petrolatumbased

Petrolatum-based products are formulations that use petrolatum as a primary base ingredient. Petrolatum, also known as petroleum jelly, is a semi-solid mixture of saturated hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. After refinement, it is purified to different degrees, giving grades such as white petrolatum with minimal color and odor and yellow petrolatum with higher levels of impurities and color.

Petrolatum acts as an occlusive emollient, creating a hydrophobic barrier on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss and helps retain moisture. It is valued for stability, chemical inertness, and broad compatibility with other ingredients. The texture ranges from soft to firm, depending on refining and added waxes.

In cosmetics and medicine, petrolatum-based formulations are used as moisturizers, protective ointments, lip balms, diaper-rash creams, and wound-care ointments. In pharmaceutical topical products, petrolatum is often the base or an excipient. Industrially, petrolatum can function as a lubricant, coating, or protecting agent in machinery and packaging.

Manufacture and quality control: Petrolatum is produced during petroleum refining and is purified through dewaxing, deodorization, and other purification steps. Pharmaceutical and cosmetic grades are defined by standards such as USP/NF or the European Pharmacopoeia, with limits on impurities and volatile components to ensure safety and consistency.

Safety and regulatory status: External petrolatum products are generally regarded as safe for use on intact skin when used as directed. Contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can pose risks if refining is inadequate. It is not intended for ingestion and should not be used on serious wounds without medical advice. Related topics include petroleum jelly and occlusive skincare agents.