Vaseline

Mixture(hydrocarbon gel) of solid and liquid hydrocarbons(paraffins) made public by Robert A. Chesebrough in 1872 under the name "Vaseline" as a local therapeutic agent. Vaseline is obtained from residues from the distillation of crude oil.

White petroleum jelly (Vaselinum album) is largely decoloured by a special treatment (use of sulphuric acid, bleaching earth and activated carbon). This cleaning step is not necessary with yellow petroleum jelly (Vaselinum flavum).

Vaseline melts between 38 and 58°C.

Commercially available petroleum jelly consists of 70 to 90% of a liquid component (strongly branched paraffins and olefins) and a solid component (10-30% crystalline and microcrystalline paraffin components- Paraffinum solidum).

A distinction must be made:

• Vaselinum album: White vaseline (DAB9)
• Vaselinum flavum: Yellow vaseline (DAC86).

Vaseline is used in medicine in many ways. It has an occlusive effect; can be used as skin protection for dry and chapped hands, even in cold weather. Vaseline is also very well tolerated by sensitive skin.

Salicylic acid (5-10%) can be used to produce keratolytic hydrophobic ointments with a long shelf life.

As a hydrophobic, non-preserved hydrocarbon gel Vaseline has practically no allergenic and non-local irritating effects. In this respect, Vaseline is used as a standard inert carrier substance for contact allergens in epicutaneous testing.

Vaseline has a versatile caring and protective effect on mechanically stressed skin areas (prophylaxis against wounds when cycling). The hydrocarbon gel is particularly suitable for the care and therapy of the intimate area.

Vaseline can also be used as lip protection.

In the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry Vaseline is widely used as an ointment base, for example ointment base in "Unguentum emulsificans aquosum DAB" or in the "Non-ionic hydrophilic cream DAB". In leather processing it is used as an impregnating ointment, in industry as a less aggressive lubricant.

Vaseline serves as a basis for the production of milking grease.

Rarely, Vaseline has an occlusive effect, large-area application should be avoided, especially in the hot season. Especially the lipid-containing facial skin should not be treated with external agents with high lipid content. In this case anhydrous vaseline would be an unsuitable base.

Acutely inflammatory dermatoses. Cave! Especially do not use in the hot season!

Eye vaseline is a bright white quality which is additionally blended with paraffin oils (see paraffin below).