Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum Jelly

• INCI Name:
  Petrolatum
• Common Name:
  Petroleum Jelly
• Molecular Formula:
  Mixture of purified semi-solid hydrocarbons
• CAS Number:
  8009-03-8
• Alternate Names:
  • Petrolatum
  • White Petroleum Jelly
  • White Soft Paraffin
  • Cosmetic Grade Petrolatum
  • White Vaseline

Key Benefits:

• Forms a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss
• Deeply moisturizes dry and cracked skin
• Softens rough skin and lips
• Helps protect minor cuts and abrasions
• Improves skin smoothness and flexibility
• Highly stable and fragrance-free

Benefits & Uses (Short):

• Used in lip balms, creams, and ointments
• Common in baby care and skincare products
• Helps relieve dry, rough, and chapped skin
• Used in hand creams and foot care products
• Ideal for protective barrier formulations

Recommended Usage Level:

• Creams & Lotions: 2% – 20%
• Ointments: 30% – 100%
• Lip Balms: 10% – 100%
• Baby Care Products: 5% – 30%
• Body Balms: 10% – 80%

How It Works (Short):

• Functions as an occlusive emollient, creating a protective layer on the skin
• Reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) to help retain moisture
• Supports the skin's natural barrier and protects against dryness
• Improves the texture and spreadability of cosmetic formulations
• Highly inert and compatible with most cosmetic ingredients
• Works well with Mineral Oil, Vitamin E Oil, Lanolin, Shea Butter, and Beeswax

Key Benefits for Skin Care:

• Locks in moisture for long-lasting hydration
• Helps repair dry and cracked skin
• Protects the skin barrier from environmental stress
• Softens rough areas such as elbows and heels
• Suitable for sensitive skin when using cosmetic-grade Petrolatum

FAQs:

Q: What is Petroleum Jelly used for?
A: It is used to protect and moisturize dry skin, lips, and minor skin irritations while reducing moisture loss.

Q: Is Petroleum Jelly safe for skin?
A: Yes, cosmetic-grade Petrolatum is widely used and considered safe for topical skincare products.

Q: Can Petroleum Jelly clog pores?
A: It is generally considered non-comedogenic for most people, but those with very acne-prone skin may prefer lighter moisturizers for facial use.

Q: Is Petroleum Jelly the same as Vaseline?
A: Petroleum Jelly is the ingredient, while Vaseline is a well-known brand of petroleum jelly.

Q: What ingredients work well with Petroleum Jelly?
A: Mineral Oil, Vitamin E Oil, Shea Butter, Beeswax, Lanolin, and other emollients.