petrolatum

noun

pet·​ro·​la·​tum ˌpe-trə-ˈlā-təm  -ˈlä- 

: petroleum jelly

Examples of petrolatum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Occlusives like petrolatum and mineral oil also help seal in moisture. —Carley Millhone, Health, 30 Apr. 2026

Witch hazel and barrier products such as zinc oxide, mineral oil, or petrolatum may soothe irritated skin. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 29 Apr. 2026

Humectants like sorbitol draw water in, emollients like cetearyl alcohol moisturize, and occlusives like petrolatum keep water from escaping, so skin feels smoother and looks healthier. —Sarah Felbin, Allure, 25 Feb. 2026

Look for rich, barrier-boosting ingredients like petrolatum, dimethicone, shea butter, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid to help your skin feel soft and supple. —Alex Vance, Parents, 10 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

petrol(eum) + Latin -ātum -ate entry 1

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for petrolatum

• atom
• datum
• stratum
• erratum
• striatum
• substratum
• heteroatom

Medical Definition

petrolatum

noun

pet·​ro·​la·​tum ˌpe-trə-ˈlāt-əm  -ˈlät- 

: 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: as

a

: 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 petrolatum

b

: 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