Ingredient dictionary

Petrolatum

Also listed as: Petroleum jelly

A soft, semi-solid mix of refined petroleum hydrocarbons, also called petroleum jelly. Its main job is to seal moisture onto the skin. It is on the label of 52 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: it is flagged in the mineral oil and petrolatum family, which is excellent at sealing in moisture, but some people prefer to avoid these ingredients, especially on acne-prone skin.

Mineral oil & petrolatum. They are excellent at sealing in moisture. Some people avoid them by preference, especially on acne-prone skin.

What Petrolatum does

Seals moisture into the skin
Reduces water loss from the surface
Helps protect dry, flaky areas
Gives products a smooth, slippery feel

Petrolatum comes from crude petroleum. Refiners remove most of the impurities and leave a soft, stable mix of hydrocarbons. The result is a jelly with little smell and a neutral feel. Petrolatum has been used in skincare for a long time.

Formulators use it because it is occlusive, meaning it forms a thin film that slows water loss from the skin. That makes it a common choice for dry areas and lip care. It feels smooth and slightly greasy, so it is often blended with lighter ingredients.

Good for

Good for very dry skin, rough heels, cracked lips, and anyone who wants a simple moisture barrier.

Be careful if

It is flagged in the mineral oil and petrolatum family, which is excellent at sealing in moisture, but some people prefer to avoid these ingredients, especially on acne-prone skin.

Frequently asked questions

Is petrolatum safe for skin?

For most people, yes. It is widely used in skincare and is well tolerated. Refining removes most impurities, so the finished ingredient is considered suitable for cosmetic use. Those who prefer to avoid it, especially with acne-prone skin, can choose lighter alternatives.

Is petrolatum the same as petroleum jelly?

Yes, they are the same ingredient. Petroleum jelly is the everyday name for petrolatum. Labels may use either one. Both describe the refined petroleum jelly that formulators use to seal moisture into the skin.