IO Cosmetic Petrolatum

What cosmetic this ingredient is

It is a purified blend of hydrocarbons with a smooth, semi-solid texture at room temperature. It does not dissolve in water, so in a formula it always belongs to the oil phase or to a waterless base. Our earlier card listed it as a water-soluble liquid, which was not correct; the material is a creamy semi-solid. The supplier CoA confirms the grade for each lot.

Why formulators still use it

Petrolatum has been used in skin care for well over a century because it does one job very reliably. It forms a thin film on the skin surface that slows the loss of water, so skin underneath stays softer. It is also very stable, has almost no odor and rarely reacts with other ingredients. For products aimed at very dry lips, hands, elbows and heels, it is hard to find a cheaper or simpler option.

Formats

Lip balms and lip ointments

A classic lip ointment is mostly petrolatum with a little wax for body and an oil for slip. It gives a glossy, protective layer that lasts.

Hand and foot creams

In an emulsion, a small share of petrolatum in the oil phase adds a protective feel without the greasiness of a pure ointment. It works well with urea and glycerin in foot creams.

Multi-purpose balms

A tin balm for dry patches, cuticles and lips is a popular product. Petrolatum, a plant butter and a little lanolin give a rich, soft texture.

Processing

Melt cosmetic IO Cosmetic Petrolatum with waxes and butters at about 70 to 75 °C. In emulsions, add it to the oil phase before heating. Cool balms with gentle stirring to avoid a grainy texture, then pour. Because it is so stable, it does not need an antioxidant on its own, but plant oils in the same blend do.

Partners

Lanolin, shea butter, beeswax and castor oil all blend easily. For a softer, more natural-feeling balm, add a plant oil such as Oat Seed Oil. In creams, humectants in the water phase, for example Sodium PCA 50%, complete the moisture story. More actives and bases are listed in our actives catalog.

Texture tips

Pure petrolatum feels heavy. Mixing it with lighter esters or oils reduces the drag and makes the product easier to spread. A little silica or starch can reduce shine in hand products. Test the feel on the back of the hand and on lips before choosing the final ratio.

Label and claims

Use the INCI name from the CoA. Claims should describe what users feel and see: softer lips, smoother hands, protection for very dry skin from wind and cold. Petrolatum is a familiar name, so many shoppers understand what it does.

Who buys these products

Ointment-style products are bought by people who work outdoors, by parents looking for a simple balm for the family bag, and by anyone with very dry hands in winter. Clear, plain packaging and a short ingredient list suit this audience well.

Characteristics

Form: soft, creamy semi-solid. INCI: petrolatum. Solubility: insoluble in water, mixes with oils, waxes and butters. Typical products: lip ointments, balms, hand and foot creams. Grade: supplier CoA.

Original recipe: multi-purpose dry-skin balm, 100 g

IO Cosmetic Petrolatum 55.00 g, shea butter 15.00 g, lanolin 10.00 g, beeswax 8.00 g, oat seed oil 11.00 g, tocopherol 1.00 g. Melt everything except tocopherol at 75 °C, cool to about 55 °C while stirring, add tocopherol and pour into tins.

Grade and purity

Cosmetic petrolatum is refined to remove unwanted fractions, and reputable grades meet pharmacopeia or cosmetic purity standards. Ask the supplier which standard applies to each lot and keep that statement with the CoA. Retailers and some marketplaces ask for this information, so having it on file saves time during listing. Color and odor should be close to none; a yellow tint or a smell in a new lot is a reason to contact the supplier before use.

Storage

Store closed at room temperature, away from direct heat. Keep the lid clean to avoid contamination.