Petroleum Jelly Vaseline Definition
Petroleum jelly (also called petrolatum) is a mixture of mineral oils and waxes, which form a semisolid jelly-like substance. This product hasn’t changed much since Robert Augustus Chesbrough discovered it in 1859. Chesbrough noticed that oil workers would use a gooey jelly to heal their wounds and burns. He eventually packaged this jelly as Vaseline. Petroleum jelly’s benefits come from its main ingredient petroleum, which helps seal your skin with a water-protective barrier. This helps your skin heal and retain moisture. Chemists derive petroleum jelly from oil. Following its accidental discovery during the oil-drilling process, it has now been around for more than 100 years. Petrolatum is made by the waxy petroleum material that formed on oil rigs and distilling it. The lighter and thinner oil-based products make up petroleum jelly, also known as white petrolatum or simply as petrolatum. Robert Chesbrough is the chemist who devised and patented this process (U.S. Patent 127,568) in 1872. Basically, the crude material undergoes vacuum distillation. The still residue is then filtered through bone char to yield petrolatum.
Petroleum jelly, also called Petrolatum, translucent, yellowish to amber or white, unctuous substance having almost no odour or taste, derived from petroleum and used principally in medicine and pharmacy as a protective dressing and as a substitute for fats in ointments and cosmetics. It is also used in many types of polishes and in lubricating greases, rust preventives, and modeling clay. Petrolatum is obtained by dewaxing heavy lubricating-oil stocks. It has a melting-point range from 38° to 54° C (100° to 130° F). Chemically, petrolatum is a mixture of hydrocarbons, chiefly of the paraffin series.
What is the main raw material for petroleum jelly?
The main raw material for petroleum jelly is petroleum, which is a naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbons found beneath the Earth’s surface. Specifically, petroleum jelly is derived from the waxy residue that forms on the surface of oil rigs during the crude oil extraction process. This residue undergoes a refining process to produce petroleum jelly.
The three grades of Vaseline are:
- Industrial Grade: This grade is primarily used for industrial purposes, such as lubricants, rust prevention, and in the production of various materials.
- Cosmetic Grade: Cosmetic-grade petroleum jelly is refined to a higher standard to ensure purity and safety for use on the skin. It’s commonly found in skincare products like lotions, lip balms, and moisturizers.
- Pharmaceutical Grade: This grade undergoes the most stringent refining process to meet pharmaceutical standards. It’s used in medical and pharmaceutical applications, such as ointments, creams, and other topical treatments for wounds and skin conditions.
Petroleum Jelly Applications
petrolatum has various applications, including:
- Skincare: It’s commonly used as a moisturizer to prevent dryness and chapping, especially on lips, hands, and feet.
- Healing: petrolatum can aid in the healing of minor cuts, burns, and scrapes by forming a protective barrier over the wound.
- Protection: It acts as a barrier against moisture loss and external irritants, making it useful for protecting sensitive or injured skin.
- Makeup: It’s used in cosmetics as a base for products like lip balms, mascaras, and creams to provide moisture and shine.
- Haircare: petrolatum can be applied to the hair to tame frizz, moisturize dry ends, or protect the scalp from harsh chemicals during coloring or relaxing treatments.
- Lubrication: It’s used to lubricate various items, such as zippers, hinges, and tools, to prevent rusting and friction.
- Medical: In certain medical settings, petroleum jelly is used to facilitate procedures, such as inserting rectal or vaginal suppositories.
SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS
When using petrolatum, it’s essential to consider safety and take necessary precautions:
- Keep Away from Heat Sources: petrolatum is flammable, so it should be kept away from direct heat sources, open flames, and hot surfaces to prevent fire hazards.
- Avoid Ingestion: petrolatum is not meant to be ingested. Keep it out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
- Use as Directed: Follow the instructions provided on the product label or as directed by a healthcare professional when using petroleum jelly for medical purposes or skincare.
- Patch Test: Before using petrolatum on a large area of skin, perform a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area to check for any allergic reactions or skin sensitivities.
- Keep Containers Closed: Ensure that containers of petroleum jelly are tightly closed when not in use to prevent contamination and maintain product integrity.
- Store Properly: Store petrolatum in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture to prevent deterioration and maintain its effectiveness.
- Consult a Professional: If using petroleum jelly for medical purposes or if you have specific health concerns, consult a healthcare professional for guidance and advice.
- Discontinue Use if Irritation Occurs: If you experience any skin irritation, rash, or discomfort while using petroleum jelly, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
