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Skincare Ingredient

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Petrolatum

In Skincare: Is Petrolatum Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Comedogenicity (pore clogging)
1/5 — Very low risk
Safety (overall safety)
1/5 — Very low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
1/5 — Very low risk

Safety Information

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded it is safe as used in formulations. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) assigns it a low hazard score, indicating minimal health concerns under typical use conditions.

Quick Insights

At a glance

  • 01

    Petrolatum is highly valued for its ability to address dry skin concerns.

  • 02

    Cosmetic-grade petrolatum undergoes a rigorous purification process prior to use in formulations.

  • 03

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved petrolatum as a skin protectant.

  • 04

    Petrolatum is frequently utilized in healthcare settings and various medical applications.

  • 05

    Also referred to as petroleum jelly, petrolatum is a widely recognized emollient.

Key Benefits

What Petrolatum does for your skin

2 benefits
Hydration
Soothing

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Petrolatum is a highly refined mixture of oily and waxy hydrocarbons, widely recognized as an effective skin protectant and emollient. Derived from crude oil, it undergoes a purification process suitable for cosmetic use and is considered safe for topical application. Petrolatum helps to moisturize and soothe the skin's surface, forming a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss. Clinical studies demonstrate its gentle nature and efficacy in improving skin hydration, making it suitable for dry to very dry skin.
Classifications
Emollient
Occlusive/Opacifying Agent

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

Petrolatum is a hydrocarbon, a group of compounds consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen. It’s typically derived from petroleum, though some hydrocarbons are naturally occurring in plants and animals. Cosmetic-grade petrolatum is highly refined and purified from a liquid petroleum source, similar to the purification process of vegetable oils. Its use as an OTC skin protectant and in ophthalmic/anorectal medications demonstrates its purity and safety within regulatory guidelines.

Common Uses

Formulation in Petrolatum

In cosmetics, petrolatum is utilized in a wide range of product formulations. It provides temporary protection for injured or exposed skin, reducing irritation and rashes. Furthermore, it helps to slow transepidermal water loss (TEWL), keeping skin hydrated. It enhances the appearance and feel of hair by increasing body, suppleness, or shine, and can improve the texture of damaged hair. It’s important to note that petrolatum differs from ingredients like glycerin; petrolatum is hydrophobic (water-repelling) and creates a barrier, while glycerin is hydrophilic (water-attracting) and draws moisture to the skin. Dermatologists often recommend petrolatum for dry skin due to its ability to seal in moisture.

Role of Petrolatum

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

ANTISTATIC

Static Eliminator

Reduces static electricity and flyaway hair

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Antistatic agents neutralize electrostatic charges through cationic surfactants (quaternary ammonium compounds like behentrimonium chloride) or conductive polymers that increase surface conductivity to dissipate charge or attract moisture. The mechanism involves forming a conductive film on fiber surfaces, neutralizing charge buildup. Particularly effective on damaged hair with raised cuticles.

SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT

Skin Softener

Softens and smooths skin by filling gaps between cells

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Emollient ingredients create smooth, soft skin by filling spaces between corneocytes in stratum corneum. These include esters (isopropyl palmitate), oils (jojoba, argan), fatty alcohols, and silicones. The mechanism involves spreading on skin surface, filling microscopic irregularities, and creating lubricious film. Effects are immediate tactile improvement and visual smoothing. Emolliency measured by spreading coefficient and skin feel assessments.

Products

containing Petrolatum

2093 formulations
Deep Renewal Lip Balm
Deep Renewal Lip Balm
Blistex · eye-lip-care
Rosy Tinted Lip Balm
Rosy Tinted Lip Balm
Vaseline · eye-lip-care
Moisturizing Cream
Moisturizing Cream
CeraVe · moisturizer
Body Love Age Embrace Body Cleanser
Body Love Age Embrace Body Cleanser
Dove · body-skincare
Sun Care Coco SPF 50+
Sun Care Coco SPF 50+
Dernier Cosmetics · sunscreen
Revitalizing Lip Balm SPF 20
Revitalizing Lip Balm SPF 20
Neutrogena · eye-lip-care
Skin Relief Intense Moisture Repair Cream
Skin Relief Intense Moisture Repair Cream
Aveeno · moisturizer
Výživný Krém Exclusive
Výživný Krém Exclusive
Ryor · moisturizer
Soothing Cream for Problematic Skin
Soothing Cream for Problematic Skin
VZK · moisturizer
Body Love Intense Care Body Lotion
Body Love Intense Care Body Lotion
Dove · body-skincare
See all products with Petrolatum

References

Scientific sources

[1]

PLoSOne, ePublication, September 2020

[2]

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2020, pages 1399-1403

[3]

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, April 2016, pages 1,091-1,102

[4]

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, May 2011, pages 531-537

[5]

Contact Dermatitis, June 2006, pages 338-343

[6]

Acta Dermato-Venereology, November-December 2000, pages 412-415

[7]

Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, November 2003, pages 890-901

[8]

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, March 1992, pages 387-396

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Petrolatum — common questions

What is Petrolatum in skincare?

Petrolatum, also known as petroleum jelly or white petrolatum, is a colorless to pale yellow semisolid substance derived from petroleum. It’s used in cosmetics and personal care products such as bath products, cleansing products, skincare, makeup, shampoos, hair styling products, and sunscreens. It is also approved for over-the-counter use as a skin protectant in ophthalmic and anorectal medications. Petrolatum forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing moisture loss and protec

What does Petrolatum do? / Functions of Petrolatum?

Common functions: ANTISTATIC, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT.

What is the comedogenic rating of Petrolatum? / Is Petrolatum comedogenic?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Petrolatum has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is unlikely to clog pores.

Does it clog pores?
Unlikely to Clog Pores

Petrolatum is unlikely to clog pores (rating 1/5).

Is Petrolatum safe for skin?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Petrolatum has a safety rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded it is safe as used in formulations. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) assigns it a low hazard score, indicating minimal health concerns un

Is Petrolatum good for sensitive skin?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Petrolatum has an irritancy rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally well-tolerated.

What are the side effects of Petrolatum in skincare?

Known considerations: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded it is safe as used in formulations. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) assigns it a low hazard score, indicating minimal health concerns under typical use conditions.

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