Definition of petrolatum
Recent Examples of petrolatum from the Web
Then, apply an ointment or cream that contains softening oils (like olive or jojoba), vitamin E, lactic acid, urea, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, glycerin, lanolin, mineral oil, or petrolatum, advises the AAD.
Look for humectants that draw moisture to the top layer of your skin, like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea, lanolin, dimethicone, and petrolatum, says Dr. Levin.
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Origin and Etymology of petrolatum
New Latin, from Medieval Latin petroleum
First Known Use: 1881See Words from the same year
Medical Definition of petrolatum
: a neutral unctuous substance that is practically odorless and tasteless and is insoluble in water, that is obtained from petroleum and differs chemically from paraffin wax in containing unsaturated hydrocarbons or naphthenes as well as alkanes, and that is produced in several forms: asa: a yellowish to light amber semisolid mass used chiefly as a base for ointments and cosmetics, as a protective dressing, and in lubricating greases—called also petroleum jelly, yellow petrolatumb: a white or faintly yellowish mass obtained by decolorizing yellow petrolatum and used similarly to it—called also petroleum jelly, white petrolatum, white petroleum jelly
Learn More about petrolatum
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about petrolatum
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