Petrolatum (Vaseline)
The most effective occlusive ingredient available — petrolatum reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by 99%. Despite misconceptions, it does not clog pores and does not prevent skin from 'breathing.' Dermatologists recommend it universally for barrier repair, wound healing, and locking in moisture. It is the standard against which all other moisturizing ingredients are measured.
Concentration & Usage
Apply thin layer over damp skin or over other skincare products. Can be used as 'slugging' (applying all over face at night). Safe for daily use. Especially effective over retinoids to buffer irritation.
Application
Topical (ointment, lip balm). Apply as final step to seal in moisture. Thin layer is sufficient.
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99%+ purity · third-party lab tested
Mechanism of Action
Petrolatum is a mixture of long-chain saturated hydrocarbons (C16-C32) that forms a semi-occlusive film—reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by up to 99%. It penetrates intercellular spaces of the stratum corneum, filling gaps in the lipid lamellae and creating a hydrophobic barrier. This occlusive environment raises stratum corneum water content, activating endogenous repair: upregulation of antimicrobial peptides (defensins, cathelicidin LL-37), lamellar body secretion, and barrier lipid synthesis. The stratum corneum obtains oxygen from dermal circulation, not the atmosphere. Studies demonstrate accelerated wound healing and barrier recovery, contradicting infection myths.
Regulatory Status
USP-grade petrolatum. OTC skin protectant recognized by FDA. Available worldwide. White petrolatum is the refined cosmetic form.
Risks & Safety
Common
Greasy feel. May trap bacteria if applied over unwashed skin (cleanse first).
Serious
None when using cosmetic-grade/USP petrolatum.
Rare
Allergic reaction is extremely rare. Concerns about contamination (PAHs) apply only to industrial-grade, not cosmetic-grade petrolatum.
Compare Petrolatum (Vaseline) With
Research Papers
10Published: April 9, 2018
AI Summary
These ingredients may be vitamins, botanical antioxidants, peptides, skin-lightening agents, botanical anti-inflammatories, or exfoliants. This discussion covers the science of moisturizers.
Published: November 9, 2016
AI Summary
Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is one of the most common skin problems in adults who are incontinent for urine, stool, or both. In practice, products and procedures are the same for both prevention and treatment of IAD.
Published: October 25, 2022
AI Summary
The emollients are important ingredients used in skincare formulations that can act as moisturizing agents through their occlusive potential, preventing skin water loss. Thus, it is essential to improve the knowledge about the behavior of cosmetic raw materials that can be used as sustainable alternatives to synthetic ingredients.
Published: June 22, 2025
AI Summary
From these searches, the authors identified articles of interest that described the efficacy of basic emollients for the treatment of xerosis cutis associated with AD. Studies included in our review varied widely in terms of sample size, study design, interventions, and endpoints but collectively showed that most basic emollient formulations are...
Published: October 10, 1999
AI Summary
Premature skin immaturity contributes to elevated water loss, problems with electrolytes and thermoregulation, increased risk of local or systemic infection, increased uptake of potentially toxic agents, and vulnerability to trauma.
Published: August 16, 2020
AI Summary
Abstract too short to summarize.
Published: August 14, 2018
AI Summary
It was hypothesized that GlyMOle could enhance skin penetration of petrolatum and soybean oil. This study aimed to examine the in vitro skin penetration of petrolatum and soybean oil in the presence or absence of GlyMOle.
Published: March 1, 2022
AI Summary
According to the results, the novel petrolatum-LC formulations are biocompatible and effective in forming hexosomes. PABA skin penetration was significantly enhanced by the new petrolatum-LC formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Petrolatum (Vaseline) used for?
The most effective occlusive ingredient available — petrolatum reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by 99%. Despite misconceptions, it does not clog pores and does not prevent skin from 'breathing.' Dermatologists recommend it universally for barrier repair, wound healing, and locking in moisture. It is the standard against which all other moisturizing ingredients are measured.
What are the side effects of Petrolatum (Vaseline)?
Common: Greasy feel. May trap bacteria if applied over unwashed skin (cleanse first). Serious: None when using cosmetic-grade/USP petrolatum. Rare: Allergic reaction is extremely rare. Concerns about contamination (PAHs) apply only to industrial-grade, not cosmetic-grade petrolatum.
How is Petrolatum (Vaseline) administered?
Petrolatum (Vaseline) is administered via topical (ointment, lip balm). apply as final step to seal in moisture. thin layer is sufficient..
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