Ingredient guide · P

Petrolatum

Petrolatum, also known as petroleum jelly, is a semi-solid emollient widely used in UK skincare and lip products to create a protective barrier that locks in moisture.

Petrolatum — Petrolatum is a highly refined, purified byproduct of petroleum distillation. It is obt… | UK Lips ingredient guide

How it works in skincare

In cosmetics and skincare, petrolatum works by forming an occlusive layer on the skin’s surface that prevents transepidermal water loss, helping to keep lips and dry areas soft and supple while improving the texture and stability of balms, creams and ointments.

Key benefits

  • Excellent occlusive moisturiser that locks in hydration
  • Helps repair the appearance of dry, chapped lips
  • Creates a smooth, protective barrier against environmental irritants
  • Improves product texture and prevents water loss in formulations
  • Non-comedogenic when properly refined for cosmetic use
  • Enhances skin softness and smoothness on hands, elbows and heels

Best for

dry skin, very dry skin, chapped lips, sensitive skin, mature skin

Where it comes from

Petrolatum is a highly refined, purified byproduct of petroleum distillation. It is obtained from crude oil that is processed to remove impurities, resulting in the odourless, colourless jelly used in cosmetics.

Products with Petrolatum

Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Petrolatum than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.

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