PETROLEUM JELLY

Petroleum Jelly is also used in many types of polishes and in lubricating greases, rust preventives, and modeling clay.
Petroleum Jelly is used medical treatment, skin and hair care, moisture loss, hair grooming, skin lubrication, product care and protection, coating, finishing, lubrication, production processes, surface cleansing, pet care.
Petroleum Jelly is used to protect and repair the skin.

CAS number: 8009-03-8 
EC Number: approximately 232-315-6 

SYNONYMS:
Petroleum jelly, Petrolatum, White petrolatum, Soft paraffin, Multi-hydrocarbon, Vaseline, Paraffin jelly, Mineral jelly, Wax white, Wax paraffin, Cosmoline, VASELINUM ALBUM, VASELINE, VASELINE, WHITE, VASELINE YELLOW

Petroleum jelly, 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 Petroleum Jelly's healing properties.

Vaseline has been the leading 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.

Petroleum Jelly's folkloric medicinal value as a "cure-all" has since been limited by a better scientific understanding of appropriate and inappropriate uses.
It 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 Petroleum Jelly is often loosely referred to as mineral oil.

Petroleum jelly, translucent, yellowish to amber or white, unctuous substance having almost no odour or taste, derived from petroleum and used principally in medicine and pharmacy as a protective dressing and as a substitute for fats in ointments and cosmetics.
Petroleum Jelly is obtained by dewaxing heavy lubricating-oil stocks.

Petroleum Jelly has a melting-point range from 38° to 54° C (100° to 130° F).
Chemically, Petroleum Jelly is a mixture of hydrocarbons, chiefly of the paraffin series.
Petroleum Jelly is a byproduct of petroleum refining.

With a melting point close to body temperature, Petroleum Jelly 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.

Petroleum Jelly is odorless and colorless, and it has an inherently long shelf life.
These qualities make Petroleum Jelly a popular ingredient in skincare products and cosmetics.

USES and APPLICATIONS of PETROLEUM JELLY:
Petroleum jelly has lubricating and coating properties, including use on dry lips and dry skin.
Surface cleansing: Petroleum jelly is used to gently clean a variety of surfaces, ranging from makeup removal from faces to tar stain removal from leather.

Sports: Some goalkeepers in association football put petroleum jelly on their gloves to make them stickier.
Petroleum Jelly is also used in many types of polishes and in lubricating greases, rust preventives, and modeling clay.

Petroleum Jelly is used medical treatment, skin and hair care, moisture loss, hair grooming, skin lubrication, product care and protection, coating, finishing, lubrication, production processes, surface cleansing, pet care.
Petrolatum, or petroleum jelly, derived from petroleum, is often used in personal care products as a moisturizing agent.

-Petroleum jelly medical grade is used all over the world to protect and heal dry skin, from dry, cracked hands to hard skin on heels.
Petroleum Jelly is also used for beauty purposes, like softening the lips or highlighting the cheekbones.
Petroleum Jelly is used to protect and repair the skin.

Petroleum Jelly is used for preventing diaper rash, but it can also be used to protect minor cuts and burns, to soften skin, and to lock in moisture in dry, cracked skin.

-Petroleum jelly cosmetic grade
Petroleum jelly cosmetic grade is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons (with carbon numbers mainly higher than 25).
Petroleum jelly cosmetic grade is promoted as a topical ointment for its healing properties.

After petroleum jelly cosmetic grade became a medicine chest staple, consumers began to use it for myriad ailments and cosmetic purposes.
Petroleum jelly cosmetic grade’s folkloric medicinal value as a "cure-all" has since been limited by better scientific understanding of appropriate and inappropriate uses.

The best quality type of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) for cosmetic industry
No smell, extra white color is the most important specification of Petroleum Jelly.

-Petroleum jelly industrial grade:
Petroleum jelly industrial grade is a semi-solid, translucent mixture of hydrocarbons, originally promoted as a topical ointment for its healing properties.

Petroleum jelly industrial grade or yellow petroleum jelly meets the British and U.S. Pharmacopoeia for yellow petroleum.
Petroleum jelly industrial grade is used to moisten plasticine, coat corrosion-prone items, condition leather, finish wood, protect and prevent moisture loss, and as a release agent for plaster moulds and castings, rubber, automotive and general industrial sectors.

-Petroleum jelly medical grade:
Petroleum jelly medical grade is made by the waxy petroleum material that formed on oil rigs and distilling it.
Petroleum jelly medical grade has been used in various ointments and as a lubricant.

Young chemist Robert Chesebrough began to study Petroleum Jelly then known as ‘rod wax’.
Through various processes of refinement and purification, he distilled a lighter and transparent gel, which he then patented in 1865 and is the petroleum jelly we know today.

-Cosmetic & Medical uses of Petroleum Jelly:
Petroleum Jelly is widely used as an emollient and skin protectant, moisturizing dry or chapped skin, lips, cuticles, etc.
Recognized by FDA as an OTC skin protectant; Petroleum Jelly is also used in medical contexts such as postoperative skin healing, nasal moisture, diaper rash, “slugging” skincare technique.

-Industrial & Other Uses of Petroleum Jelly:
Petroleum Jelly acts as a lubricant on metallic and plastic surfaces, moisture barrier, corrosion protection for tools, metal components, undercarriage, etc.

Petroleum Jelly is used as a plasticizer, stabilizer or fuel source in explosives (e.g., Cheddite C, cordite propellants).
Barrier in pet care (e.g., paws), preventing escapes in terrariums, preventing dyes from reaching skin, battery terminal protection.
Petroleum Jelly is used as a food-contact grease, in animal feed/food processing equipment (per FDA indirect additive listings).

-Explosives uses of Petroleum Jelly:
Petroleum jelly can be mixed with a high proportion of strong inorganic chlorates due to it acting as a plasticizer and a fuel source.
An example of this is Cheddite C which consists of a ratio of 9:1, KClO3 to petroleum jelly.

This mixture is unable to detonate without the use of a blasting cap.
Petroleum Jelly is also used as a stabiliser in the manufacture of the propellant Cordite.

-Mechanical barrier functions:
Petroleum jelly can be used to fill copper or fibre-optic cables using plastic insulation to prevent the ingress of water.
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, Petroleum Jelly 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.

Petroleum Jelly is also used to prevent diaper rash.
Petroleum jelly is sometimes used to protect the terminals on batteries.

However, automobiles batteries require a silicone-based battery grease because Petroleum Jelly is less likely to melt and thus offers better protection.

-Medical treatment: 
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, Petroleum Jelly 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, Petroleum Jelly was also consumed for internal use and even promoted as "Vaseline confection".

-Pet care uses of Petroleum Jelly: 
Petroleum jelly is used to moisturize the paws of dogs.
Petroleum Jelly is a common ingredient in hairball remedies for domestic cats.

-Skin and hair care uses of Petroleum Jelly:
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).
Petroleum Jelly is also used for treating dry scalp and dandruff.

Although long known as just an occlusive, recent studies show that Petroleum Jelly 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".

-Preventing moisture loss:
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.
Petroleum Jelly can prevent chilling of the face due to evaporation of skin moisture during cold weather outdoor sports.

-Hair grooming uses of Petroleum Jelly:
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, Petroleum Jelly makes an effective moustache wax.

-Skin lubrication uses of Petroleum Jelly:
Petroleum jelly 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.

Petroleum jelly 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, Petroleum Jelly is not recommended for use with latex condoms during sexual activity, as it increases the chance of rupture.
In addition, petroleum jelly is difficult for the body to break down naturally, and may cause vaginal health problems when used for intercourse.

-Product care and protection uses of Petroleum Jelly:
*Coating
Petroleum jelly 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.

Petroleum Jelly is used as an environmentally friendly underwater antifouling coating for motor boats and sailing yachts.
Petroleum Jelly 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.

*Finishing
Petroleum Jelly can be used to finish and protect wood, much like a mineral oil finish.
Petroleum Jelly 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).

*Lubrication
Petroleum jelly can be used to lubricate zippers and slide rules.
Petroleum Jelly was also recommended by Porsche in maintenance training documentation for lubrication (after cleaning) of "Weatherstrips on Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Sun Roof".
Petroleum Jelly is used in bullet lubricant compounds.

5 WAYS TO USE PETROLEUM JELLY FOR SKIN CARE:
The skin is the body’s largest organ, so it’s important to take good care of it.
However, doing so doesn’t necessarily mean breaking the bank.

In fact, petroleum jelly, a common, inexpensive product found in most people’s medicine cabinets, can have multiple skin care uses for the entire family.
To save on skin care, dermatologists recommend using petroleum jelly to:

*Relieve dry skin, including your lips and eyelids.
Dry skin can flake, itch, crack and even bleed.
Since ointments are more effective and less irritating than lotions, consider applying petroleum jelly to dry skin, including your lips and eyelids.

The skin on your eyelids is the thinnest skin on the body and can get irritated easily.
If your eyelids get dry and flaky, apply a small amount of petroleum jelly for moisture and protection.
For the best results, always apply petroleum jelly when your skin is damp.

*Help injured skin heal.
For minor wounds such as cuts, scrapes, and scratches, use petroleum jelly to keep the wound moist.
Petroleum Jelly helps prevent the wound from drying out and forming a scab, as scabs take longer to heal.

This will also help prevent a scar from getting too large, deep or itchy.
As long as the wound is cleaned daily, it is not necessary to use anti-bacterial ointments.

*Prevent chafing.
Chafing is a painful skin irritation that occurs when body parts rub together or rub against clothing.
To prevent chafing that can lead to blisters, apply petroleum jelly to problem areas, such as the feet or thighs.

*Treat diaper rash.
The best way to prevent diaper rash is to keep your baby’s skin as dry and clean as possible.
However, if your baby does get a rash, apply petroleum jelly during each diaper change.

With the right care, your baby’s rash should clear in about three to four days.
If the rash doesn’t go away, see a board-certified dermatologist.

*Rehydrate nails.
If you frequently get manicures and pedicures, apply petroleum jelly to your nails and cuticles in between polishes.
This will minimize brittleness and help prevent your nails from chipping.

For the best results, apply it when your nails are damp.
While petroleum jelly has many benefits, it shouldn’t be used for everything.

Avoid putting petroleum jelly on your face if you are acne-prone, as this may cause breakouts in some people.
If you have questions about your skin or how to take care of it, see a board-certified dermatologist.

MOISTURIZE YOUR FACE, HANDS, AND MORE of PETROLEUM JELLY:
*Face and body lotion: 
Apply petroleum jelly after a shower.
As an occlusive moisturizer, it prevents your skin from drying out.
You can also use it for dry noses during cold or allergy season.

*Cracked heels: 
To help cracked heels, soak your feet in warm water with some salt added to Petroleum Jelly.
Towel-dry thoroughly, and apply petroleum jelly and clean cotton socks.

*Improve your gardening hands: 
After washing and drying, use some petroleum jelly and a clean pair of gloves to help lock in moisture and accelerate healing.

*Chapped lips: 
To help chapped lips, apply to chapped lips as you would any chapstick.

*Help for pet paws
Your dog’s pad skin can crack and cause great discomfort.
Clean their paws with cotton gauze, dry them, and apply Petroleum Jelly.
Ideally, this should be done after a walk or when your pet is resting.
Only use a small amount, as your pet may lick their paws, and consuming too much could cause an upset stomach.

*Prevent diaper rash
Petroleum jelly is one of several emollients recommended to reduce the incidence of diaper rash in babies.
Clean and towel dry your little one’s skin properly before applying.
Petroleum jelly will form a protective barrier that will help protect the skin from constant exposure to moisture.
Make an appointment with the doctor if there is a persistent rash.

*Remove eye makeup
Oil is an effective way to remove makeup, and petroleum jelly is safe to use in the eye area.
Use a cotton pad or Q-tip (for hard-to-reach areas), and press gently without tugging too hard on your skin.
Make sure to close your eyes as you wipe.
Some people also swear by using Petroleum Jelly on crow’s feet lines.

*Save split ends
Sun and wind exposure, as well as pool water, can dry up your hair.
Petroleum jelly can reduce the look of split ends and add shine to your hair.
Rub a small amount of Petroleum Jelly between your palms and apply to hair ends.

*Prevent skin stains from hair dye or nail polish
Apply petroleum jelly along your hairline to prevent hair dye from staining your skin.
This also works if you like to paint your nails at home.
A barrier of petroleum jelly is easy to wipe away when you’re done.

*Preserve perfume scents
Using petroleum jelly on your skin as a base for your perfume can help it last longer.
Simply spread a small amount of petroleum jelly on any areas where you usually spray your perfume.
Then spray on your perfume as usual.

*Petroleum Jelly is used  as lube for stuck objects
If a ring is stuck on your finger, put some Petroleum Jelly on your finger, making sure you get some around and under the ring.
This will help the ring slip off your finger.
For door hinges, apply a bit of Petroleum Jelly right on the hinge and swing the door a few times to spread evenly.

HEALTH BENEFITS AND USES of PETROLEUM JELLY:
***Helps Wounds Heal
Petroleum jelly hit the market almost 150 years ago.
Petroleum Jelly’s still a favorite of dermatologists.

That’s because Petroleum Jelly seals water into your skin.
That’s good for your wounds because they need a moist place to heal.
Petroleum Jelly may take up to twice as long for dry injured skin to get better.

This oily moisturizer, Petroleum Jelly, may also ease the redness of a new scar and lower your chances of infection.
Petroleum Jelly also won’t burn when you put it on.

***Relief for Eczema and Psoriasis
With some conditions, your skin may have a hard time keeping water in and bad stuff out.
If it’s really dry, it could crack and let in bacteria.

Petroleum jelly may help your skin and the medicines you take work better.
Petroleum Jelly can ease inflammation and keep your skin moist.

This can help you itch and scratch less.
To get the most out of your petroleum jelly, use it on your skin when it’s damp.

***Help for Atopic Dermatitis in Babies
Petroleum jelly can relieve itchy skin in newborns and infants.
If atopic dermatitis (eczema) runs in your family, petroleum jelly may be a low-cost way to help your child avoid it.

You can start to use Petroleum Jelly on your baby’s skin about 3 weeks after they’re born.
Petroleum Jelly Can Kill Mature Lice, but Not the Eggs

Like mayonnaise, petroleum jelly is a home remedy for lice.
Research shows Petroleum Jelly may kill adult lice.
But Petroleum Jelly doesn’t keep the eggs, known as nits, from hatching.

That means Petroleum Jelly’s not a good way to control lice.
Instead, you should use a medicine that’s made to kill lice, called a pediculicide.

***Blister Prevention
Before you head out for a run, rub some petroleum jelly between your legs or on your heels.
Petroleum Jelly may keep you from chafing in areas that rub together.
If you do get a blister, petroleum jelly on your sore can help it heal.

***Diaper Rash Relief
Petroleum jelly protects the skin from outside stuff.
That includes your baby's poop and pee.

You can use Petroleum Jelly between diaper changes if your baby gets a rash.
Dermatologists like it because there are no fragrances or preservatives.
That’s good for babies' butts and parents' hands.

And there’s no evidence that costly diaper rash creams work better than petroleum jelly.
But that doesn’t mean you have to toss them.
If you like the way a cream smells or feels, keep using it.

***Hemorrhoid Help
Petroleum jelly may help you feel better if you have a hemorrhoid flare.
You can add a layer inside your anal area to protect your sensitive skin.
This may make Petroleum Jelly more comfortable to poop.
You may itch and hurt less, too.

***Windburn Prevention
Petroleum jelly can protect your skin against wind and cold.
Just rub a thin layer on any area that might get exposed to the air.

You can also dab a little under your runny nose if it gets dry.
But you may want to avoid areas that are acne-prone.

Petroleum jelly can trap bacteria and oil in your skin.
That can make your breakouts worse.

***Eye Moisturizer
The skin around your eyes is really thin.
This means it can get bothered easily.
A layer of petroleum jelly can give your eyelids some added moisture.

Petroleum Jelly’s also a safe way to remove eye makeup.
But try not to get any inside your eye.
It’s not likely to cause an allergic reaction, but Petroleum Jelly could add bacteria.

***Protection for Your Pet’s Paws
Rub a little petroleum jelly on your dog’s paw pads before you take them out for a winter walk.
Petroleum Jelly can protect their feet from the cold and from salt on the sidewalks.
This oily layer can also moisturize your pet’s skin if they have atopic dermatitis.

***Nail Moisturizer
You don’t need costly creams to keep your nails in good shape.
Petroleum jelly can hydrate all parts of your hands.

If your nails are brittle, Petroleum Jelly can help fill in and smooth out some of the ridges and rough spots.
If you get manicures a lot, you may want to dab some on after your next session.
But make sure your nails are still a little damp first to seal in the water.

***How to Avoid Greasiness
A little petroleum jelly goes a long way.
But if you don’t want Petroleum Jelly on your fingers at all, use a small spatula to put on a thin layer wherever you want to use it.
If you moisturize your hands or feet, just put on gloves or socks after.
But keep in mind that oil-based products may stain fabric or carpet.

BENEFITS AND USES of PETROLEUM JELLY:
Heal minor skin scrapes and burns
A study shows that petroleum jelly effectively keeps skin moist during post-surgery healing.

This may be particularly good for regular, less dramatic skin injuries.
Make sure that the surface you apply petroleum jelly on is properly cleaned and disinfected.
Otherwise, bacteria and other pathogens can get trapped inside and delay the healing process.

INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION PROCESSES of PETROLEUM JELLY:
Petroleum jelly is a useful material when incorporated into candle wax formulas.
Petroleum Jelly softens the overall blend, allows the candle to incorporate additional fragrance oil, and facilitates adhesion to the sidewall of the glass.

Petroleum jelly 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.
Petroleum Jelly  is used as a tack reducer additive to printing inks to reduce paper lint "picking" from uncalendered paper stocks.

Petroleum Jelly can be used as a release agent for plaster molds and castings.
Petroleum Jelly is used in the leather industry as a waterproofing cream.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES of PETROLEUM JELLY:
Petroleum jelly is a mixture of hydrocarbons, with a melting point that depends on the exact proportions.
The melting point of Petroleum Jelly is typically between 40 and 70 °C (105 and 160 °F).
It 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.

Petroleum Jelly is colorless (or of a pale yellow color when not highly distilled), translucent, and devoid of taste and smell when pure.
Petroleum Jelly does not oxidize on exposure to the air and is not readily acted on by chemical reagents.

Petroleum Jelly is insoluble in water.
Petroleum Jelly is soluble in dichloromethane, chloroform, benzene, diethyl ether, carbon disulfide and turpentine.

Petroleum jelly is slightly soluble in alcohol.
Petroleum Jelly acts as a plasticizer on polypropylene (PP), but is compatible with a wide range of materials and chemicals.

Petroleum Jelly 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, Petroleum Jelly has 20.9% solid fat content.
Petroleum Jelly's microstructure is made up of partially crystalline stacks of lamellar sheets which immobilize the liquid portion.

In general, only 7–13% of Petroleum Jelly 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.

WHAT IS PETROLEUM JELLY USED FOR?
Petroleum Jelly is commonly used to protect your skin.
Petroleum Jelly is helpful for the following purposes.

Petroleum Jelly is used to soothe and protect from minor cuts, scratches, or burns
Petroleum Jelly is used to help relieve chapped, chafed, flaky, or cracked skin or lips

Petroleum Jelly is used to reduce the chance that wind and cold weather will dry out your skin or lips
Petroleum Jelly is used to prevent or help relieve diaper rash

These uses may vary depending on the specific Petroleum Jelly product used.
Petroleum Jelly may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

HOW DOES PETROLEUM JELLY WORK (MECHANISM OF ACTION)?
Petroleum Jelly helps soothe and protect your skin.
Petroleum Jelly softens and moisturizes your skin.

Petroleum Jelly also helps form a barrier between your skin and irritants, such as wind, cold, or soiled diapers.
Petroleum jelly was discovered as a paraffin-like material coating oil rigs.

Petroleum jelly is made by the waxy petroleum material that formed on oil rigs and distilling it.
The lighter and thinner oil-based products make up petroleum jelly, also known as white petrolatum or simply as petrolatum.
The still residue is then filtered through bone char to yield petroleum jelly.

HISTORY of PETROLEUM JELLY:
Marco Polo in 1273 described the oil exportation of Baku oil by hundreds of camels and ships for burning and as an ointment for treating mange.
Native Americans discovered the use of petroleum jelly for protecting and healing the skin.
Sophisticated oil pits had been built as early as 1415–1450 in Western Pennsylvania.

In 1859, workers operating the United States's first oil rigs noticed a paraffin-like material forming on rigs in the course of investigating malfunctions.
Believing the substance hastened healing, the workers used the jelly on cuts and burns.

Robert Chesebrough, a young chemist whose previous work of distilling fuel from the oil of sperm whales had been rendered obsolete by petroleum, went to Titusville, Pennsylvania, to see what new materials had commercial potential.
Chesebrough took the unrefined green-to-gold-colored "rod wax", as the drillers called it, back to his laboratory to refine it and explore potential uses.

He discovered that by distilling the lighter, thinner oil products from the rod wax, he could create a light-colored gel.
Chesebrough patented the process of making petroleum jelly by U.S. patent 127,568 in 1872.
The process involved vacuum distillation of the crude material followed by filtration of the still residue through bone char.

Chesebrough traveled around New York demonstrating the product to encourage sales by burning his skin with acid or an open flame, then spreading the ointment on his injuries and showing his past injuries healed, he said, by his miracle product.
He opened his first factory in 1870 in Brooklyn using the name Vaseline.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF PETROLEUM JELLY AND THEIR USES:
Petroleum jelly, commonly known as petrolatum or Vaseline, is a versatile, semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum.
Petroleum Jelly is widely used across industries due to its protective, moisturizing, and lubricating properties.
Over the years, different types of petroleum jelly have emerged, each tailored to specific applications.
In this section, we’ll explore the various types of petroleum jelly, their unique characteristics, and their practical uses.

***White Petroleum Jelly
White petroleum jelly is the most refined version of traditional petrolatum.
It undergoes extensive purification processes to remove impurities, making it suitable for applications that require a high level of purity, such as medical and cosmetic products.

Composition: 
White petroleum jelly is odorless and colorless, containing no harmful impurities like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
This level of refinement is essential for products that are directly applied to the skin.

Uses:
*Skincare: 
White petroleum jelly is widely used in moisturizing creams, lotions, and lip balms due to its ability to create a barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss.

*Medical: 
It is commonly used in wound care as a protective barrier to keep the skin hydrated and prevent infection.
Infant care: 
Many baby care products, including diaper rash creams, utilize white petroleum jelly because it is hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive skin.

***Unrefined Petroleum Jelly
Unrefined or partially refined petroleum jelly is less common for consumer products but still sees use in industrial and technical applications.
It contains a higher percentage of impurities and hydrocarbons.

Composition:
Unrefined jelly has a rougher texture and a yellowish or brownish appearance due to the presence of residual substances.

Uses:
*Heavy machinery lubrication: 
It is often used as a lubricant for industrial equipment due to its protective qualities.

*Corrosion protection: 
Its ability to form a barrier against moisture makes it suitable for preventing rust and corrosion in metal parts.

PETROLEUM JELLY SUBSTITUTES
With increasing awareness of environmental and sustainability issues, alternatives to petroleum jelly have emerged.
One promising alternative is thixotropic oleogels, which mimic the texture and properties of traditional petroleum jelly but use plant-based oils.

Uses:
*Cosmetics: 
These oleogels are becoming more popular in natural and sustainable beauty products.

*Industrial: 
Some industries are adopting these substitutes for environmentally friendly applications.
By understanding the different types of petroleum jelly and their uses, businesses and consumers can choose the best product for their specific needs, whether for personal care, medical applications, or industrial purposes.
Each type of petroleum jelly offers unique benefits based on its formulation and refinement process, ensuring its relevance across a wide range of applications.

PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of PETROLEUM JELLY:
Appearance & Physical Traits
Semi-solid waxy paste: white to yellow, odorless (when pure), 
translucent, soft yet retains shape while deformable under pressure 
Density / Specific gravity: about 0.815–0.880 at 60 °C; 
approx. 0.84 typical density 
Microstructure: partially crystalline lamellae within liquid phase, 
solid fat content ~20.9%. 
Composition: ~7–13% high-MW paraffins, 30–45% mid, 48–60% small paraffins 

Thermal Properties
Melting point: varies with composition, typically 40–60 °C (some sources note 45–60 °C or 70–80 °C depending on grade) 
Boiling point: around 322 °C (ChemBK) 
Flash point: approx. 198 °C 
Solubility & Chemical Behavior
Water: insoluble 
Soluble in: nonpolar organic solvents—benzene, carbon disulfide, chloroform, ether, hexane, turpentine, volatile oils 
Slightly soluble in: alcohol 
Additional Physical Chemistry

Vapour pressure extremely low, hydrophobic; 
high log Kₒw; 
poor water solubility for components ranged from 1.4×10⁻²⁰ to a few mg/L
CAS number:8009-03-8
EC / EINECS number: ~232-315-6
Appearance: White/yellow semi-solid waxy paste
Density:~0.84 (0.815–0.880 at 60 °C)
Melting point: ~40–60 °C (grade-dependent)
Boiling point: ~322 °C
Flash point: ~198 °C
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in nonpolar solvents
Applications: Emollient, lubricant, barrier, cosmetic, industrial, explosive use

FIRST AID MEASURES of PETROLEUM JELLY:
-Description of first-aid measures
*General advice:
Show this material safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
*If inhaled:
After inhalation: 
Fresh air.
*In case of skin contact: 
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. 
Rinse skin with
water/ shower.
*In case of eye contact:
After eye contact: 
Rinse out with plenty of water. 
Call in ophthalmologist. 
Remove contact lenses.
*If swallowed:
After swallowing: 
Immediately make victim drink water (two glasses at most). 
Consult a physician.
-Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed.
No data available

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES of PETROLEUM JELLY:
-Environmental precautions:
Do not let product enter drains.
-Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Cover drains. 
Collect, bind, and pump off spills. 
Observe possible material restrictions. 
Take up dry. 
Dispose of properly. 
Clean up affected area.

FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES of PETROLEUM JELLY:
-Extinguishing media:
*Suitable extinguishing media:
Carbon dioxide (CO2) 
Foam 
Dry powder
*Unsuitable extinguishing media:
For this substance/mixture no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.
-Further information:
Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system.

EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION of PETROLEUM JELLY:
-Control parameters:
--Ingredients with workplace control parameters:
-Exposure controls:
--Personal protective equipment:
*Eye/face protection:
Use equipment for eye protection. 
Safety glasses
*Body Protection:
protective clothing
*Respiratory protection:
Recommended Filter type: Filter A 
-Control of environmental exposure:
Do not let product enter drains.

HANDLING and STORAGE of PETROLEUM JELLY:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed. 
Dry.

STABILITY and REACTIVITY of PETROLEUM JELLY:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature).
-Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available