Products
Pure petrolatum is available in pharmacies and drugstores. It is contained in numerous body care products and cosmetics. In German, the substance may be referred to as “die Vaseline” or “das Vaselin”. In English, Vaseline is a brand name and the substance is called petroleum jelly. The name Vaseline comes from the American Robert Chesebrough, who developed the product in the USA in the 19th century.
Structure and properties
Petroleum jelly is a purified mixture of liquid and solid hydrocarbons that are predominantly saturated and derived from petroleum. Petroleum jelly exists as a translucent, ointment-like and nearly odorless mass that is virtually insoluble in water. An antioxidant may be added. The melting point is between 38 °C and 60 °C. Vaseline generally has a long shelf life because it is not oxidized and hardly undergoes any chemical reactions. The pharmacopoeia distinguishes between white and yellow petrolatum. The white petroleum jelly is almost or completely decolorized.
Effects
Petroleum jelly has skin-caring, skin-protecting, water-repellent, antistatic and occlusive properties. By forming an impermeable film on the skin, it retains water in the skin, hydrating it, strengthening the skin barrier and reducing water loss.
Fields of application (selection)
- For the preparation of semi-solid drugs, as an ointment base.
- For the manufacture of personal care products and lip balms.
- As a hydrophobic ointment.
- As a hand cream.
- For the protection of dog paws in winter.
- As protection against the cold.
- For the treatment of dry skin and cracked skin.
- For the prevention of a skin wolf (intertrigo) and chafing.
- As a lubricant, for the insertion of suppositories.
- For the manufacture of milking grease.
- To protect minor injuries and wounds.
- To protect healthy skin during treatment with wart remedies.
Dosage
Since petroleum jelly is very greasy (“greasy”), usually only a small amount is needed.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Weeping and infected skin diseases
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include uncomfortable skin sensation and heat accumulation. If such problems occur, dose reduction is recommended. Manufacturers describe petrolatum as noncomedogenic, of high quality, and well tolerated by the skin (for discussion, see also under kerosenes). Vaseline is criticized from an ecological point of view. While it is a processed natural product, it is not sustainable because petroleum is not a renewable resource.
