What does petrolatum mean?
Petrolatum is a translucent, waxy material made from petroleum hydrocarbons. Its principal value is that it forms a protective barrier over the skin, reducing moisture loss and helping minor areas of irritated or dry skin remain protected. It is widely used as the base of ointments, as an ingredient in cosmetics and skin-care products, and in medicated dressings. Although commonly encountered in homes as petroleum jelly, “petrolatum” is particularly appropriate in medical, pharmaceutical, and technical contexts because it identifies the semisolid hydrocarbon material itself. The substance is not absorbed deeply into the skin, but it can hold moisture at the surface and make applying another product easier. Its usefulness, mildness, and resistance to rancidity have helped make petrolatum one of the most enduring products in modern skin care.
nounA translucent, waxy, semisolid mixture of petroleum hydrocarbons used chiefly as a skin protectant, an ointment base, and a cosmetic ingredient.
- A waxy, semisolid hydrocarbon material used in ointments, dressings, cosmetics, and skin-care preparations.
"She applied a thin layer of petrolatum to the baby's dry hands before going outside."
"The pharmacist used petrolatum as the base for the protective ointment."
"A thin coating of petrolatum helps prevent moisture loss from dry skin."
Petrolatum is normally used as an uncountable mass noun, so the plural is rarely used.
"The laboratory tested samples of petrolatums from several suppliers."
Petrolatum's name ultimately means “rock oil,” because petroleum descends from Greek words for rock and oil.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does petrolatum come from?
Petrolatum was formed in New Latin from petroleum with the suffix -atum. Petroleum ultimately comes from Medieval Latin petroleum, a combination of Greek petra, meaning “rock,” and Latin oleum, meaning “oil.” The same Greek root appears in related English words such as petrify, petrous, and petrology.
How petrolatum is actually used
In general English, the term is especially common in North America, where British English more often uses “petroleum jelly.” In medicine, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, it is a formal or technical term.
Easily confused with petrolatum
Petroleum is the naturally occurring oily liquid from which petrolatum and many other hydrocarbon products are derived.