What is petrolem jelly made from?

Petroleum jelly, also known as petrolatum, is a semi-solid, waxy substance made from petroleum. It is an oily, mineral-based sub-product of the distillation process used to refine crude oil into gasoline and other petroleum-based products. During this process, the higher-boiling point fractions of the crude oil are separated and further refined to create petroleum jelly.

Petroleum jelly is a mixture of various hydrocarbons and is primarily composed of saturated hydrocarbons, such as alkanes and cycloalkanes. These hydrocarbons are long-chain molecules that have a high degree of molecular weight and are responsible for the jelly-like consistency of the product.

The properties of petroleum jelly, including its water-repellent nature and its ability to form a protective barrier on the skin, make it a valuable ingredient in various skincare and personal care products. It is commonly used as a moisturizer, lip balm, and ointment to treat dry skin, minor cuts, and burns.