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Petrolatum

Petrolatum suppliers and sourcing guide

Petrolatum is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons, mainly branched and cyclic alkanes, obtained from petroleum. It is made by refining the residue of crude oil vacuum distillation through dewaxing, blending and hydrotreating or acid and clay treatment, and white grades are further refined to remove color and aromatics. Cosmetic brands buy it in pails or drums as an occlusive base for balms, ointments, lip products and OTC skin protectants.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Petroleum jelly · White petrolatum · Yellow soft paraffin · CAS 8009-03-8
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of petrolatum

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • White petrolatum USP

    Highly refined, white grade meeting the USP monograph; the usual grade for cosmetics and OTC products.

  • Yellow petrolatum (NF)

    Less refined petrolatum meeting the NF monograph, used in some ointments and industrial uses.

  • Ultra-refined / low-PAH

    Grades with additional refining and tighter polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon limits, often marketed for baby care and lip products.

  • Grades by consistency

    Grades sold by cone penetration and melting point for softer or firmer textures.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Identity and color
Appearance, color and IR or physical constants against USP or NF.
Melting range and consistency
Melting point and cone penetration, which set texture.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
UV absorbance test (as in 21 CFR 172.880) or PAH testing by GC-MS, which shows refining quality.
Acidity / alkalinity and residue on ignition
Limit tests from the monograph.
Sulfur compounds and readily carbonizable substances
Pharmacopeial limit tests that show refining level.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic and other elements by ICP-MS or ICP-OES against the supplier's specification or the applicable USP, FCC or cosmetic-grade limit.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store petrolatum sealed at room temperature, away from heat and direct sun, which soften it and can cause oil to separate. It is chemically stable. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of appearance and color to extend it.

Lots and expiry dates

Record grade (USP white or NF yellow), melting point, consistency and PAH or UV absorbance result for each lot. Texture can vary between refineries, so keep a retained sample of an approved lot. Rotate FIFO.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 172.880 permits petrolatum in food when it meets the USP specifications for white petrolatum or the NF specifications for petrolatum and set ultraviolet absorbance limits.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • 21 CFR 347.10 lists petrolatum at 30 to 100 percent as a skin protectant active ingredient in the OTC skin protectant monograph.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database says petrolatum present in a natural health product is expected to be of food or pharmaceutical grade, such as FCC or USP.

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Petrolatum suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking petrolatum suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell petrolatum? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of petrolatum can brands buy?

Common forms include white petrolatum USP, yellow petrolatum (NF), ultra-refined / low-PAH and grades by consistency. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for petrolatum include?

Expect identity and color, melting range and consistency, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, acidity / alkalinity and residue on ignition, sulfur compounds and readily carbonizable substances and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should petrolatum be stored?

Store petrolatum sealed at room temperature, away from heat and direct sun, which soften it and can cause oil to separate. It is chemically stable. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of appearance and color to extend it.

What is the regulatory status of petrolatum?

21 CFR 172.880 permits petrolatum in food when it meets the USP specifications for white petrolatum or the NF specifications for petrolatum and set ultraviolet absorbance limits. 21 CFR 347.10 lists petrolatum at 30 to 100 percent as a skin protectant active ingredient in the OTC skin protectant monograph. Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database says petrolatum present in a natural health product is expected to be of food or pharmaceutical grade, such as FCC or USP.

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