Petrolatum
Also Known As: Petroleum jelly, white petrolatum, soft paraffin, mineral oil, Vaseline™
What is Petrolatum?
Petrolatum is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. It is a neutral, unctuous substance that is practically odorless and tasteless. The hydrocarbons in petrolatum belong to the methane (saturated or alkane) family, with the general formula $$C_nH_{2n+2}$$. It ranges in color from white to yellowish to amber and melts over a wide range, typically between 38°C and 70°C (100°F to 160°F).
What Makes It Different?
Petrolatum is unique due to its occlusive properties, meaning it forms a barrier on the skin that helps to lock in moisture. This makes it an excellent moisturizer and skin protectant. Unlike many other oils and fats, petrolatum does not spoil, which contributes to its long shelf life and stability in various formulations.
Where Does It Come From?
Petrolatum is derived from the fractional distillation of crude oil. The process involves vacuum distillation of the crude material followed by filtration through bone char to remove impurities. This method was patented by Robert Chesebrough in 1872, who later marketed the refined product under the trade name Vaseline™.
Where Is It Used?
Petrolatum is widely used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. It is a common ingredient in:
- Moisturizers and lotions
- Lip balms
- Ointments and salves
- Hair care products
- Makeup products
It is also used in medical settings for its skin-protective properties, such as in wound care and to prevent diaper rash.
Is It Sustainable?
The sustainability of petrolatum is a complex issue. As a byproduct of petroleum, its production is tied to the fossil fuel industry, which has significant environmental impacts. The extraction and refining processes can contribute to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainable Issues Related to Its Production
- Environmental Impact: The extraction of crude oil and the refining process can lead to environmental degradation, including habitat destruction, oil spills, and water contamination.
- Non-Renewable Resource: Petrolatum is derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. This raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of its use.
- Contamination Risks: If not fully refined, petrolatum can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are potentially harmful chemicals.
Efforts to improve the sustainability of petrolatum include better refining processes to reduce contamination and exploring alternative, renewable sources for similar occlusive agents.