Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly is a topical ointment that has been used for a variety of ailments and conditions for generations.

Once seen as a 'cure-all', petroleum jelly was believed to treat chest colds, rashes, fungal infections, nose bleeds, nappy rash, heal wounds and more. We now know that most of these claims are a little over-enthusiastic, but that has done little to stop petroleum jelly becoming a household staple.

Now commonly used to moisturise and protect the skin, petroleum jelly is one of the most effective moisturisers available (it decreases transepidermal moisture loss by 98%). It helps in a variety of conditions where drying, cracking or irritation of the skin is a problems (eczema, atopic dermatitis, nappy rash, chapped lips) or where the skin needs to be shielded from external irritants.

Petroleum jelly is also routinely used as a lubricant, helping ease conditions such as chafing, anal fissure and haemorrhoids (piles). It can also be used as a personal lubricant for sexual intercourse (although it is not suitable for use with condoms).

Vaseline is perhaps the best-known brand of petroleum jelly. It has been a staple of bathroom cabinets, first aid kits and sports bags for years.

Petroleum jelly, also referred to as soft paraffin, white petroleum or petrolatum, is a by-product of petroleum. It semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons that, when properly distilled, has no smell or taste. It is insoluble in water and doesn't oxidise, which makes it ideal an skin barrier as it keeps the skin free from the air and external irritants, while preventing moisture from escaping.