What Is Petrolatum?
Petrolatum is a semi solid mixture of long chain hydrocarbons that come from crude oil. After crude oil is distilled, the heavier paraffinic oils are chilled and wax is removed in a step called dewaxing. What is left is purified, filtered and often whitened to create the familiar soft ointment known as petrolatum. Most of the molecules in it have more than 25 carbon atoms which is why it feels thick and stays put on skin.
The material first drew attention in the late 1800s when oil field workers noticed that the residues on their equipment softened dry cracked skin. Chemists refined this residue into a safer, cleaner form and it quickly found its way into skin creams and balms. Today cosmetic grade petrolatum is produced under strict standards to remove impurities and ensure it is safe for topical use.
You will find petrolatum in many products that aim to seal in moisture and protect skin such as face and body moisturizers, lip balms, hand creams, overnight masks, baby care formulas and some hair styling aids. Its thick texture and ability to form a water resistant film make it popular in products designed for very dry or sensitive skin.
Petrolatum’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas petrolatum serves more than one purpose
- Antistatic It coats hair strands with a thin film that cuts down static electricity so hair is less flyaway and easier to style
- Emollient It fills the tiny gaps between skin cells, softening rough patches, preventing transepidermal water loss and leaving skin feeling smooth and supple
Who Can Use Petrolatum
Petrolatum suits most skin types, especially dry, sensitive and normal skin, because its thick occlusive film locks in moisture and shields against irritants. Combination or oily skin may find it too heavy and may prefer lighter occlusives or to limit use to small areas such as lips or cuticles.
The ingredient is mineral-derived with no animal inputs so it is generally considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Some consumers avoid it for environmental rather than ethical reasons since it comes from non-renewable petroleum.
Current safety reviews show no evidence that topical petrolatum is harmful during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review any skincare product with a qualified health professional before use, just to be safe.
Petrolatum does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can actually protect against windburn or harsh weather. It is fragrance-free and preservative-free in its pure form which lowers the chance of irritation for most users.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical petrolatum vary from person to person. The points below list potential, yet uncommon, reactions when the ingredient is used in properly formulated products.
- Clogged pores or acne flare-ups in very oily or acne-prone skin
- Folliculitis when thick layers trap sweat and bacteria around hair follicles
- Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction although this is rare with highly refined cosmetic grade petrolatum
- Secondary infection if the product is scooped from a jar with unclean fingers and microorganisms grow under the occlusive layer
- Grease stains on clothing or bedding due to its oily nature
If any irritation, rash or breakout develops stop using the product and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Petrolatum molecules are large and tend to sit on top of the skin rather than sink into pores which is why most dermatologists class it as non-comedogenic. Still, its thick film can trap sweat or existing oil underneath if applied in heavy layers so a few people with very oily or congested skin might notice clogged pores.
Most acne-prone users tolerate petrolatum well, but those who break out easily may prefer lighter textures or use it only on targeted dry spots.
The comedogenic risk often depends on the full formula. A balm that blends petrolatum with highly comedogenic oils can raise the pore-clogging potential, while pure white petrolatum on clean skin is unlikely to cause problems.
Summary
Petrolatum is prized for two main jobs: acting as an emollient that fills gaps between skin cells and forming a water-resistant shield that slows moisture loss. On hair it lays down a thin coating that cuts static and helps strands stay smooth.
Its long track record in lip balms, diaper creams, moisturizers and even medical ointments shows how widely it is trusted, though some shoppers skip it because it comes from petroleum and can feel greasy.
When highly refined cosmetic grade petrolatum is used on intact skin it is considered very safe with an extremely low rate of true allergy. As with any new product, do a quick patch test first to make sure your own skin agrees with it.