- What Is Cosmetic Grade Petroleum Jelly?
- Why Cosmetic Grade Petroleum Jelly Is Preferred by Formulators
- Technical Data Sheet – Cosmetic Grade Petroleum Jelly
- Cosmetic Grade vs Pharma Grade vs Snow White – Which Do You Need?
- Cosmetic Grade Petroleum Jelly Applications
- Cosmetic Grade Petroleum Jelly Price – FOB June 2026
- Packaging & Container Load
- Export Destinations – Cosmetic Grade Petroleum Jelly
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Products
Cosmetic grade petroleum jelly is a highly refined, white, odorless petrolatum that meets the purity requirements set for direct skin contact applications. It is the most widely used emollient base in the personal care industry — found in lip balms, moisturizers, baby creams, hair pomades, and hundreds of other formulations. Zumrut International Kimya supplies cosmetic grade petroleum jelly in bulk from Turkey (FOB Iskenderun) and UAE (FOB Jebel Ali) with full USP/BP documentation, COA per batch, and flexible packaging options.
Definition
What Is Cosmetic Grade Petroleum Jelly?
Cosmetic grade petroleum jelly — also referred to as cosmetic petrolatum, white vaseline cosmetic grade, or soft paraffin cosmetic grade — is a semi-solid mixture of long-chain hydrocarbons (C25–C45) that has been refined, bleached, and deodorized to meet the strict purity standards required for use on human skin. It complies with both United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and British Pharmacopoeia (BP) monographs for White Soft Paraffin.
Unlike industrial grade petroleum jelly, the cosmetic grade undergoes additional hydrogenation and clay filtration steps to remove polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), color bodies, and trace impurities. The result is a product that is safe for prolonged skin contact, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and chemically inert — making it one of the most stable and effective emollient bases available to cosmetic formulators worldwide.
The global cosmetic petroleum jelly market continues to grow, driven by rising demand in Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East for affordable, effective skin care products. Bulk buyers — from contract manufacturers in Nigeria and Ghana to cosmetic brands in India and Pakistan — consistently choose cosmetic grade petroleum jelly as their primary raw material for barrier creams, lip care, and moisturizing products.
Key Properties
Why Cosmetic Grade Petroleum Jelly Is Preferred by Formulators
Occlusive Barrier
Forms a protective layer on skin that locks in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL) — the primary mechanism behind its moisturizing effect.
Chemically Inert
Does not react with other cosmetic ingredients. Safe to combine with fragrances, pigments, active ingredients, and preservatives without risk of degradation.
Non-Comedogenic
Contrary to common misconceptions, refined cosmetic grade petrolatum does not clog pores when used as directed. Rated 0–1 on the comedogenicity scale.
Temperature Stable
Maintains consistent texture and performance between 15°C and 45°C — essential for products sold in tropical markets across Africa and Southeast Asia.
Cost-Effective Base
Offers the best cost-to-performance ratio among emollient bases. Significantly cheaper than shea butter, lanolin, or silicone alternatives with comparable occlusive properties.
Regulatory Compliance
Accepted by FDA (21 CFR 172.880), EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009), and regulatory bodies in Africa and Asia. No registration barriers in most export markets.
Specifications
Technical Data Sheet – Cosmetic Grade Petroleum Jelly
| Parameter | Result | Test Method | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Passed | BP 2013 | Translucent, soft unctuous mass; slightly fluorescent in daylight when melted |
| Color (Lovibond) | White – ≤ 1.0 Yellow | Lovibond IP 17 / BP 2013 | White or almost white |
| Odor | Odorless | BP 2013 | Odorless |
| Congealing Point | 52 – 56 °C | ASTM D-938 | — |
| Drop Melting Point | 54 – 58 °C | ASTM D-127 | — |
| Flash Point | Min 200 °C | ASTM D-92 | — |
| Kinematic Viscosity at 100 °C | 5.0 – 6.0 cSt | ASTM D-445 | — |
| Cone Penetration at 25 °C | 140 – 170 (0.1 mm) | ASTM D-937 / BP 2013 | 60 – 300 |
| Acidity / Alkalinity | Passed | BP 2013 | < 0.5 ml NaOH 0.01 N |
| Sulphated Ash | Passed | USP 2013 | < 0.05 % |
| Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) | Passed | BP 2013 | ≤ 6 mg/l naphthalene in DMSO at 278 nm |
| Solubility | Passed | BP 2013 | Practically insoluble in water; slightly soluble in methylene chloride |
| Pharmacopoeia Compliance | USP / BP | — | White Soft Paraffin monograph |
Grade Comparison
Cosmetic Grade vs Pharma Grade vs Snow White – Which Do You Need?
| Criterion | Cosmetic Grade | Pharma Grade | Snow White Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color (Lovibond) | ≤ 1.0 Yellow | ≤ 0.7 Yellow | ≤ 0.5 Yellow |
| Odor | Odorless | Odorless | Completely odorless |
| PAH compliance | Compliant | Compliant | Fully compliant |
| Pharmacopoeia | USP / BP | USP / BP / Ph. Eur | USP / BP / Ph. Eur |
| Skin contact | Safe | Safe | Safe |
| Ophthalmic use | Not recommended | Possible | Preferred |
| Baby care | Suitable | Suitable | Preferred |
| Price | Most competitive | Mid-range | Premium |
| Best for | Lip balms, creams, hair care, mass-market cosmetics | Ointments, wound care, medical devices | Luxury cosmetics, baby care, ophthalmic |
Applications
Cosmetic Grade Petroleum Jelly Applications
👄 Lip Care
- Lip balms and chapsticks
- Lip gloss bases
- Lip masks and overnight treatments
- Tinted lip products
🧴 Skin Moisturizers
- Body lotions and creams
- Hand and foot creams
- Intensive repair ointments
- Barrier creams for dry skin
💇 Hair & Scalp
- Hair pomades and grease
- Scalp treatment products
- Edge control and styling gels
- Hair shine and conditioning treatments
👶 Baby Care
- Baby skin moisturizers
- Diaper rash protective creams
- Baby massage products
- Cradle cap treatments
💄 Color Cosmetics
- Foundation and BB cream base
- Eyeshadow primer
- Highlighter formulations
- Makeup remover balms
🌍 Africa Market Favorites
- Skin lightening cream base
- Petroleum jelly retail tubs (250g–500g)
- Multi-purpose family skin care
- Private label Vaseline products
Live Price
Cosmetic Grade Petroleum Jelly Price – FOB June 2026
⚠️ Prices updated weekly. Final price depends on quantity, packaging, and destination port. Minimum order: 1 × 20ft FCL. For CFR or CIF quotes, contact our team. Full price list: Petroleum Jelly Price Page →
What Affects Cosmetic Grade Petroleum Jelly Price?
| Factor | Effect | Buyer Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Crude oil (Brent) price | Direct impact on feedstock cost — ±10–20% | Lock in price when Brent is below $75/bbl |
| Packaging type | New steel > New PE drum > Used drum | PE drums save $10–20/MT; confirm compatibility |
| Order volume | 3+ FCL unlocks volume discount | Consolidate orders for better pricing |
| Origin (Turkey vs UAE) | UAE FOB slightly lower; Turkey closer to West Africa | Compare landed cost (FOB + freight) to your port |
| Incoterm | FOB < CFR < CIF — freight adds $30–120/MT | Request CFR quote to compare landed cost |
Packaging
Packaging & Container Load
| Packaging | Net Weight | Units per 20ft FCL | Total Net / FCL | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New steel drum | 175 kg | 110 drums | ≈ 19.25 MT | Standard export, long sea transit |
| New PE drum (large) | 100 kg | 180 drums | ≈ 18.0 MT | Lower drum cost, mid-size buyers |
| New PE drum (medium) | 50 kg | 300 drums | ≈ 15.0 MT | Retail-ready, small distributors |
| New PE drum (small) | 25 kg | 500 drums | ≈ 12.5 MT | Private label, repackaging |
| ISO / Flexi tank | Bulk | 1 tank | 18 – 24 MT | Large industrial buyers |
Export
Export Destinations – Cosmetic Grade Petroleum Jelly
| Country | Port | Origin | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | Apapa / Lagos | Iskenderun, Turkey | 18–22 days |
| Ghana | Tema Port | Iskenderun, Turkey | 16–20 days |
| Ivory Coast | Port of Abidjan | Iskenderun, Turkey | 16–19 days |
| Senegal | Port of Dakar | Iskenderun, Turkey | 14–18 days |
| Cameroon | Port of Douala | Iskenderun, Turkey | 18–22 days |
| Algeria | Algiers / Oran | Iskenderun, Turkey | 5–8 days |
| Morocco | Casablanca | Iskenderun, Turkey | 6–9 days |
| Tunisia | Rades / Sfax | Iskenderun, Turkey | 4–6 days |
| Kenya | Mombasa | Jebel Ali, UAE | 8–12 days |
| Ethiopia | Djibouti | Jebel Ali, UAE | 9–13 days |
| Pakistan | Karachi | Jebel Ali, UAE | 4–6 days |
| India | JNPT Mumbai | Jebel Ali, UAE | 5–7 days |
| Bangladesh | Chittagong | Jebel Ali, UAE | 8–11 days |
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cosmetic grade petroleum jelly safe for all skin types?
Yes. Cosmetic grade petroleum jelly is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist-tested for use on all skin types including sensitive skin. It is accepted by the FDA as a Category I OTC skin protectant and is approved under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009) when PAH levels comply with the relevant limits. It is widely used in pediatric and neonatal skin care formulations.
What is the difference between cosmetic grade and white petroleum jelly?
The terms are often used interchangeably in trade. “White petroleum jelly” typically refers to any refined, white-colored grade (as opposed to yellow/industrial). “Cosmetic grade” is a more specific term indicating compliance with cosmetic regulations (USP/BP, PAH limits, skin safety). All cosmetic grade petroleum jelly is white, but not all white petroleum jelly is necessarily tested to cosmetic grade standards. Always request a COA with Lovibond color and PAH test results.
Can I use cosmetic grade petroleum jelly for private label Vaseline products?
Yes. Cosmetic grade petroleum jelly is the standard base for private label Vaseline-type products. We can supply in plain drums or with your custom label. Typical applications include 100g, 250g, and 500g retail tubs — especially popular in West African markets (Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast) where petroleum jelly is a household staple.
What documents come with each shipment?
Each shipment includes: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin (Turkey or UAE), Certificate of Analysis (COA) with actual test results, and Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Pre-shipment inspection by an independent third party is available upon request. We fully support LC and SWIFT T/T payment terms.
What is the MOQ and how quickly can you load?
Minimum order is 1 × 20ft FCL (approximately 19 MT in 175 kg steel drums). Standard loading time is 7–14 days from order confirmation and receipt of payment or LC. Pre-shipment samples (1–5 kg) are available via courier with COA.
Do you offer cosmetic grade petroleum jelly with EU REACH compliance?
Yes. Our cosmetic grade petroleum jelly complies with EU REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006) and meets the PAH limits specified in EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009) for mineral hydrocarbon raw materials. A full SDS with REACH compliance information is provided upon request.
Related Products
White Petroleum Jelly
Snow White Petroleum Jelly
Pharma Grade Petroleum Jelly
Industrial Grade Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum Jelly Price
Request a Quote – Cosmetic Grade Petroleum Jelly
FOB Iskenderun (Turkey) · FOB Jebel Ali (UAE) · USP/BP certified · COA per batch · Loading 7–14 days
Fast response from our sales team — usually within 1 hour during business hours.
