Petrolatum
Petrolatum (petroleum jelly)
- Role
- A dense hydrocarbon base that softens skin and affects how the formula spreads.
- Catalog formulas
- 3
- Type
- Texture
- Verified
- 06.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
A complex combination of hydrocarbons: solid and liquid paraffin fractions forming a stable lipogel. Its INCI functions are emollient and antistatic.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
In deodorants and antiperspirants it appears as a base ingredient that affects how smoothly the product goes on. It does not reduce sweating.
In the EU, petrolatum is listed in Annex II of Regulation 1223/2009 (entry 904): it is prohibited except if the full refining history is known and it can be shown that the substance from which it is produced is not a carcinogen. In the US, petrolatum at 30–100% is a permitted active ingredient in over-the-counter skin protectants (21 CFR 347.10).
It is used in ointment bases and skin protectants; an individual reaction to the finished formula is still possible.
Not the same as Paraffin (a solid wax) or Paraffinum Liquidum (a liquid mineral oil): related, but different INCI names.
Products containing Petrolatum
Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.
Sources
The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.
- COSMILE Europe (Cosmetics Europe): Petrolatum Supports: INCI functions, substance description
- Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex II, entry 904 Supports: restrictions, refining requirements
- FDA: 21 CFR 347.10 — skin protectant active ingredients Supports: US regulatory status