Petrolatum

Ghochikyan Arthur

Petrolatum

Functions

Film-forming agent

Antistatic

Emollient

CAS Number(s)

8009-03-8

EINECS number(s)

232-373-2

FDA UNII

4T6H12BN9U

INCI name

Petrolatum

Identifier

CIG-1457

Petrolatum is a mixture of refined hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. It is known as one of the oldest trade names Vaseline® which is pure petrolatum.

Manufacturers of this petrochemical ingredient claim that Petrolatum can help the skin's outer layer recover from damage, reduce inflammation, and generally heal the skin. It is used in skin care formulations such as creams and lotions and is often the primary base in lip balms.

Our editorial team does not recommend using products with petroleum direct derivatives including Petrolatum.

Synonyms

Vaseline®

Petrolatum

Changed

2026-03-10

Related ingredients

Mineral oil

Mineral oil is a mixture of refined hydrocarbons derived from petroleum (crude oil) that is used industrially as a cutting fluid and lubricating oil. It is known as liquid paraffin (Paraffinum liquidum or Paraffin oil).

Lecithin

Lecithin is a mix of phospholipids, a miracle serum that leaves your hair smooth and healthy. This structure-forming component helps repair dry hair. It infuses your hair with moisture and restores its natural barrier.

Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate

Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate is an emollient ester derived from isostearic acid that leaves a cushion feel with excellent spreadability and pigment-wetting ability. It provides unusually high levels of gloss, substantivity, and water resistance.

Isononyl Isononanoate

Isononyl Isononanoate is an ester of 3,5,5-Trimethyl Hexonic acid with 3,5,5-Trimethyl Hexonic alcohol, with

Linoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate

Essential fatty acids are recognized as a vital part of the human diet that cannot be synthesized internally. These fatty acids are the foundations of phospholipids, such as phosphatidylcholine, which are critical in the cell membrane to help facilitate the passage of biological substances.

Cetyl Ricinoleate

Cetyl Ricinoleate is an off-white waxy solid derived by esterification of castor oil fatty acids with cetyl alcohol.

Sucrose Polybehenate

Sucrose Polybehenate is a sucrose-derived ester with the traditional properties desired in an emollient. Still, it has outstanding additional benefits, such as film forming, suppleness, and wash and wear resistance.

Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine

Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine is a coconut-derived amido-amine, a cationic surfactant with excellent foaming properties for cleansing formulation for skin and hair care.

Dipentaerythrityl Pentaisononanoate

Dipentaerythrityl Pentaisononanoate is a transparent and glossy ester of isononanoic acid with a pentaerythritol dimer used in decorative cosmetics, skin, and hair care applications. It provides a flashy, wet look and volume, enhancing the gloss of products.

Stearamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate

Stearamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate is a multi-functional phospholipid and diester phosphatide with multiple long-chain alkyl groups derived from purified natural palm oil.

Sucrose Polysoyate

Sucrose Polysoyate is a sucrose-derived ester with the traditional properties of other emollients and other outstanding properties. It exhibits proven suppleness, and wash and wear resistance.

Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine

Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine is a multifunctional ingredient, a hair-conditioning agent, thickener, and emollient that appears as white to yellowish flakes.