Petroleum jellies for the industry - high quality, versatile and well proven
Petroleum jelly – also known as petrolatum – is a widely used raw material and is used in many different applications in industry. The choice of the right petrolatum depends on the individual application and the desired properties.
What is petroleum jelly?
As a semi-solid, ointment-like substance, petroleum jelly is used as a lubricant or as a base for a wide variety of formulations, such as moisturisers or skin care. It is almost odourless and tasteless. Its colour varies from snow-white to slightly yellowish depending on the degree of refinement and the application requirements.
Petroleum jelly is extracted from crude oil and produced through various processing steps. First, the crude oil is distilled in several steps to obtain light components such as petrol and diesel. The heavier components are then used for petroleum jelly production. A refining process removes impurities, unwanted components as well as colourants and odorous substances.
Due to its properties, petrolatum has a wide range of applications. It is usually non-toxic and has good adhesion and water resistance. This makes petroleum jelly a very versatile product, but it must always be checked whether it meets the required standards and is suitable for the intended purpose.
Medical petroleum jelly
Medical petrolatum is made from, among other things, pure petrolatum, high-quality paraffins and the purest white oils and contains no impurities. It is usually used for medical purposes such as skin care, wound healing, as a lubricant for medical instruments or as a base for ointments and creams.
Pharmaceutical petrolatum is used in medicine and the cosmetics industry because it is skin-friendly and hypoallergenic. It is often used to treat dry, cracked or irritated skin. Medical petroleum jelly is also used as a protective barrier on mucous membranes, such as in the nose and mouth area, or as a wound and healing ointment. As it has a high viscosity and is water-repellent, it is also used as a lubricant for medical instruments.
Technical petroleum jelly
Technical petroleum jellies are not subject to the same purity standards as medical petroleum jellies. Thus, they may contain minor impurities, but these are acceptable for industrial use. Technical petrolatum is often used as a lubricant, insulator or preservative in industry and serves as a base for technical formulations and processes. Due to its water-repellent property, technical petroleum jelly offers good corrosion protection. In addition, the semi-solid petrolatum is particularly compatible with materials and thus offers a wide range of applications:
- as an aid in the production of printing inks
- for the preservation of metallic components
- as a leather and textile auxiliary
- as a sealant for electrical applications
Petroleum jellies from FUCHS
FUCHS is your competent partner when it comes to high-quality petroleum jellies. Under the PARAFLUID brand, we offer you a portfolio of different variants with varying degrees of refinement, consistencies and solidification points. In this way, you can select not only technical but also medical petroleum jellies according to your individual needs. PARAFLUID petroleum jelly cannot resinify and impresses with its special purity and consistent quality - in compliance with the specifications of global standards such as Ph. Eur., USP, FDA and NSF.
Petroleum jelly for cosmetic applications
In the cosmetics industry, petrolatum is often used for its moisturising, skin-protecting and smoothing properties. Petroleum jelly can be found as an ingredient in the following cosmetic products:
- Moisturising creams: to protect the skin from moisture loss
- Lip balm: to protect the lips from drying out and cracking
- Hand and foot creams: for smoothing and soothing the skin
- Hair care products: for smoothing and moisturising the hair
- Make-up remover: for the removal of stubborn make-up residues and simultaneous skin care
- UV sun protection products
- Dental care products
Petroleum jelly for the food industry
Petroleum jelly is mainly used in the food industry as a processing aid. The most common applications are:
- Release agent: Petroleum jelly prevents food from sticking to machine parts or moulds.
- Lubricant: It serves as a lubricant for machine parts to extend the life of machines and improve production efficiency.
- Forming aid: Petroleum jelly is also frequently used in the production of metal packaging.
- Defoamer: Petroleum jelly prevents or reduces excess foaming in certain applications.
For the use of petrolatum in the food industry, strict rules and regulations must be followed (e.g. NSF H1, HX-1, 3H) to ensure consumer safety.
Further areas of application
In addition to the areas of application already mentioned, petroleum jelly can also be used for numerous other applications:
- Electrical engineering: As an insulating agent to protect electrical equipment from moisture and dirt
- Rubber and plastics industry: as a plasticiser to increase the elasticity and flexibility of materials
- Wood industry: as protection against moisture, mould and pests
