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Moumoujus

RED PETROLATUM.

Valuable CAS 8009-03-8 / MOISTURISING, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, UV ABSORBER

Red Petrolatum, a highly refined petroleum jelly, functions as a powerful occlusive agent, forming a protective barrier that significantly reduces transepidermal water loss and enhances skin hydration. It also demonstrates properties as an emollient and UV absorber, contributing to overall skin health and environmental protection.

Summary

emollient antistatic moisturising UV absorber

Science

Mechanism of Action

Red Petrolatum creates a durable, water-repellent film on the skin's surface, acting as an effective occlusive barrier. This physical shield not only minimizes transepidermal water loss (TEWL) to maintain optimal skin hydration and softness but also defends against environmental aggressors. Beyond surface protection, it facilitates skin barrier recovery, supports the absorption of other actives, and has been shown to modulate the expression of antimicrobial peptides and innate immune genes, while increasing stratum corneum thickness and promoting key barrier differentiation markers.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 30–100%
Optimal

30%

Key findings

  1. 01 At concentrations of 30% or higher, it acts as a superior occlusive moisturizer, effectively preventing transepidermal water loss and markedly increasing skin hydration.
  2. 02 Demonstrates efficacy comparable to topical antibiotics in preventing post-procedural infections in dermatology.
  3. 03 Promotes skin barrier restoration by upregulating crucial antimicrobial peptides (e.g., S100A8, S100A9) and innate immune genes (IL6, IL8, IL1B), inducing filaggrin and loricrin expression, increasing stratum corneum thickness, and reducing T-cell infiltrates in both healthy and atopic skin.
  4. 04 Historically recognized for its ability to provide protection against ultraviolet radiation.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Red Petrolatum is not commonly 'dusted' given its well-established and scientifically supported efficacy as an occlusive skin protectant. It is recognized by the U.S. FDA as an approved over-the-counter (OTC) skin protectant at concentrations from 30% to 100%, indicating robust clinical backing for its functional claims.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 4.5 – 8
0 7 14

Stability

Red Petrolatum exhibits inherent stability due to its unreactive hydrocarbon composition. However, trace impurities can lead to oxidation upon light exposure, resulting in discoloration and odor; this can be mitigated by antioxidants. It is advised to avoid prolonged heating above 70°C to maintain integrity. Optimal pH for formulation stability is generally between 4.5 and 8.0.

Synergies

  • Aids in absorption of other cosmetic actives.

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Latex condoms (increases chance of rupture)
  • Polypropylene (acts as a plasticizer)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
100%
Sensitization risk Low

The U.S. FDA recognizes Petrolatum as an approved OTC skin protectant, effective at concentrations of 30% to 100%. European Union regulations prohibit its use in inhalable cosmetics and mandate that its full refining history be known to ensure the absence of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), with a strict limit of 0.005% PAH content. When refined to USP grade, Red Petrolatum is widely considered safe for topical application without known health concerns.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
No Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Red Petrolatum is a highly valuable ingredient, offering robust occlusive hydration, barrier repair, and protective benefits with a low risk of irritation or comedogenicity.

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