Purpose Petrolatum 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.
Purpose 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:
- Distillation: Crude oil is distilled to separate various fractions.
- Refinement: The fraction containing the desired hydrocarbons is further refined to remove impurities, odors, and unwanted components.
- Purification: The petrolatum is filtered and treated to ensure the purity and safety of the final product.
- 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.
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
