Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly)
Also known as: Petroleum jelly, White petrolatum, Vaseline
The ultimate occlusive barrier — the best-evidenced moisturizer ingredient in dermatology, and the star of 'slugging.'
In short
Petrolatum, commonly known as petroleum jelly, is a purified hydrocarbon mixture and the strongest occlusive in skincare: it reduces water loss from skin by about 99%, more than any other single ingredient. It is the gold-standard emollient in dermatology for eczema, wound healing, and barrier repair, and the anchor of the viral 'slugging' trend. Despite its industrial origins, cosmetic-grade petrolatum is highly purified, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic in standard testing.
- Reduces transepidermal water loss by ~99% — the strongest occlusive
- Gold-standard emollient for eczema and barrier repair
- Cosmetic grade is highly purified and hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic in testing, despite its heavy feel
What is Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly)?
Petrolatum is the skincare ingredient that wins by losing almost nothing: a nearly impassable film that keeps skin's water where it belongs. That 99% reduction in water loss — measured in study after study — is why dermatologists reach for it over every fancy barrier cream, why it anchors eczema care, and why the internet rediscovered it as 'slugging.' The controversy around its petroleum origin was resolved by purification standards: cosmetic petrolatum is chemically distinct from its crude beginnings.
Where it comes from
Natural sources
- Derived from petroleum refining (a byproduct of crude oil processing)
- First commercialized as a wound protectant in the 1870s (Vaseline)
- USP-grade white petrolatum is purified until free of impurities
How it's made
Cosmetic petrolatum is highly refined and meets pharmacopeia purity standards; unrefined forms are never used in cosmetics.
What it does in products
Benefits
Eczema and barrier repair
strong evidencePetrolatum is the standard against which moisturizers are measured — meta-analyses place it among the most effective emollients for atopic dermatitis, reducing flares in regular use.
Wound healing and post-procedure care
strong evidenceKeeping wounds moist with petrolatum speeds re-epithelialization and reduces scarring versus air-drying — a cornerstone of dermatologic aftercare.
Dry, cracked skin and lips
strong evidenceFor hands, heels, and lips, petrolatum outperforms lighter moisturizers in measurable hydration gains.
Slugging (overnight facial occlusion)
moderate evidenceA thin layer over moisturizer locks in hydration overnight — effective for dry skin, though acne-prone users should proceed cautiously.
Side effects & safety
Safety considerations
- Topical petrolatum is considered safe in pregnancy — a standard for newborn and pregnancy skin care.
- None known.
- Not for: Active acne-prone facial skin (use cautiously)
- Not for: Fungal acne (malassezia) — occlusives may worsen it in some
How it's used
In skincare
Use pure as a spot occlusive, mixed into moisturizers at 10–30%, or as the final 'slugging' layer over a water-based routine on damp skin. Apply to clean skin to avoid trapping bacteria.
Regulatory status
- Petrolatum is an FDA OTC skin protectant monograph ingredient, used in wound-care ointments and cosmetics under the FD&C Act.
- INCI name on cosmetic labels: Petrolatum.
- The CIR Expert Panel has assessed petrolatum as safe in cosmetics.
Popular products containing Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly)
- Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly — The category standardVaseline · Skincare
- Healing Ointment — Petrolatum-based barrier ointmentCeraVe · Skincare
- Aquaphor Healing OintmentEucerin · Skincare
Product names and brands are shown for reference and belong to their respective owners.
The purity question, answered
The 'petroleum in skincare' concern traces to confusion between crude oil and refined petrolatum. Cosmetic and USP-grade petrolatum undergoes purification that removes polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and safety reviews by the CIR and EU authorities have consistently found refined petrolatum safe. This is one of the most studied ingredients in cosmetics — with the strongest barrier evidence in the entire category.
Frequently asked questions
Does petrolatum clog pores?
In standard comedogenicity testing, petrolatum is non-comedogenic — it sits on the skin's surface rather than entering pores. Full occlusion can still trap sebum in very acne-prone people, so slugging is for dry skin types.
Is it okay to use petroleum jelly every day?
Yes — daily use is standard in eczema care and post-procedure protocols. It is inert, hypoallergenic, and one of the safest skincare ingredients available.
What is slugging, and should I try it?
Slugging is applying a thin layer of petrolatum over your evening routine to seal hydration. It works well for dry and sensitive skin; oily or acne-prone skin should skip it or limit it to dry patches.
The bottom line
Petrolatum is unglamorous and unbeatable: the strongest water-locking barrier in skincare, with the best eczema and wound-care evidence in the category. For dry skin, it is the ingredient that makes every other moisturizer work better.
References
- Petrolatum and skin barrier — literature search. PubMed (National Library of Medicine). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=petrolatum+transepidermal+water+loss
- Emollients for atopic dermatitis (review). PubMed (National Library of Medicine). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=petrolatum+atopic+dermatitis+emollient
- Petrolatum compound summary. PubChem (National Library of Medicine). https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/#query=petrolatum
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review — petrolatum safety assessment. Cosmetic Ingredient Review. https://www.cir-safety.org/ingredients