Petrolatum, the safe moisturizing barrier for your skin

Whenever our skin becomes dry, we think of various moisturizers. But did you know that, of all those moisturizing ingredients, there’s one that has been used consistently for more than 150 years? It’s ‘petrolatum’. The name may sound a bit unfamiliar, but it’s actually closely related to the skincare products we use every day. 

Petrolatum forms a thin protective layer on the skin that prevents moisture loss and shields the skin from external irritants. Thanks to this, it’s often used not only during dry seasons but also to care for sensitive or damaged skin. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what petrolatum is and how it can benefit skin health.

｜Petrolatum, the real name of what we know as 'Vaseline'

Have you ever used Vaseline when lips were chapped or it felt extremely dry?
With its thick texture that creates a protective layer on the skin, this product is a familiar moisturizing item for many people. But did you know that what we commonly call ‘Vaseline’ is actually just a product and brand name? The true name of its key ingredient is ‘petrolatum’.

Petrolatum was first discovered by chance at oil worksites a long time ago. It was observed that wounds healed more quickly when a sticky substance leaking from a machine was applied to them. A chemist who saw this purified the substance by removing impurities and created petrolatum. He later sold it under the name ‘Vaseline’.

Thanks to its excellent moisturizing and skin-protective effects, Vaseline quickly gained worldwide recognition and became a beloved product. Over time, the name ‘Vaseline’ became so widespread that people began to use it almost like an ingredient name. But to be precise, ‘Vaseline’ refers to the brand, while the actual ingredient’s name is ‘petrolatum’.

Vaseline, which we’re all so familiar with. It's worth remembering that behind it lies its actual name, ‘petrolatum’, and a history of being cherished by people over a long period of time.

 

｜Petrolatum, is it really safe?

Petrolatum has been a widely used ingredient for a long time, yet it still raises questions for many people. One of the most common concerns is, ‘Since it comes from oil, is it really safe?’ And of course, it’s natural to wonder about safety, especially for something we apply directly to our skin.

The truth is that petrolatum we use in cosmetics does come from oil, but it undergoes multiple purification processes that remove harmful substances, leaving it clean and safe enough for skin use.

In fact, purified petrolatum is not only safe for use on skin but has also been officially recognized for its safety by various authorities. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved petrolatum for use in products like ointments and diaper rash creams suitable for sensitive skin. The U.S. Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) which evaluates the safety of cosmetic ingredients, has also concluded that petrolatum is safe as a cosmetic raw material.

Furthermore, the safety and efficacy of petrolatum have been confirmed through various research findings. Studies on atopic skin and newborns have shown that petrolatum helps prevent dryness and irritation. Taking these results together, these findings indicate that petrolatum is a safe ingredient, suitable even for highly sensitive skin types such as those of infants and people with atopic skin.

 

 

｜Petrolatum, a powerful moisturizing ingredient

To keep skin healthy and hydrated, it's very important to go beyond simply supplying moisture and focus on ‘moisturizing’, protecting the skin to prevent loss of that moisture. Supplying moisture and retaining it play different roles in keeping the skin hydrated. Let’s take a closer look at the difference between hydration and moisturization, and how petrolatum delivers powerful moisturizing benefits.

1. What’s the difference between hydration and moisturization? 

When we think about caring for dry skin, we often think of replenishing moisture in the skin. However, two steps are equally important for keeping skin hydrated: adding moisture to the skin and preventing that moisture from evaporating.

Hydration is the step of replenishing the skin with the water it lacks. A well-known hydrating ingredient is hyaluronic acid, which helps fill dry skin with moisture.

 Moisturization, on the other hand, is about protecting that newly supplied hydration by creating a barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing it from evaporating too quickly. Simply put, it works like putting a lid on a container to keep moisture inside. A representative moisturizing ingredient is petrolatum.

Although hydration and moisturization may seem similar, they play different roles in the skin. That’s why using both types of ingredients together can keep the skin much more hydrated. In fact, research has shown that when only hydrating ingredients are used, moisture can actually escape under conditions of low humidity or when the skin barrier is damaged. In other words, combining a hydrating ingredient like hyaluronic acid with a moisturizing ingredient like petrolatum is the most effective way to care for dry skin.

2. The outstanding moisturizing benefits of petrolatum 

Petrolatum is a powerful moisturizing ingredient. It forms a thin, even barrier on the skin’s surface that prevents internal moisture from evaporating too easily. Thanks to this function, it effectively reduces water loss even in dry environments and helps the skin stay hydrated for longer.

In addition, petrolatum supports the recovery of a damaged skin barrier. By forming a protective layer over skin weakened by external irritants to prevent further damage and help it recover quickly. Precedent research has shown that applying petrolatum to skin with a barrier damaged by irritation accelerates barrier function recovery and reduces moisture loss.

In this way, petrolatum is a representative moisturizing ingredient that not only keeps skin hydrated but also provides robust protection for weakened skin barriers.

 

 

｜The various benefits of petrolatum for skin health 

Petrolatum is an ingredient with effective moisturizing power that helps prevent moisture from escaping the skin.

While widely known as a moisturizing ingredient, petrolatum is actually a versatile care ingredient with a wider range of benefits beyond just hydration. It helps prevent rashes, soothes swelling, reduces the risk of infection, and overall works to protect the skin safely.

In this section, we'll explore the various benefits of petrolatum beyond moisturization one by one, focusing on how it cares for skin health.

 

1. Protection against irritation-induced skin damage

The skin can become sensitive even from small irritations such as cleansing, friction, or pressure. If these irritations persist, symptoms like redness or stinging may appear. Petrolatum forms a thin protective barrier on the skin, preventing these irritants from coming into direct contact. As a result, the skin is better able to withstand repeated irritation and maintain a healthy condition.

 

2. Care for damaged skin

When the skin is damaged, even minor irritations can lead to swelling, redness, or other discomforts. In such cases, petrolatum helps by forming a protective shield over the affected area, preventing the wound from being directly exposed. It also blocks bacteria and impurities from penetrating the skin, thereby reducing the risk of further damage. In this way, petrolatum helps sensitive skin recover stably without additional irritation.

 

3. Care for diaper rash

Diaper rash is a common concern for babies, often caused by moisture and friction. Petrolatum helps by forming a protective barrier on the skin, preventing direct skin contact with external irritants and the risk of sensitive skin worsening into a rash. In fact, studies have shown that using petrolatum can reduce rashes and improve skin condition in infants. This demonstrates that petrolatum is a safe and effective ingredient even for delicate, sensitive skin like that of babies.

 

｜Which skin types can use petrolatum?

Petrolatum is a moisturizing ingredient suitable for all skin types. For dry skin, it provides a protective barrier that relieves dryness, while for oily or combination skin, it helps prevent moisture loss without feeling heavy, supporting balanced moisturizing. This barrier not only locks in moisture but also protects the skin from external irritants, making it effective for managing a variety of skin types.

Additionally, Petrolatum retains moisture for a long time while being gentle on the skin, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It helps stay comfortably hydrated, making it particularly effective for those who need low-irritation moisturizing care.

Beyond just dry skin, petrolatum can be used on a variety of skin concerns. It is known as an ingredient that can help skin with weakened barriers experiencing recurring symptoms like itching or redness. According to previous studies, applying petrolatum on frequently dry and sensitive skin, such as in cases of atopic dermatitis or eczema, effectively supports barrier recovery and helps reduce related symptoms.

Petrolatum is a safe moisturizing ingredient suitable for dry, sensitive, and problem-prone skin. Its gentle and stable properties make it safe for use on all skin types, helping maintain skin hydration and comfort in daily care.

 

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Bonus ) Misunderstandings and facts about petrolatum!

 

1. Is it harmful because it comes from oil?

Many people worry because petrolatum is derived from oil, naturally thinking, ‘Oil is risky to apply on the skin.’ However, the petrolatum used in cosmetics is not in its raw oil form. It undergoes multiple purification processes to remove impurities, resulting in a safe ingredient suitable for skin use. In fact, petrolatum’s safety and efficacy are recognized worldwide, and it is widely used not only as a moisturizer but also as a protective ingredient for the skin.

 

2. Does it clog pores?

Because petrolatum forms a moisturizing barrier on the skin’s surface, some people mistakenly believe ‘it can clog pores and cause breakouts.’ However, this misconception arises from its thick texture. Previous studies have confirmed that petrolatum does not block pores when applied to the skin.

On the contrary, petrolatum gently coats the skin, protecting it from external irritants while preventing moisture loss. This makes it a safe ingredient for people with dry or sensitive skin.

A combination of ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids can be used on all skin types, including dry and oily skin. Those struggling with dry or sensitive skin can use it with confidence.