petrolatum

noun

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

: petroleum jelly

Examples of petrolatum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Key Ingredients: Squalane, petrolatum, aloe Best For: Dry skin, sensitive skin Size: 1.7 oz. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 7 Sep. 2024

Some worth looking for are petrolatum, lanolin, shea butter, jojoba oil, and almond oil. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 13 Aug. 2024

Its cast of moisturizing characters includes glycerin, petrolatum, and shea and cocoa seed butters. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 13 Aug. 2024

The formula is enriched with elite ingredients like chrysin, moringa oil, and panthenol and avoids contaminants like synthetic fragrance, talc, paraffin wax, and petrolatum to not only shield your skin from harmful UV rays but also support overall skin well-being. —Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 13 Aug. 2024

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