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Difference between petroleum and Petrolatum?

Mar 6，2024

Difference between petroleum and Petrolatum? The two terms look the same by name alone, but they are actually two substances that can easily be confused, so we need to understand their respective properties first.

What is Petrolatum?

Petrolatum, also known as "vaseline", is a combination of petroleum-derived semi-solid hydrocarbons. It is a translucent, colourless and odourless ointment with a smooth and creamy texture that is often applied to the skin to moisturise and accelerate wound healing, and is also commonly used in cosmetics as a lubricant or moisturiser.

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Petrolatum is chemically stable and does not react with most chemicals; it is non-flammable, has a melting point of 38-60°C and is insoluble in water.

What is Petrolatum?

Petrolatum is an oily, viscous, flammable, usually dark-coloured liquid, a mixture of bitumen or various hydrocarbons. It is an energy source that occurs naturally throughout the world and is usually obtained by drilling. It is used as a fuel in its natural or refined state, or separated by distillation into petrol, naphtha, benzene, paraffin, paraffin, etc., and is widely used in fuel for automobiles, aircraft, aerospace, warships and vehicles.

Petroleum vs. petrolatum: what are their differences?

Vaseline is a petroleum-derived substance made from petroleum. Crude oil is refined, processed and purified for the preparation of petroleum jelly. It is a white waxy solid, ideal for moisturisers, lipsticks, lotions, creams, etc. It is widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Petroleum, on the other hand, is basically an organic liquid consisting of hydrocarbons (alkanes, olefins and aromatic hydrocarbons) with small amounts of impurities such as sulphur, nitrogen and oxygen. Petroleum is commonly used in energy production, fuel and chemical industries. It is a naturally occurring resource made from ancient organic materials in the ground. In short, the two are very different in terms of physical and chemical properties, composition and use.

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