Petrolatum

Petrolatum, also known as petroleum jelly, is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons, originally promoted as a topical ointment for its healing properties. It is recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an approved over-the-counter (OTC) skin protectant and remains widely used in cosmetic skin care.

History

The raw material for petrolatum was discovered in 1859 in Titusville, Pennsylvania, US, on some of the country's first oil rigs. Workers would use a residue from the drill shaft to heal cuts and burns. Robert Chesebrough, a young chemist whose previous work of distilling kerosene from the oil of sperm whales had been rendered obsolete by petroleum, went to Titusville to see what new materials might be created from the new substance. Chesebrough took the unrefined black "rod wax", as the drillers called it, back to his laboratory to refine it. Chesebrough discovered that by distilling the lighter, thinner oil products from the rod wax, he could create a light-colored gel. Chesebrough patented the process of making petroleum jelly (U.S. Patent 127,568) in 1872. The process involved vacuum distillation of the crude material followed by filtration of the still residue through bone char.

Uses

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, and hair dyes. It is also used in food packaging containers and in the manufacture of medical products and textiles.

Safety

Petrolatum is considered safe and is widely used in the cosmetic and personal care product industries. It has been reviewed by several scientific and regulatory bodies including the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel and the European Union (EU), and has been found to be a non-irritant and non-sensitizer at levels used in cosmetics and personal care products.

See also

• Mineral oil
• Paraffin wax
• Lip balm
• Skin care

Petrolatum Resources
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