Petrolatum. It is a chemical compound derived from petroleum, a colloidal hydrocarbon ointment. A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained as a semi-solid from the dewaxing of paraffinic residual oil. It consists predominantly of saturated liquid and crystalline hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly greater than C25.

Petrolatum, also known as petroleum jelly or purpose petrolatum, is a refined petroleum derivative used across various industrial and cosmetic applications. It is derived from the distillation of crude oil and further purified to remove impurities and undesirable substances. Purpose Petrolatum is valued for its occlusive, moisturizing, and protective properties.

Chemical Composition and Structure:
Purpose Petrolatum primarily consists of:

• Saturated Hydrocarbons: A mixture of aliphatic and cyclic hydrocarbons that give petrolatum its solid consistency and occlusive properties.
• Paraffinic Hydrocarbons: Key components that help form a protective barrier on the skin.
• Hydrocarbon Mixture: Composed of various long-chain hydrocarbons that contribute to the product's stability and texture.

The chemical structure of petrolatum is characterized by long carbon chains and highly saturated structures, making it resistant to oxidation and evaporation.

Physical Properties:

• Appearance: Petrolatum is a solid or semi-solid material, typically transparent or yellowish in color, with a smooth, greasy texture.
• Melting Point: Ranges from 35°C to 60°C (95°F to 140°F), depending on the formulation and degree of refinement.
• Solubility: Insoluble in water but soluble in oils and organic solvents.
• Odor: Generally has a neutral or very faint odor.

Production Process:

1. Distillation: Crude oil is distilled to separate various fractions.
2. Refinement: The fraction containing the desired hydrocarbons is further refined to remove impurities, odors, and unwanted components.
3. Purification: The petrolatum is filtered and treated to ensure the purity and safety of the final product.
4. Formulation: The refined petrolatum is processed into solid or semi-solid forms, ready for use in various products.

Applications:

• Cosmetics: Used in creams, lotions, and ointments for its moisturizing and protective properties. It forms a barrier on the skin that helps prevent moisture loss.
• Pharmaceuticals: Employed in ointments and skin preparations for its occlusive and protective qualities.
• Industrial Uses: Utilized in products such as lubricants, sealants, and as a base for other industrial products.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

• Environmental Impact: The production of petrolatum involves the use of petroleum and other non-renewable resources, so it is important to adopt sustainable practices and manage waste appropriately.
• Safety: Petrolatum is generally considered safe for topical use. Ensuring the product is properly refined and free from contaminants is essential. Proper handling and usage guidelines should be followed to avoid potential adverse reactions.
• Cosmetic Safety. Cosmetics Regulation provisions: "II/940 considered carcinogenic unless the entire refining history is known and it can be shown that the substance from which it is produced is not carcinogenic". practically speaking: According to Cosmetics Regulation provisions (II/904), petrolatum must be fully refined to ensure it is not derived from carcinogenic substances. If the complete refining history is known and confirms the absence of carcinogenic substances, it is considered safe for use. Proper handling and usage are important to avoid potential adverse reactions.(1).

Cosmetics - INCI Functions:

Antistatic agent. Static electricity build-up has a direct influence on products and causes electrostatic adsorption. The antistatic ingredient reduces static build-up and surface resistivity on the surface of the skin and hair.

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss.  Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Viscosity control agent. It controls and adapts, Increasing or decreasing, viscosity to the required level for optimal chemical and physical stability of the product and dosage in gels, suspensions, emulsions, solutions. 

Petrolatum studies

Molecular Formula  C₁₅H₁₅N

Molecular Weight   209.292 g/mol

CAS   8009-03-8  41532-84-7

Synonyms :

• Vaseline®
• Jelly, Paraffin
• 2,3,3-trimethylbenzoindolenine
• 1,1,2-trimethylhydrobenzo[e]indole
• 1,1,2-Trimethyl-1H-benzo(e)indole (2,3,3-Trimethylbenzo(4,5)indole)
• 1H-Benz(e)indole, 1,1,2-trimethyl-
• SCHEMBL31583
• EINECS 255-429-8

References________________________________________________________________________

(1) https://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_risk/committees/sccp/documents/out278_en.pdf

Abstract. BackgroundIn its opinion of September 2001 on "Chemical ingredients in cosmetic products classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction according to the chemical directive 67/548/EEC", doc n° SCCNFP/0474/01, the SCCNFP considered that: “The presence of carcinogens, mutagens, or substances toxic to reproduction in cosmetic products is of concern to the health of the consumer. Substances classified according to Council Directive 67/548/EEC as carcinogens category 1 or 2 (except substances only carcinogenic by inhalation), mutagens category 1 and 2, or toxic to reproduction category 1 or 2 and substances with similar potentials, must not be intentionally added to cosmetic products....

https://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_risk/committees/sccp/documents/out149_en.pdf

Abstract. ...SCCNFP considers that chemical substances identified as carcinogens, mutagens, or toxic to reproduction when present in cosmetic products are of concern to the health of the consumer. EU classifies carcinogens and mutagens and substances toxic for reproduction according to the Council Directive 67/548/EEC in 3 categories, i.e. substances identified from human studies and thus known to cause effects in humans (category 1), substances identified from animal studies and regarded as if they cause similar effects in humans (category 2) and substances that are of concern because of possible toxic effects in human (category 3). In addition, substances with similar potentials as those classified by EU may be identified. The use of such substances should also be restricted in the same way as substances classified according to the Directive 67/548/EEC. SCCNFP acknowledges that cosmetic products may contain small amounts of carcinogens, mutagens, or substances toxic to reproduction even if such substances are not intentionally added to the product. In these cases, it will be necessary to perform risk assessment on a case-by-case basis to establish that the product does not pose a threat to the health of the consumer. Substances classified in categories 1 and 2 have more stringent restriction within EU than substances classified as category 3. The reason follows from the criteria for classifications. Many category 3 carcinogens are non-genotoxic and it may be possible to determine a dose that can be tolerated with essentially no elicitation of a toxic response. Other category 3 carcinogens may pose a significant risk if present in a cosmetic product, but sufficient data to classify the substance in category 1 or 2 was not available when the substance was classified. Similar considerations also apply for category 3 mutagens and substances toxic to reproduction. On this basis SCCNFP considers that the same restrictions may not be applicable on all category 3 substances....