Petrolatum
A cosmetic ingredient used as antistatic, skin conditioning - emollient in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
Petrolatum. A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained as a semi-solid from dewaxing paraffinic residual oil. It consists predominantly of saturated crystalline and liquid hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly greater than C25
What does it do?
Petrolatum is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Antistatic
reduces static electricity, mostly in hair products to keep strands smooth and manageable
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Skin conditioning - emollient
softens the skin by reducing roughness and friction between skin cells
EU regulatory status
This ingredient is banned in the European Union.
Petrolatum is listed under Annex II of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 (entry 904), making it prohibited in cosmetic products placed on the EU market.
Classification: (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)
Frequently asked questions
What is Petrolatum?
Petrolatum is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Petrolatum. A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained as a semi-solid from dewaxing paraffinic residual oil. It consists predominantly of saturated crystalline and liquid hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly greater than C25
Is Petrolatum allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
No. Petrolatum is banned for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Annex II of Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Petrolatum do in cosmetic products?
Petrolatum is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: antistatic, skin conditioning - emollient.
What is the CAS number of Petrolatum?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Petrolatum is 8009-03-8.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010