At AboutMechanics, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What is Petroleum Jelly?
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Petroleum jelly is a mixture of hydrocarbons that is semisolid at room temperature, and it is also odorless, when properly refined. It is used in a variety of industries, although many people associate it with the popular Vaseline® brand personal care product. It may also be marketed as petrolatum or soft paraffin. Many general stores carry this product, and it can also be found at medical supply houses and drugstores.
In 1859, workers on oil rigs noticed that a dense substance was clogging their drills. Allegedly, someone came up with the idea of putting the substance on cuts and burns, and after some chemical refinement, commercial petroleum jelly began to be marketed on a wide scale. Initially, it was viewed as a cure-all, recommended for a wide range of medical conditions, although later analysis and studies suggested that it was not, in fact, a miracle cure. In addition to being used in personal care, the jelly was also marketed for use as a lubricant, and it shows up in some surprising places sometimes.
In the sense of a personal care item, there are some practical uses for petroleum jelly. It does not heal cuts and burns, but it can keep wounds clean by sealing them off, which may be useful in emergencies. It can also trap infectious agents under the skin, however, and it should never be used on fresh burns. As a skin protection tool, this product can be highly useful, especially in cold weather, although it will leave skin feeling greasy.
Some people recommend using it for chapped, runny noses, especially in the winter. Unfortunately, this product should not be used around the nose, as it can cause a condition called lipid pneumonia, a lung infection caused by the inhalation of fats. It may also interfere with the nose's ability to naturally scrub air as a person inhales, which could also contribute to lung infections. It should also not be used as a sexual lubricant in combination with latex barrier protection, as it can degrade the latex.
Petroleum jelly can also make a useful lubricant in some cases, although it can also gum up machinery. Because it protects objects from oxidation, it may be used to coat metals that are vulnerable to oxidation damage. Many printers and etchers, for example, use a thin coat to protect type and plates from oxidation so that they can be stored.
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AboutMechanics researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AboutMechanics researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Learn more...AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Petroleum jelly.]()
By: blueeePetroleum jelly. -
![Petroleum jelly may be used to relieve chapped, runny noses.]()
By: Graça VictoriaPetroleum jelly may be used to relieve chapped, runny noses. -
![Petroleum jelly should not be used as a sexual lubricant in combination with latex barrier protection.]()
By: Photographee.euPetroleum jelly should not be used as a sexual lubricant in combination with latex barrier protection. -
![Petroleum jelly should not be used around the nose, as it can cause lipid pneumonia.]()
By: Marin ConicPetroleum jelly should not be used around the nose, as it can cause lipid pneumonia. -
![Petroleum jelly can help protect delicate skin from icy winter weather.]()
By: RTimagesPetroleum jelly can help protect delicate skin from icy winter weather.
Discussion Comments
Under normal circumstances, what is the active ingredient: the powder or the petroleum jelly?
Can petroleum jelly be used as a substitute for lanolin in making crayon lipsticks?
Can petroleum jelly be used even if has a skin allergy?
Can petroleum jelly be used in the mouth daily for sores inside your bottom lip?
do it contain any kind of animal fat?
what will happen if you accidentally use an expired petroleum jelly as a lubricant? -vain17-
what is the disadvantage when skin is covered with petroleum jelly and exposed to the sun?
One of my son's teachers said that petroleum jelly had cigarette's addictive additives in it? Is this true?
does petroleum jelly have latex in it?
Is petroluem jelly Vaseline?
Why can't petroleum jelly be used for chapped lips if patient is on oxygen? I understand the whole getting really hot, liquefy, vaporize and then igniting, but to me it would seem that the petroleum jelly would have to exposed to a great amount of heat and for some time.
Is Petroleum jelly is similar to paraffin/iso paraffinic oils or similar to microcrystalline/paraffin wax? what about reactivity towards chemicals,particularly with polyurethanes.(mix of polyols and isocyanates)? --arvin
to dissolve petroleum jelly use vegetable oil.
What is the difference between petroleum and lubricant jelly? Can they both be used for the same purposes?
"What happens when petroleum jelly is heated and is this a polar or non-polar solution?"
Depending upon how hot you get it, it will first liquefy, then vaporize, then ignite.
It will be a non-polar substance.
"Is it true that petroleum causes cancer?"
Many petroleum compounds (and there are thousands of different compounds found in or made from petroleum,) are known to be carcinogenic, so it's a qualified 'yes.'
What happens when petroleum jelly is heated and is this a polar or non-polar solution?
if you give a cat petroleum jelly to help it stop from throwing up frequently, will that cause a problem? (however, the source that i went to, told me to put it on his paw so he can lick it.)
anon19209: Amixture of 50% petroleum jelly and 50% lanolin...
Since both items are similar hydrocarbons, related to oils and greases, either or both work to prevent air and water vapor from reaching the metal.
No air, no free oxygen, no rust!
I suspect the formula was developed because petroleum jelly is very soft, and tends to wipe off of surfaces, whereas lanolin is a bit harder, thus difficult to apply. The mixture should have physical characteristics somewhere in between them.
Used as a protective coating on the skin to protect from chemicals used in welding & soldering, petroleum jelly is somewhat more effective than lanolin, possibly because lanolin will be absorbed through the skin.
ginnymaxine: "...petroleum jelly contains gasoline?"
No. Petroleum jelly does not contain any of the lighter hydrocarbon molecules such as gasoline, if it did, it would not be odorless.
Is it true that petroleum causes cancer?
I recently bought 'Dermeze' ointment recommended by skin specialists..it looks and feels very similar to Petroleum jelly..I was wondering if the ingredients are the same. The ingredients in the Dermeze are Liquid paraffin 50% white soft paraffin 50%. I'm an Aussie. Thank you for your time.
Powder or flour or cornstarch will help remove any greasy substance.
A friend told me petroleum jelly contained gasoline? Any answers on this?
Amixture of 50% petroleum jelly and 50% lanolin will protect ferrous metal from moisture problems. (rust) I have used it for 25 years in my machine shop with no problems related to rust. I don't know where I got the recipe, maybe from my dad. Rust never sleeps, but this mix will keep it singing itself to sleep.
anon5375: A large dose of (ingested) petroleum jelly may have the following effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, intestinal obstruction.
A child tasting petroleum jelly is unlikely to cause any problems. Eating a quantity may have the results above.
Hi lynnlynn, I don't know how long ago you posted this question, but the best way or quickest way to get petroleum out of the hair is to wash it out with Dawn dish detergent using the hot water at the warmest temperature level that your skin can tolerate. You can use your regular shampoo, but Dawn is known to "get grease out of your way".
Do you know how to dissolve petroleum jelly? Or what could be used to remove it from hair?
what is the disadvantage when a child tastes the petroleum jelly?
Post your comments