Petrolatum (petroleum jelly): uses, strength, evidence, and side effects

At a glance

U.S. status

OTC drug (U.S.)

Jobs

Sealing in moisture · Wound and post-procedure care · Slugging · Lips, hands, and heels

Watch for

It does not moisturize on its own; it stops water leaving. On acne-prone skin, an all-over layer can trap oil and products underneath.

Access

Among the cheapest skincare products that exist.

Forms and strengths

100% white petrolatum
Petrolatum-based ointments with lanolin, glycerin, or panthenol

How to use it

Thin layer as the last step over a moisturizer, or on lips, hands, and heels. Skip on active acne areas. Do not layer over strong actives you have not tolerated.

Side effects and cautions

Trapped heat or sweat
Breakouts in acne-prone areas
Rare folliculitis under thick layers

Get advice first if

Avoid inside the nose long term and over infected skin. Cosmetic-grade petrolatum is highly refined; the contamination concerns that apply to industrial grades do not apply to it.

Regulatory status

OTC skin protectant under FDA's monograph; cosmetic-grade petrolatum in the E.U. must meet purity requirements.

In the trends

Slugging brought it back; the trends desk covers who it suits.

Sources on file

These links support the claims above. Reviewed September 1, 2026. Drug labels link to DailyMed searches so the current label is always one click away.