Banned in EU

Red Petrolatum

A cosmetic ingredient used as moisturising, skin conditioning - emollient, uv absorber 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?

Red Petrolatum is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:

  • Moisturising

    increases the water content of skin or hair, leaving it softer and more pliable

  • Skin conditioning - emollient

    softens the skin by reducing roughness and friction between skin cells

  • Uv absorber

    absorbs ultraviolet light, used in sunscreens and to protect formulations from UV degradation

EU regulatory status

This ingredient is banned in the European Union.

Red 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 Red Petrolatum?

Red 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 Red Petrolatum allowed in cosmetics in the EU?

No. Red Petrolatum is banned for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Annex II of Regulation 1223/2009.

What does Red Petrolatum do in cosmetic products?

Red Petrolatum is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: moisturising, skin conditioning - emollient, uv absorber.

What is the CAS number of Red Petrolatum?

The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Red Petrolatum is 8009-03-8.

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Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010