protectant.
Petrolatum is one of the best ingredients for dry to very dry skin, including around the eyes.
Although derived from crude oil (thus making petrolatum a natural ingredient), it is highly purified prior to being used in cosmetics, so there’s no risk of exposure to unwanted chemicals.
Petrolatum is a petroleum-based chemical.
Petrolatum is also commonly known as petroleum jelly.
Petrolatum is found in consumer products like cosmetics and personal care items.
Petrolatum or petroleum jelly or white petrolatum is a mixture of hydrocarbons with a bigger carbon chain length (C18-90+).
The primary hydrocarbon is 1,1,2-Trimethylbenzeindole.
It can be called the most effective occlusive agent.
Petrolatum has been recognized by the USFDA as an approved over-the-counter (OTC) skin protectant that is widely used in many cosmetics and personal care products, especially ointments.
It prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL) from the skin after its application.
Petrolatum is mostly used as a lubricant and coating agent for dry lips and chapped hands.
Petrolatum is used as an ingredient in skin lotions and creams, providing various types of skin care and protection by minimizing friction or reducing moisture loss.
It can also soften the nail cuticles
Petrolatum can be used as a hair pomade for grooming.
It is also used for treating dry scalp and dandruff.
Melting point: 70-80 °C ((ASTM D 127))
Boiling point: 322 °C
Density: 0.84
refractive index: n20/D 1.45
Flash point: 198 °C
storage temp.: Sealed in dry,Room Temperature
solubility: Practically insoluble in acetone, ethanol, hot or cold ethanol (95%), glycerin, and water; soluble in benzene, carbon disulfide, chloroform, ether, hexane, and most fixed and volatile oils.
form: extra-low viscosity oil
color: white
Specific Gravity: 0.815～0.880 (60℃)
PH: pH (25℃) : 4.5～8.0
Odor: Odorless
Water Solubility: Insoluble in water
Dielectric constant: 2.0（Ambient）
Acid-carclazyte method is a traditional method for the production of petrolatum (vaseline), which is still in use at home and abroad.
In the process, add sulfuric acid with more than 98% concentration measured up to about 60% of raw materials and mix it with the raw material in the reactor.
After the reaction, the acid residue is separated and diluted with alcohol to further remove the acid residue.
The oil treated with acid in another clay refining tank is decolorized with carclazyte at about 140℃, and then filtered to obtain the final product.
The characteristics of the acid-carclazyte method: the high-quality parts can be produced, PAHs can reach the level of pharmaceutical grade and other relevant indicators can meet the quality index of the pharmacopoeia, which is the reason of traditional craft’s long time existence.
The main disadvantage of the method is too low goal product yield (about 50%) and a large number of acid residues which is difficult to be utilized resulting in serious environmental pollution and very high production cost.
Petrolatum method has taken place of acid-carclazyte method to produce vaseline from 60s at home.
The process is as follows: the raw material reacts with aluminum chloride after dehydration in the reactor, reaction temperature is between 130℃ to 140℃.
After the reaction, the oil will be neutralized and precipitated with alkali liquor in the neutralization tank.
Then remove the slag and refine by carclazyte adsorption in the decolorizing tank.
Vaseline product is obtained by filtering refined oil at about 120℃.
The yield of aluminum chloride method is higher than that of acid-carclazyte method, and consumption index seems lower, but the quality is slightly worse; compared with vaseline produced by medium-pressure hydrocracking and high pressure hydrogenation was there is a great gap in color, transparency, the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and so on.
Petrolatum is a versatile and stable compound that has been used for over a century, thanks to its remarkable properties and safety profile when applied to the skin.
Petrolatum is colorless or pale yellow in appearance, odorless, and typically inert, meaning it does not easily react with other chemicals, which contributes to its effectiveness and broad range of applications.
As a semi-solid, petrolatum remains stable at room temperature, making it an excellent option for both skin protection and as a base for topical formulations.
In the medical field, petrolatum is often used in combination with other active ingredients to create ointments that promote healing.
For example, it is commonly included in wound care treatments, such as those used for dry, cracked skin or burns, because it forms a protective layer that prevents infection while keeping the skin moist, which is crucial for the healing process.
Its occlusive properties help to trap moisture in the skin, which can be especially beneficial for those with eczema, psoriasis, or other chronic skin conditions.
Beyond its use in skincare, petrolatum is also used in the manufacturing of various industrial products, including lubricants, greases, and rust preventatives, where its ability to reduce friction and resist oxidation is advantageous.
In cosmetics, it is often included in formulations designed for the care of hair and nails, where it helps to lock in moisture and prevent damage from environmental factors.
Uses Of Petrolatum:
With the characteristics of no color or smell, chemical inertness, semisolid, lipophilic property and good adhesion, it is suitable to manufacture substrates of hair cream, hair conditioner, eye cream, lipstick, wax matrix and so on.
Medical petrolatum (vaseline) can be widely used as the matrix of ointment because it is almost compatible with all drugs without changes in drugs.
Hydrophilic vaseline can be prepared by adding alcohols such as stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol and cholesterol after heated fusion and sufficient stir.
Petrolatum is an ointment base with strong permeability, stability and small stimulation. ,
This ointment matrix can be used alone for dry skin rash, erythema, papules and other diseases, especially for the removal of blood scab and desquamation. Vaseline can also be used as a non-ionic emulsifier to be compatible with cholesterol, so the range of compatibility is very wide.
In addition, it can be compatible with liquid drugs or aqueous solutions of drugs because of its absorbability.
Industrial vaseline can be used as rubber softener, anti-rust of metal devices and raw material of rust proof grease.
Petrolatum is mainly used in topical pharmaceutical formulations as an emollient-ointment base; it is poorly absorbed by the skin.
Petrolatum is also used in creams and transdermal formulations and as an ingredient in lubricant formulations for medicated confectionery together with mineral oil.
The product is suitable for preparing ingredients of medicine ointment and skin protection cream.
Petrolatum can be used for the anticorrosion of mechanical equipments, metal and parts, especially precision instruments, medical equipment and other advanced products.
It can be used as lubricating grease in anti-attrition parts of machines when the temperature is not high and the mechanical load is not large.
Petrolatum can be used as the ingredients of high-end cosmetics and other daily necessities, such as skin care cream, hair cream, lipstick pomade ,etc.
Therapeutically, sterile gauze dressings containing petrolatum may be used for nonadherent wound dressings or as a packing material.
Petrolatum is additionally widely used in cosmetics and in some food applications.
Petrolatum softens and smoothes the skin.
It forms a film on the skin’s surface, preventing moisture loss caused by evaporation, and protecting against irritation.
Its disadvantage lies in the difficulty of effectively and properly removing it from the skin.
Studies indicate that petrolatum accelerates the recovery of skin surface lipids, permeating throughout the stratum corneum layer, and allowing normal barrier recovery despite its occlusive properties.
Thus it does not form or act as an impermeable membrane.
It is a purified mixture of semisolid hydrocarbons from petroleum.
Petrolatum imparts a greasier feeling than other emollients and also has the potential for clogging pores and causing comedogenicity.
Although it can cause allergic skin rashes, petrolatum is non-toxic to the skin when properly purified and of high grade.
Petrolatum is a release agent, lubricant, and defoaming agent that is a purified mixture of semisolid hydrocarbons obtained from petro- leum.
Petrolatum varies in color from white to yellow. it is used in bakery products, dehydrated fruits and vegetables, and egg white solids.
Petroleum jelly has lubricating and coating properties, including use on dry lips and dry skin.
Below are some examples of the uses of petroleum jelly.
Vaseline brand First Aid Petroleum Jelly, or carbolated petroleum jelly containing phenol to give the jelly additional antibacterial effect, has been discontinued.
During World War II, a variety of petroleum jelly called red veterinary petrolatum, or Red Vet Pet for short, was often included in life raft survival kits.
Acting as a sunscreen, it provides protection against ultraviolet rays.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends keeping skin injuries moist with petroleum jelly to reduce scarring.
A verified medicinal use is to protect and prevent moisture loss of the skin of a patient in the initial post-operative period following laser skin resurfacing.
Petroleum jelly is used extensively by otorhinolaryngologists—ear, nose, and throat doctors—for nasal moisture and epistaxis treatment, and to combat nasal crusting.
Large studies have found petroleum jelly applied to the nose for short durations to have no significant side effects.
Historically, it was also consumed for internal use and even promoted as "Vaseline confection".
Most petroleum jelly today is used as an ingredient in skin lotions and cosmetics, providing various types of skin care and protection by minimizing friction or reducing moisture loss, or by functioning as a grooming aid (e.g., pomade).
Petrolatum is also used for treating dry scalp and dandruff.
Although long known as just an occlusive, recent studies show that it is actually able to penetrate into the stratum corneum and helps in better absorption of other cosmetic products.
Applying a significant amount of petroleum jelly onto one's face before bed is known as "slugging".
By reducing the loss of moisture via transepidermal water loss, petroleum jelly can prevent chapped hands and lips, and soften nail cuticles.
This property is exploited to provide heat insulation: petroleum jelly can be used to keep swimmers warm in water when training, or during channel crossings or long ocean swims.
It can prevent chilling of the face due to evaporation of skin moisture during cold weather outdoor sports.
In the first part of the twentieth century, petroleum jelly, either pure or as an ingredient, was also popular as a hair pomade.
When used in a 50/50 mixture with pure beeswax, it makes an effective moustache wax.
Petrolatum can be used to reduce the friction between skin and clothing during various sport activities, for example to prevent chafing of the seat region of cyclists, or the nipples of long distance runners wearing loose T-shirts, and is commonly used in the groin area of wrestlers and footballers.
Petrolatum is commonly used as a personal lubricant, because it does not dry out like water-based lubricants, and has a distinctive "feel", different from that of K-Y and related methylcellulose products.
However, it is not recommended for use with latex condoms during sexual activity, as it increases the chance of rupture.
In addition, Petrolatum is difficult for the body to break down naturally, and may cause vaginal health problems when used for intercourse.
Petrolatum can be used to coat corrosion-prone items such as metallic trinkets, non-stainless steel blades, and gun barrels prior to storage as it serves as an excellent and inexpensive water repellent.
Petrolatum is used as an environmentally friendly underwater antifouling coating for motor boats and sailing yachts.
It was recommended in the Porsche owner's manual as a preservative for light alloy (alleny) anodized Fuchs wheels to protect them against corrosion from road salts and brake dust.
Petrolatum can be used to finish and protect wood, much like a mineral oil finish.
Petrolatum is used to condition and protect smooth leather products like bicycle saddles, boots, motorcycle clothing, and used to put a shine on patent leather shoes (when applied in a thin coat and then gently buffed off).
Petrolatum can be used to lubricate zippers and slide rules.
It was also recommended by Porsche in maintenance training documentation for lubrication (after cleaning) of "Weatherstrips on Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Sun Roof".
Petrolatum is used in bullet lubricant compounds.
Petrolatum is a useful material when incorporated into candle wax formulas.
Petrolatum softens the overall blend, allows the candle to incorporate additional fragrance oil, and facilitates adhesion to the sidewall of the glass.
Petrolatum is used to moisten nondrying modelling clay such as plasticine, as part of a mix of hydrocarbons including those with greater (paraffin wax) and lesser (mineral oil) molecular weights.
It is used as a tack reducer additive to printing inks to reduce paper lint "picking" from uncalendered paper stocks.
It can be used as a release agent for plaster molds and castings.
Petrolatum is used in the leather industry as a waterproofing cream.
Petroleum jelly can be used to fill copper or fibre-optic cables using plastic insulation to prevent the ingress of water, see icky-pick.
Petroleum jelly can be used to coat the inner walls of terrariums to prevent animals from crawling out to escape.
A stripe of petroleum jelly can be used to prevent the spread of a liquid (retain or confine a liquid to a specific area).
For example, it can be applied close to the hairline when using a home hair dye kit to prevent the hair dye from irritating or staining the skin.
Petrolatum is also used to prevent diaper rash.
Petrolatum is sometimes used to protect the terminals on batteries.
However, automobiles batteries require a silicone-based battery grease because it is less likely to melt and thus offers better protection.
Petrolatum is used to gently clean a variety of surfaces, ranging from makeup removal from faces to tar stain removal from leather.
Petrolatum is used to moisturize the paws of dogs.
It is a common ingredient in hairball remedies for domestic cats.
Petrolatum is widely used as a skin protectant in products designed to treat dry, cracked, or damaged skin.
It forms a barrier on the skin that helps to lock in moisture, preventing further dryness.
Petrolatum is commonly found in ointments and creams used for treating burns, minor cuts, scrapes, and wounds by providing a moist environment conducive to healing.
Petrolatum is a key ingredient in many lip balms and lip treatments, as it helps to prevent dry, chapped lips by creating a protective layer that retains moisture.
It is often used in moisturizers and body lotions to hydrate and soften the skin.
Petrolatum is especially beneficial for individuals with very dry skin or skin conditions like eczema, as it helps to restore moisture and alleviate skin tightness and irritation.
Petrolatum is frequently included in diaper rash creams due to its ability to create a barrier that protects the skin from moisture and irritants, helping to prevent or treat diaper rash.
In hair care products, petrolatum is used to seal in moisture and protect the scalp and hair from environmental damage.
Petrolatum is often found in hair pomades, styling gels, and conditioners designed to smooth the hair, reduce frizz, and add shine.
Petrolatum is sometimes used in nail creams and cuticle balms to moisturize the nails and surrounding skin, helping to prevent cracking and dryness.
Petrolatum is a common ingredient in many cosmetic formulations, such as foundation, mascara, and eye shadows.
It helps to improve the texture, spreadability, and longevity of these products while preventing them from drying out.
Petrolatum is used in medical ointments to treat and protect wounds, as it prevents infection, reduces scarring, and promotes faster healing by maintaining a moist environment.
Petrolatum is used in products designed for hair removal, such as depilatories, where it can help to protect and moisturize the skin during the hair removal process.
In industrial settings, petrolatum is used in lubricants, greases, and rust preventatives.
Its ability to reduce friction, prevent rusting, and protect surfaces from wear makes it a useful component in manufacturing and mechanical applications.
Petrolatum is found in foot creams and balms, particularly for treating cracked heels or other dry skin conditions on the feet, as it helps to moisturize and soften the skin.
Petrolatum is commonly used in tattoo aftercare products to keep the skin moisturized and to help the tattooed area heal without becoming dry or irritated.
Storage Of Petrolatum:
Petrolatum is an inherently stable material owing to the unreactive nature of its hydrocarbon components; most stability problems occur because of the presence of small quantities of impurities. On exposure to light, these impurities may be oxidized to discolor the petrolatum and produce an undesirable odor.
The extent of the oxidation varies depending upon the source of the petrolatum and the degree of refinement.
Oxidation may be inhibited by the inclusion of a suitable antioxidant such as butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, or alpha tocopherol.
Petrolatum should not be heated for extended periods above the temperature necessary to achieve complete fluidity (approximately 70°C).
Petrolatum may be sterilized by dry heat. Although petrolatum may also be sterilized by gamma irradiation, this process affects the physical properties of the petrolatum such as swelling, discoloration, odor, and rheological behavior.
Petrolatum should be stored in a well-closed container, protected from light, in a cool, dry place.
Safety Profile Of Petrolatum:
While Petrolatum is widely used, it often contains Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOHA), and polyaromatics, which may be carcinogenic.
When properly refined, petroleum jelly has no known health concerns.
Products having the refining history of petrolatum mentioned on their labels can be safely used.
Petrolatum is mainly used in topical pharmaceutical formulations and is generally considered to be a nonirritant and nontoxic material.
Animal studies, in mice, have shown petrolatum to be nontoxic and noncarcinogenic following administration of a single subcutaneous 100 mg dose.
Similarly, no adverse effects were observed in a 2-year feeding study with rats fed a diet containing 5% of petrolatum blends.
Although petrolatum is generally nonirritant in humans following topical application, rare instances of allergic hypersensitivity reactions have been reported,as have cases of acne, in susceptible individuals following repeated use on facial skin.
However, given the widespread use of petrolatum in topical products, there are few reports of irritant reactions.
The allergic components of petrolatum appear to be polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons present as impurities.
The quantities of these materials found in petrolatum vary depending upon the source and degree of refining.
Hypersensitivity appears to occur less with white petrolatum and it is therefore the preferred material for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Petrolatum has also been tentatively implicated in the formation of spherulosis of the upper respiratory tract following use of a petrolatum-based ointment packing after surgery,and lipoid pneumonia following excessive use in the perinasal area.
Other adverse reactions to petrolatum include granulomas (paraffinomas) following injection into soft tissue.
Also, when taken orally, petrolatum acts as a mild laxative and may inhibit the absorption of lipids and lipid-soluble nutrients.
Petrolatum is widely used in direct and indirect food applications.
In the USA, the daily dietary exposure to petrolatum is estimated to be 0.404 mg/kg body-weight.
For further information see Mineral Oil and Paraffin.
