Petrolatum

Occlusive Emollient

Also known as: Petroleum Jelly, Vaseline, White Petrolatum

Description

Petrolatum is the gold standard occlusive agent in dermatology, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by over 98% — the most effective of any topical moisturizing ingredient. A semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum refining, it has been used therapeutically for over 150 years. Petrolatum does not merely sit on the skin surface; it penetrates into the intercellular lipid domain of the stratum corneum, where it aids barrier repair by integrating with endogenous lipids. It is FDA-approved as a Category I skin protectant at concentrations of 30–100%. [Ghadially 1992]

Mechanism of Action

Petrolatum creates a hydrophobic occlusive layer that dramatically reduces TEWL, trapping moisture within the stratum corneum. Uniquely, it also penetrates into the intercellular spaces of the upper stratum corneum layers, supplementing and reorganizing the lipid lamellae. This dual action — surface occlusion and intercellular lipid integration — accelerates barrier recovery. Petrolatum has been shown to upregulate antimicrobial peptide expression and support the skin's innate immune barrier. It does not interfere with normal desquamation or occlude eccrine glands. [Ghadially 1992]

Indications

  • Atopic dermatitis / eczema [Ghadially]
  • Xerosis / severe dry skin [Lodén]
  • Contact dermatitis management [Ghadially]
  • Wound healing and post-surgical care
  • Diaper dermatitis
  • Psoriasis adjunct
  • Chapped or cracked skin
  • Barrier protection for occupational dermatoses

Available Concentrations

30%50%100%

Side Effects

  • Greasy texture and aesthetic concerns [Lodén]
  • Folliculitis (rare, primarily with comedogenic-grade petrolatum)
  • Allergic contact dermatitis (exceedingly rare with USP-grade white petrolatum)
  • May stain clothing and fabrics

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity (extremely rare with purified USP-grade)
  • Fresh deep burns (may trap heat)
  • Application over topical medications where occlusion is not desired

Pregnancy Category

Not classified (safe for use during pregnancy)

Found In

Cosmetics containing Petrolatum

CeraVe Moisturising CreamCeraVe (L'Oréal)Cetaphil Moisturising CreamCetaphil (Galderma)Vaseline Intensive Care Deep Moisture Body LotionVaseline (Unilever)

Related Conditions

Atopic Dermatitis First-line occlusive — reduces TEWL by >98% and promotes barrier recovery through intercellular lipid integration Xerosis Gold-standard occlusive — maximally prevents water loss and supports stratum corneum hydration Contact Dermatitis Protective barrier — shields damaged skin from further irritant/allergen exposure and aids healing Psoriasis Emollient adjunct — reduces scale, prevents fissuring, and enhances penetration of topical therapeutics under occlusion

References

  1. Ghadially R, Halkier-Sorensen L, Elias PM. "Effects of petrolatum on stratum corneum structure and function." J Am Acad Dermatol, 1992. doi:10.1016/0190-9622(92)70133-Z
  2. Lodén M. "Role of topical emollients and moisturizers in the treatment of dry skin barrier disorders." Am J Clin Dermatol, 2003. doi:10.2165/00128071-200304110-00005

Limitations

This page provides a general overview of Petrolatum in dermatology. It does not cover every possible use, formulation, or interaction. Individual responses to compounds vary — what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult a qualified dermatologist before starting or changing any treatment.