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Petrolatum

What Petrolatum is & what it does

Petroleum jelly, a highly occlusive emollient that forms a protective barrier to seal in moisture and aid skin recovery. It is inert, non-irritating, and very effective for dry, compromised skin.

What does Petrolatum do in skincare?

Petrolatum acts as an occlusive emollient, forming a protective layer on the skin's surface that helps reduce water loss. This makes it a common choice in moisturizers and balms aimed at dry or compromised skin.

Is Petrolatum safe?

Cosmetic-grade petrolatum is highly refined and is generally considered safe and non-irritating for topical use, which is why it appears in many gentle and sensitive-skin products. It has a long history of use and is often recommended for very dry skin.

Does Petrolatum clog pores?

Despite its rich feel, refined petrolatum is generally considered non- comedogenic and is widely used even in products for sensitive skin. As always, individual reactions can vary depending on the full formula and skin type.

Sunscreens with Petrolatum

We rate 85 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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