Introduction
Vaseline is a mixture of hydrocarbon molecules with an ointment-like consistency. For this reason it is used as a base in the production of various pharmaceuticals. The hydrocarbons are extracted from petroleum.
There are two forms of petroleum jelly – petroleum jelly album and petroleum jelly flavum. Unlike Vaseline flavum, Vaseline album is a highly purified preparation. Accordingly, the purified Vaseline album is less likely to trigger allergic reactions than the unpurified variant and is preferred in the manufacture of ointments. In general, however, both Vaseline types are suitable for ointment production.
Composition and ingredients
Vaseline consists mainly of highly branched kerosenes. The purified petroleum jelly does not contain any other ingredients, possibly antioxidants may be present. In the yellow petroleum jelly also called Vaseline flavum, which has not been cleaned, other ingredients may be present.
Due to the slight impurities, Vaseline flavum can cause allergic reactions more often than the purified Vaseline album. In addition to the higher concentration of certain hydrocarbons in Vaseline flavum, it differs from Vaseline album mainly by its color. In the cleaning process of Vaseline flavum it is treated with activated carbon, sulfuric acid and bleaching earth. This is done for both types of petroleum jelly. In order to obtain the pure Vaseline album, a further purification process is added, which is not necessary with Vaseline flavum.
Application on the lips
Vaseline is a very popular product for the care of dry lips, as its high fat content forms a protective film on the skin. Many people suffer from dry and chapped lips, especially in winter, which easily tear. Regular application of Vaseline can protect the lips from further drying out and restore suppleness to the lips.
This effect is also known as the occlusion effect, as Vaseline prevents further evaporation of moisture and thus further drying of the skin by sealing off air. In order for this effect to remain effective, regular re-creaming is necessary. However, Vaseline itself does not provide any moisture. Therefore, the user should try not to lick his lips so that the Vaseline remains there and the lips do not dry out further.
