Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum Jelly (also known as Petrolatum, white petrolatum,) occurs as a colorless or pale yellow semisolid. It is a byproduct of petroleum refining.

With a melting point close to body temperature, petrolatum 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.
It was originally promoted as a topical ointment for its healing properties. After petroleum jelly became a medicine cabinet staple, consumers began to use it for a myriad of ailments and cosmetic purposes. It has been recognized by the USFDA as an approved over-the-counter (OTC) skin protectant that is widely used in many cosmetics and personal care products, especially ointments.

• It works as a moisturizing agent because it slows the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) from the skin by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface.
• It helps prevent infection because it creates a barrier over wounds that prevents disease-causing organisms from entering the body.
• It enhances the appearance and feel of hair, by increasing hair body, suppleness, or sheen, or by improving the texture of hair that has been damaged physically or by chemical treatment.
• The solid form, such as Vaseline is used as a topical ointment for the treatment of dry, cracked skin and to reduce the risk of infection.