The ingredient, explained
Petrolatum
Petrolatum has published research relevant to the stated experimental context.
Ingredient guide
What it is and what it does
Petrolatum is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons. Its recorded emollient role describes its use in softening and smoothing the skin surface.
About this ingredient: CosIng identity and functions via Open Beauty Facts ↗ · European Commission ingredient function definitions ↗
- Emollient
- Helps soften and smooth the skin surface.
- Antistatic
- Reduces the build-up of static electrical charge on surfaces.
Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗
Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.
A closer look
What the research shows
Human topical research
In 20 volunteers, petrolatum reduced irritation from SLS, sodium hydroxide and lactic acid and provided moderate protection against toluene.
What this does not tell us
Small standardized irritation model with specific concentrations and back-skin exposure. This does not establish protection against every irritant or clinical disease.
Sources for this summary. PubMed 9187842 ↗
Research review checked Oct 1, 2026
Selective exact-identity review of 417 supplied local candidates and the targeted primary-source search recorded below. Bounded review, not a systematic search.
Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.
Read the 1 selected study
Human topical research · n=20
Petrolatum prevents irritation in a human cumulative exposure model in vivo. ↗
Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) · 1997
Follow the formula
Products containing this ingredient
From the Serenfold edit. Linked by the ingredient list, without an efficacy ranking.
Names and identifiers
Registry identity
Petrolatum. A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained as a semi-solid from dewaxing paraffinic residual oil. It consists predominantly of saturated crystalline and liquid hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly greater than C25
- INCI name on ingredient lists
- PETROLATUM
- CAS registry number
- 8009-03-8
- EC number
- 232-373-2
Sources for this ingredient record
- EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗ · ODbL 1.0 (Open Beauty Facts database) · Recorded Aug 8, 2026
- European Commission ingredient function definitions ↗ · Recorded Sep 30, 2026