A purified mixture of semi-solid hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. One of the most effective occlusive moisturizers available — reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by up to 99%. USP-grade petrolatum is rigorously purified to remove polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and is considered safe for cosmetic use by CIR, FDA, and EU authorities. Used extensively in skincare, wound care, and baby care products. Non-comedogenic when properly purified.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Superior occlusive — reduces TEWL by 98-99%, the gold standard for moisture retention
+ Skin protectant — FDA OTC monograph recognizes as skin protectant
+ Hypoallergenic — low sensitization potential when USP-grade
+ Wound healing support — creates optimal moist environment for healing
Pros
+ Most effective occlusive moisturizer available
+ Extensively studied — one of the safest cosmetic ingredients per CIR
+ USP-grade is PAH-free and non-carcinogenic
+ FDA OTC skin protectant designation
+ Affordable and widely available
Cons
− Petroleum-derived — not suitable for natural/organic positioning
− Occlusive feel — some users find it too heavy/greasy
− May trap bacteria if applied to unclean skin
− Environmental concerns — non-renewable resource, not biodegradable
− Misconceptions about safety despite strong scientific consensus on USP-grade
Specifications
Property
Value
Usage Areas
Face, Body
Product Type
Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source
Synthetic
Natural Level
Synthetic
Safety Ratings
Metric
Rating
Skin Sensitivity
0/5 (very rare sensitization)
Comedogenic Rating
0/5 (USP-grade)
EWG Score
1/10 (USP-grade, 4/10 unrefined)
Regional Regulatory Limits
Region
Leave-on %
Rinse-off %
Status
EU (CosIng)
No limit
No limit
Allowed — must be PAH-free per EU Regulation 1223/2009
US (CIR/FDA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed — FDA OTC skin protectant; USP-grade required
Japan (MHLW)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
ASEAN
No limit
No limit
Allowed — follows EU; PAH-free required
China (NMPA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed — listed in IECIC
Typical Usage % by Product Type
Product Type
Typical %
Ointment / balm
30–100%
Cream / lotion
5–30%
References
CIR (2013) — Safety Assessment of Petrolatum as Used in Cosmetics. PMID: 23781870
FDA OTC Skin Protectant Monograph. https://www.fda.gov/
EU CosIng Database. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
EWG Skin Deep — Petrolatum. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
National Eczema Association — Petrolatum for eczema. https://nationaleczema.org/