At a Glance
Generic/Biosimilar name: Petrolatum.
Active ingredient: Petrolatum.
Administration route: Topical.
Topical petrolatum is an over-the-counter skin protectant used to moisturize and protect dry, chapped, or cracked skin and lips and to cover minor cuts, scrapes, and burns in adults and children of all ages, including infants.
Apply a thin layer of petrolatum to the affected skin or lips as needed, typically 1–3 times daily or whenever dryness or irritation is noticed.
How It Works
Topical petrolatum works mainly by forming a protective barrier on the surface of the skin that locks in moisture and shields irritated areas.- It creates an occlusive film that greatly slows water loss from the outer skin layer, helping dry or damaged skin stay hydrated.
- By sealing out irritants such as urine, stool, saliva, and friction, it helps sore or chafed areas recover.
- It is chemically inert and minimally absorbed, so it supports healing locally on the skin without acting throughout the body.
Treatment and Efficacy
Approved indications: Topical petrolatum is labeled as a skin protectant to temporarily protect and help relieve dry, cracked, or chapped skin and lips, and to protect minor cuts, scrapes, and burns from drying and irritation.
Off-label and common clinical uses: Petrolatum is widely used as a general-purpose moisturizer for conditions such as eczema (atopic dermatitis), as a barrier ointment to help prevent diaper rash, and to keep wound edges moist after minor procedures or tattoos; these uses are common in practice and supported mainly by clinical experience and smaller studies rather than large randomized trials.
Efficacy expectations: Dryness and irritation often improve within hours to a few days of regular use, minor wounds heal more comfortably when kept moist and protected, and petrolatum provides one of the most effective occlusive barriers compared with many creams and lotions, though it may feel greasier and be less cosmetically elegant than some lighter moisturizers.
Dosage and Administration
Typical dosing and application: For most dry or irritated skin, gently clean and dry the area, then apply a thin, even film of petrolatum to cover the skin 1–3 times daily or as needed; for diaper areas, apply a protective layer with each diaper change; for chapped lips, apply a small amount as often as needed.
How to use: Use clean hands or a clean applicator, avoid contaminating the container by touching it directly to skin or diapers, and do not apply directly into the eyes unless the product is specifically labeled for ophthalmic use.
Special instructions: Do not use petrolatum on deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, serious burns, or actively infected skin unless directed by a clinician, and avoid applying very thick layers under tight dressings or plastic wraps unless instructed, as this can cause skin maceration and discomfort.
Missed doses: Because petrolatum is used on an as-needed schedule, there is no strict dosing time; simply apply it when you remember or when the skin feels dry, irritated, or at risk of chafing.
Overdose: Harm from using too much on the skin is unlikely, but if a large amount is swallowed—especially by a child—or if someone has trouble breathing or persistent coughing after accidental ingestion or inhalation, contact poison control or emergency services immediately.
Safety and Side Effects
Common side effects: Petrolatum is generally very well tolerated; occasionally people may notice mild local irritation, itching, rash, or acne/folliculitis in areas where a thick layer is applied or the skin is tightly covered.
Serious or rare adverse effects: True allergic reactions are rare but can cause spreading rash, hives, swelling, or trouble breathing; using petrolatum on deep, puncture, or serious burns, or on infected skin without medical supervision can delay appropriate treatment and allow infection to worsen.
Warnings and precautions: Avoid using inside the nose, mouth, or vagina unless a product is specifically labeled for that use; use caution when applying to premature infants or over very large body areas to avoid excessive occlusion and overheating; petrolatum is considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding because it is minimally absorbed, but avoid applying directly to the nipple immediately before nursing and keep treated skin, dressings, and clothing away from open flames or smoking materials because ointments containing petrolatum can make fabrics more flammable.
Comparative safety: Compared with many medicated topical products, petrolatum has very few ingredients, minimal systemic absorption, and a long history of safe use, making it one of the safest options for skin protection when used as directed.
Side-effect reporting and safety updates: Side effects can be reported to a health professional, the product manufacturer, or the FDA’s MedWatch program, and updated safety information can be found on the FDA and manufacturer websites or on the product’s Drug Facts label.
Interactions and Precautions
Drug and product interactions: Petrolatum itself has no meaningful systemic drug–drug interactions, but when applied over other topical medicines (such as corticosteroid or antibiotic creams) it can increase how long they stay on the skin and may increase local absorption; usually medicated creams are applied first, allowed to absorb, and then a thin layer of petrolatum is added if recommended.
Other substances and procedures: There are no known interactions with foods, drinks, or alcohol when petrolatum is used on the skin, and it is generally compatible with diagnostic or imaging procedures, although greasy ointment should be removed from areas where electrodes, adhesive patches, or dressings must adhere firmly.
Precautions and contraindications: Do not use petrolatum if you have a known allergy to petroleum-based products or any listed inactive ingredients; avoid routine use over very large areas of severely damaged skin without medical guidance; and keep treated skin, bandages, and clothing away from open flames, heaters, or smoking because petrolatum residues can increase the flammability of fabrics.
Monitoring needs: Routine blood tests or other monitoring are not required with topical petrolatum; people with persistent, spreading, or frequently recurring skin problems should seek evaluation if regular petrolatum use does not bring adequate relief.
Disposal Guidance
Storage: Store petrolatum at room temperature, tightly closed, away from excessive heat or direct sunlight, and keep out of reach of children.
Disposal: Small household amounts may be discarded in regular household trash; keep remaining product in its original container with the lid on, and do not flush it down the toilet or pour it into sinks or drains.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Is petrolatum safe for babies and children?
A: Yes, when used on intact skin as a diaper barrier or moisturizer, petrolatum is generally considered safe for infants and children, but it should not be applied to deep wounds or inside the nose.
Q: Can I use petrolatum on my face or lips?
A: Petrolatum can be used on the face and lips to protect very dry or chapped areas, though some people with acne-prone skin may prefer to avoid applying thick layers on oily or acne-prone parts of the face.
Q: Does petrolatum clog pores or cause acne?
A: Petrolatum is highly occlusive and can contribute to clogged pores or folliculitis in some people if used heavily on acne-prone areas, but many people tolerate it well when applied in thin layers.
Q: How is petrolatum different from a regular lotion or cream?
A: Unlike many lotions and creams that contain water and multiple additives, petrolatum is an almost entirely occlusive ointment that mainly locks in existing moisture and has very few ingredients, which helps reduce the risk of irritation.
Q: Can I use petrolatum with my other skin medications?
A: In many cases petrolatum can be layered over other topical prescriptions or over-the-counter creams to boost moisture and protection, but the medicated product is typically applied first and allowed to absorb before adding a thin layer of petrolatum.