Petrolatum (also known as petroleum jelly and white petrolatum) occurs as a colorless or pale yellow semisolid.   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, including toenail fungus, nosebleeds, diaper rash, and chest colds.  While modern developments in science have created a more thorough understanding of petrolatum’s medicinal value,  the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) still approves of its use as an over-the-counter (OTC) skin protectant, as well as in other ophthalmic and anorectal OTC drug products.

In cosmetics and personal care products, petrolatum is used in the formulation of a variety of product types, including bath products, cleansing products, skin care products, makeup, shampoos, permanent waves, hair conditioners, shaving products, and suntan products.  As an OTC drug petrolatum, it can also be used to temporarily protect injured or exposed skin from harmful or annoying external sources that cause rashes and scratches while also providing relief to the skin. Furthermore, petrolatum slows the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) from the skin by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface.  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.

There is a common misconception that petrolatum and glycerin react similarly and exhibit the same properties.  However, they are not the same. Petrolatum is hydrophobic (i.e., water-repelling) and insoluble in water. It acts by forming a protective barrier that traps moisture in the skin. Glycerin, on the other hand, is strongly hydrophilic (i.e., water-attracting).  By absorbing moisture from the air, glycerin acts to moisturize the skin.  Glycerin thus produces the feeling of wetness on the skin.

Petrolatum is one of the main treatments dermatologists recommend for dry skin.  The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that “If your skin is dry, look for a product that contains petrolatum or lanolin, which can seal moisture into your skin.”