petrolatum

noun

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

: petroleum jelly

Examples of petrolatum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Products that contain zinc oxide or petrolatum are ideal for creating a protective barrier. —Brienne Walsh, Parents, 21 Feb. 2024

Look for ones with ingredients that pull water into the skin (humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin), calm flare-ups (like ceramides and colloidal oatmeal), and help lock in moisture (occlusives like petrolatum), as SELF previously reported. —Sarah Klein, SELF, 27 Feb. 2024

Its main active ingredient is petrolatum, which works as an occlusive and creates a protective, moisture-sealing barrier over the skin. —Alaina Chou, Bon Appétit, 21 Feb. 2024

The reason these are some of the best lip balms for dry lips is that both use petrolatum to seal in moisture. —Carina Finn, Bon Appétit, 18 Jan. 2024

The formula includes petrolatum, beeswax, lanolin, cocoa butter, and castor seed oil to pull this double duty. —Rachael Schultz, Health, 12 Apr. 2023

Not only do the brand's formulas boast multiple beneficial actives, but they're also crafted without potentially harmful ingredients like sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, synthetic fragrance, glute, sulfates, and parabens. —Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2023

Additionally, the formula includes petrolatum, which helps lock in moisture. —Danielle Zoellner, Verywell Health, 5 Oct. 2023

The formula is also thick and includes the hydrating ingredient of petrolatum, which helps seal moisture into your skin. —Danielle Zoellner, Verywell Health, 5 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

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