Description
Petrolatum is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons widely used in personal care, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulations. Known for its occlusive and moisture-retention properties, it plays a critical role in protecting skin, stabilizing formulations, and enhancing product consistency.
Depending on refinement level and regulatory requirements, petrolatum is available in multiple grades to support a wide range of commercial applications.
What Is Petrolatum?
Petrolatum is a petroleum-derived, semi-solid material composed primarily of hydrocarbons. When refined, it appears colorless to pale, is odorless, and remains inert under normal storage conditions. Its stability and non-reactivity make petrolatum suitable for use in highly-regulated personal care and pharmaceutical applications.
Common Uses of Petrolatum
Petrolatum’s versatility and chemical stability make it a valuable ingredient in both consumer-facing products and industrial processing aids.
Personal Care & Cosmetics
In personal care and cosmetic products, petrolatum functions as a skin protectant and occlusive agent. It helps reduce transepidermal moisture loss by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface.
Common personal care applications include:
- Creams and lotions
- Lip balms and salves
- Ointments and protective skincare products
Personal care formulators must source USP-grade white petrolatum to adhere to industry regulatory requirements. It is often used alongside ingredients such as mineral oil to help improve texture, spreadability, and moisture retention in topical products.
Pharmaceutical Applications
In pharmaceutical formulations, petrolatum is commonly used as a base for ointments and topical products. Its inert nature makes it a reliable carrier for active ingredients, helping protect the skin and control moisture loss.
Pharmaceutical applications require white petrolatum that meets USP regulatory standards. This refined grade is safe for use in:
- Dermatological products
- Wound care ointments
- Specialty topical treatments that require a non-reactive carrier for active ingredients
When sourcing materials in the highly regulated pharmaceutical industry, manufacturers should collaborate with petrolatum suppliers who can support their quality assurance processes. This means providing thorough documentation and ensuring traceability at every step.
Industrial & Specialty Uses
Petrolatum’s semi-solid consistency and moisture-resistant properties make it suitable for industrial and specialty applications requiring surface protection, lubrication, or barrier performance.
Industrial uses of petrolatum may include:
- Protective coatings for metal surfaces
- Lubrication in specialty equipment applications
- Moisture barriers in industrial formulations
Petrolatum’s chemical stability allows it to perform reliably under variable conditions, making it a practical choice for manufacturers requiring predictability and a long shelf life.
Types and Grades of Petrolatum
Petrolatum is available in several types and grades, with selection depending on formulation requirements, regulatory considerations, and end-use applications.
- USP-grade white petrolatum is highly refined and commonly used in personal care and pharmaceutical products for its purity and neutral characteristics.
- Technical grade petrolatum is used in industrial or specialty applications where USP compliance is not required.
A Kraft Chemical technical representative can help you choose a grade that meets your formulation goals, regulatory requirements, and performance expectations.
Why Petrolatum Is Used in Formulations
Petrolatum is widely used in commercial formulations because of its:
- Excellent occlusive properties: Petrolatum forms a protective barrier that helps reduce moisture loss. This occlusive behavior is especially valuable in personal care, pharmaceutical, and topical products designed to support hydration or protect exposed surfaces.
- Chemical stability and non-reactivity: As an inert material, petrolatum doesn’t react with other formulation components. This stability helps preserve product integrity and supports consistent performance over time.
- Long shelf life: Petrolatum’s resistance to oxidation and degradation contributes to extended shelf life in finished products, making it suitable for formulations with longer storage or distribution timelines.
- Broad formulation compatibility: Petrolatum works well with a wide range of oils, waxes, and active ingredients. Formulators often pair petrolatum with lanolin to enhance emolliency in creams and ointments or combine it with structuring agents like beeswax to achieve desired firmness and consistency.
Petrolatum Chemical Information
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colorless to pale, semi-solid |
| Consistency | Smooth, semi-solid |
| Odor | Odorless when properly refined |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; compatible with oils |
For application-specific requirements or detailed specifications, product documentation can be provided upon request.
Petrolatum Supplier Information
Kraft Chemical supplies petrolatum to personal care, pharmaceutical, and industrial manufacturers who demand consistent quality. With decades of experience supporting strictly regulated industries, our team is equipped to help you meet your production goals and remain compliant.
- Wholesale and bulk petrolatum available
- Consistent quality and controlled sourcing
- Access to technical documentation, such as SDS and CoA
- Technical support and application guidance
Request Pricing or Product Information
Speak with a Kraft Chemical technical representative to request more information about petrolatum. Our team is ready to help you with pricing and availability, guide you in selecting the right grade, and address technical or documentation-related inquiries.
Additional information
| CAS# | 8009-03-8 |
|---|---|
| Formula | CnH2n+2. |
