By Dr. Nirvana S. Pillay
Petroleum jelly has been used in skincare for more than a century and remains one of the most widely recognised occlusive skin protectants. Often associated with products such as Vaseline, petroleum jelly is valued for its ability to reduce moisture loss and protect the skin barrier. Understanding where it comes from and how it works provides useful context for its continued role in modern skincare.
Quick answer: Petroleum jelly (also known as petrolatum) is a semi-solid skin protectant produced from highly refined petroleum-derived ingredients. It functions by forming an occlusive layer on the skin surface, helping to slow moisture loss and protect against external irritation.
What Is Petroleum Jelly?
Petroleum jelly, commonly listed as petrolatum on ingredient labels, is a mixture of semi-solid hydrocarbons. In skincare, it is classified as an occlusive, meaning it works by forming a physical barrier on the surface of the skin. This barrier helps reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which is a major contributor to visible dryness and discomfort.
Petroleum jelly does not actively hydrate the skin or supply water. Instead, it helps retain existing moisture, which is why it is often applied over damp skin or as the final step in a skincare routine.
The Discovery of Petroleum Jelly
The origins of petroleum jelly date back to the mid-19th century during the early development of the petroleum industry. Workers drilling for oil observed a waxy substance accumulating on drilling equipment. Although initially considered a byproduct, this material was noted for its protective and soothing effects when applied to minor skin injuries.
Chemist Robert Chesebrough studied this substance and developed a method to purify and stabilise it. The refined product became commercially available as petroleum jelly and was later marketed under the Vaseline name. Its stability, long shelf life, and protective properties contributed to its widespread adoption in households and medical settings.
How Petroleum Jelly Is Produced
Petroleum jelly is derived from petroleum refining. Crude oil undergoes processing in refineries where it is separated into multiple components. Petrolatum is associated with heavier, waxy fractions of this process and is subsequently subjected to further refinement and purification.
Cosmetic- and pharmaceutical-grade petrolatum is produced only after extensive purification steps to meet safety and quality standards for topical use. The result is a stable, inert material suitable for application to intact skin.
While petroleum jelly originates from petroleum, it is important to distinguish raw crude oil from highly refined petrolatum used in skincare. These materials differ significantly in composition and safety profile.
Vaseline and the Popularisation of Petroleum Jelly
Vaseline is the most widely recognised brand historically associated with petroleum jelly. Over time, the brand became synonymous with the category itself, leading many people to use the term “Vaseline” interchangeably with petroleum jelly.
Products such as Vaseline Blue Seal are commonly used for dry lips, rough skin, and general barrier protection. While particularly well known in South Africa, Vaseline is a global brand with international distribution.
How Petroleum Jelly Works on Skin
Petroleum jelly works by forming an occlusive layer that reduces water evaporation from the skin surface. By limiting moisture loss, it supports skin comfort and barrier integrity, particularly in dry environments or during colder weather.
Because it is inert and does not readily penetrate the skin, petroleum jelly is often used on sensitive areas and is compatible with many skincare routines when applied appropriately.
Common Uses of Petroleum Jelly
- Protecting dry or chapped lips
- Softening rough areas such as elbows and knees
- Reducing moisture loss on cracked heels
- Minimising friction in chafing-prone areas
- Sealing moisture as a final skincare step
Use of Petroleum Jelly on the Face
Petroleum jelly is commonly applied to facial skin as a moisture-sealing step, particularly for dryness or barrier support. Individuals with acne-prone or oily skin may prefer to limit use to targeted areas or use smaller amounts due to its heavy, occlusive texture.
As with any topical product, individual skin response can vary, and patch testing is recommended when introducing new products.
Situations Where Petroleum Jelly May Not Be Appropriate
Petroleum jelly is generally intended for use on intact skin. It may be unsuitable for application to areas showing signs of infection or worsening inflammation unless advised by a healthcare professional.
Petroleum Jelly and Petroleum-Free Alternatives
While petroleum jelly remains widely used for barrier protection, some modern formulations aim to replicate its occlusive benefits using non-petroleum ingredients. These petroleum-free jellies typically rely on plant-derived oils, waxes, and emollients to support the skin barrier.
The choice between petroleum-based and petroleum-free options often reflects individual preferences related to ingredient sourcing, texture, or formulation philosophy rather than a difference in intended function.
A Petroleum-Free Option from Nirvana Natural Bliss
Nirvana Natural Bliss offers a petroleum-free jelly designed to support skin comfort and barrier care using plant-derived ingredients. It is formulated to provide a similar “seal and protect” function while aligning with a non-petrochemical approach to skincare.
Petroleum-free jellies are commonly used as a final step in a routine, applied sparingly to areas where barrier support is most needed.
Conclusion
Petroleum jelly has a long history in skincare, valued for its ability to reduce moisture loss and protect the skin barrier. From its origins in early petroleum refining to its continued use today, it remains a functional and widely recognised skin protectant. Petroleum-free alternatives represent a modern evolution of the same barrier-care concept, offering additional options for those with different formulation preferences.
Dr. Nirvana S. Pillay, PhD, MBA, MPH is a neuroscientist and public health epidemiologist, and the founder and formulator behind Nirvana Natural Bliss. Her work focuses on evidence-based skincare, the brain–skin connection, and how physiology, environment, and daily habits influence skin health. She brings a science-led, systems-based approach to formulation and skin health.
