Petroleum jelly or petrolatum is a translucent, yellowish to amber or white, a soapy substance derived from petroleum and used primarily in medicine and pharmacy as a protective dressing and as a substitute for fats in ointments and cosmetics. Petrolatum also has a taste, but it is almost completely tasteless. Various polishes, lubricating greases, rust inhibitors, and modeling clay also employ it. The waxy petroleum substance that develops on oil rigs is distilled to create petroleum jelly.
Petroleum jelly, often known as white petrolatum or just petrolatum, is a lighter and thinner oil-based substance. It has a wide range of uses, including pharmaceutical applications as a component of ointments and barrier creams, metal protection, and lubrication of equipment used in food preparation (the most common commercial products being Vaseline and Aquaphor).
The process of refining oil results in the byproduct of petroleum jelly. As a result, it could be more environmentally friendly and sustainable, which also explains some of the potential issues associated with utilizing it. The beauty business uses petroleum jelly, originally discovered in the oil rigs’ bottoms. Before use in beauty or personal care products, all potentially dangerous ingredients are eliminated, at least by labeling and safety information. However, other sources contend it still contains certain potentially toxic ingredients (like hydrocarbons).
Petroleum jelly processing
Crude oil is the base substance from which all byproduct raw materials are produced. Organic ingredients have been heated and compressed for years to generate crude oil. Synthetic oil is created through a process known as diagenesis, which melts the organic material and mud together through sediment compression. The percentage of crude oil content varies substantially. Depending on the crude oil’s chemical makeup and contents, refineries will process it in various ways.
There are numerous techniques for refinement because the primary component of petroleum jelly contains different proportions of both solid and liquid hydrocarbons. After some processing, petroleum oil is created by extracting liquid hydrocarbons from crude oil at petroleum refineries. Dewaxed paraffinic residual oil, the main component of petroleum jelly, is then produced using vacuum distillation, followed by filtration of the leftover material through bone char.
Petroleum jelly ingredients
Even though the one who essentially discovered petroleum jelly had a failsafe formula for the transparent and odorless semi-solid, petroleum jelly’s manufacturing process and ingredients have evolved a little since its inception. The distillation and filtering procedures have mostly stayed the same. As a result, artificial petroleum jelly contains several other ingredients besides the declared 100% pure petroleum jelly. The only petrolatum item with a triple-purification seal is petroleum jelly. Distillation, de-aeration, and filtration are all parts of the purifying process. It makes sure the waxy substance is as homogeneous and air-free as possible.
Paraffin wax and paraffin oil are two crucial components of petroleum jelly that go unmentioned by name. Alkane and “paraffin” are two words that are frequently used interchangeably. Paraffin oil is employed to change the mixture’s consistency. It is an oil that thins and has nourishing properties, but it may also be utilized as jet fuel or combustible hydrocarbon. One of the other byproducts of distillation is paraffin wax, which is extracted, processed, and then recombined. It is often seen mixed with slack wax, a lubricating oil waste composed of oil and wax. Sweating and solvent refinement are the processes used to purify paraffin wax.
Best petroleum jelly products
In addition to hydrating our bodies and faces, petroleum jelly treats cracked heels and chapped lips. Additionally, it can help with eye makeup removal, diaper rash prevention, and hair dye stain prevention. Experts claim that petroleum jelly can help speed up the healing of wounds and treat eczema. Here are the best petroleum jelly products available.
Vaseline Jelly helps shield skin and lips against the drying and damaging effects of winter winds, cold weather, and indoor heating. Made with Pure Petrolatum, it temporarily protects and helps relieve chapped or cracked skin and lips. Vaseline Petroleum Jelly is specially formulated to help soothe and protect the skin. Lightweight and non-greasy, this all-purpose product temporarily protects minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. This product is the most well-known petroleum jelly on the market.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment is a highly effective and soothing skin protectant for minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. It helps reduce skin dryness, chapping, and irritation by forming a breathable membrane to retain moisture. This non-greasy formula provides 24 hours of continuous moisture with no greasy residue while healing your skin’s natural barrier. Aquaphor is one of the most well-known petroleum jelly products next to Vaseline.
Petroleum jelly is a skin protectant that helps to prevent moisture loss and promotes healing. Curad Classic petroleum jelly also soothes inflamed, itchy skin associated with diaper rash, psoriasis, and burns. The petroleum jelly in Curad Petroleum Jelly is created with the same ingredients found in professional burn treatments. It helps heal minor skin scrapes and burns and protects minor cuts and abrasions. It is portable enough to bring anywhere, preparing you for any emergency.
Temporarily protects minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Protects minor cuts, scrapes, and burns from getting infected. Non-greasy stays on hand without leaving a residue. Protects while allowing the skin to breathe. Sunmark Petroleum Jelly is not made with natural rubber latex, making it a safe choice for those with allergies to natural rubber latex. The main ingredient in this petroleum jelly is petroleum jelly, which helps protect sensitive skin while still allowing moisture to pass through the skin barrier.
Final Thoughts
Due to its emollient qualities, capacity to aid in skin healing, and overall safety, petroleum jelly has long been a mainstay in the medical and cosmetic industries. To prevent placing hazardous pollutants, some of which may be cancerous, on your skin, select a triple-distilled, purified product.
Between name brands and generic brands, there should be no distinction. Other goods assert that they only employ materials of the finest caliber and perform a unique purification and filtration process. Selecting the right product for your needs is important. That’s why we are at AvaCare Medical care. We offer various brand options that will satisfy our customers’ needs. For more information about AvaCare, please call us at 1-877-813-7799 or email us at info@avacaremedical.com.