What is USP white petrolatum?

Petrolatum – also known as “white petroleum jelly” – consists of an odorless and tasteless mixture of oily and waxy long-chain, saturated hydrocarbons. USP-grade petrolatum possesses natural moisturizing properties and is a critical component in high-performance personal care formulations.

What is white petrolatum good for?

This medication is used as a moisturizer to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin and minor skin irritations (such as diaper rash, skin burns from radiation therapy). Emollients are substances that soften and moisturize the skin and decrease itching and flaking.

What is white petrolatum USP made of?

White petrolatum USP is a purified mixture of semi-solid hydrocarbons from petrolatum and is decolorized. It may contain a stabilizer. Synonyms: white soft paraffin, white petroleum jelly, Vaseline, White Ointment USP.

Is white petrolatum the same as petroleum?

There is no difference between petrolatum and petroleum jelly except the use of these names. Petrolatum is the North American term for petroleum jelly.

Is white petrolatum USP safe?

When properly refined, petrolatum has no known health concerns. However, petrolatum is often not fully refined in the US, which means it can be contaminated with toxic chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

How does petrolatum USP differ from white petrolatum USP?

The basic difference between these categories is the maximum color. White Petrolatum USP can have some yellow color but Petrolatum USP has a definite yellow color.

Is white petroleum good for skin?

Heal minor skin scrapes and burns A study shows that petroleum jelly is effective in keeping skin moist during post-surgery healing. This may be particularly good for regular, less dramatic skin injuries. Make sure that the surface you apply petroleum jelly on is properly cleaned and disinfected.

Is petrolatum good for your skin?

To save on skin care, dermatologists recommend using petroleum jelly to: Relieve dry skin, including your lips and eyelids. Dry skin can flake, itch, crack and even bleed. Since ointments are more effective and less irritating than lotions, consider applying petroleum jelly to dry skin, including your lips and eyelids.

Is petrolatum safe for skin?

Studies suggest that exposure to PAHs — including skin contact over extended periods of time — is associated with cancer. On this basis, the European Union classifies petrolatum a carcinogen ii and restricts its use in cosmetics. PAHs in petrolatum can also cause skin irritation and allergies.

Is petroleum OK for skin?

But first thing’s first, according to Talakoub, “Petroleum jelly is one of the safest products for the skin. It is safe on all skin types and has very little allergenic or irritant potential. It holds moisture in the skin and can help heal wounds.”

What is the difference between petrolatum USP and white petrolatum USP that accounts for the color difference?

Is white petrolatum safe for face?

While petroleum jelly has many benefits, it shouldn’t be used for everything. Avoid putting petroleum jelly on your face if you are acne-prone, as this may cause breakouts in some people. If you have questions about your skin or how to take care of it, see a board-certified dermatologist.