White Petrolatum

Petroleum jelly, vaseline, petrolatum or soft paraffin [2] is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons (with carbon numbers mainly higher than 25),[3] originally promoted as a topical ointment for its healing properties. Its folkloric medicinal value as a "cure-all" has since been limited by better scientific understanding of appropriate and inappropriate uses (see Uses) However, it is recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an approved Over-The-Counter (OTC) skin protectant and remains widely used in cosmetic skin care. It is commonly referred to as Vaseline as a genericised trademark. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Vaseline is personal care brand of skin creams, lotions and cleansers. ... A genericized trademark (Commonwealth English genericised trade mark), sometimes known as a generic trade mark, generic descriptor or proprietary eponym, is a trademark or brand name which is often used as the colloquial description for a particular type of product or service as a result of widespread popular or cultural...

History

The raw material for petroleum jelly was discovered in 1859 in Titusville, Pennsylvania where it was stuck to some of the first oil rigs in the U.S. The workers disliked the paraffin like material because it caused the rigs to seize up, but they used it on cuts and burns because it hastened healing. Titusville is a city located in Crawford County, Pennsylvania. ... For other uses, see Paraffin (disambiguation). ... Seize is a British electronic band started by Sandrine Gouriou in 1994. ...

Robert Chesebrough, a young chemist whose previous work of distilling fuel from the oil of sperm whales had been rendered obsolete by petroleum, went to Titusville to see what new materials had commercial potential. Chesebrough took the unrefined black "rod wax", as the drillers called it, back to his laboratory to refine it and explore potential uses. Chesebrough discovered that by distilling the lighter, thinner oil products from the rod wax, he could create a light-colored gel. Chesebrough patented the process of making petroleum jelly (U.S. Patent 127,568 ) in 1872. The process involved vacuum distillation of the crude material followed by filtration of the still residue through bone char. Robert Chesebrough invented petroleum jelly, which he trade named Vaseline, and founded the company that later became Chesebrough-Ponds, a leading manufacturer of personal care products. ... A chemist pours from a round-bottom flask. ... Laboratory distillation set-up: 1: Heat source 2: Still pot 3: Still head 4: Thermometer/Boiling point temperature 5: Condenser 6: Cooling water in 7: Cooling water out 8: Distillate/receiving flask 9: Vacuum/gas inlet 10: Still receiver 11: Heat control 12: Stirrer speed control 13: Stirrer/heat plate... Genera Kogia Physeter The sperm whale family or simply the sperm whales is the collective name given to three species of whale, the Sperm Whale, the Pygmy Sperm Whale and the Dwarf Sperm Whale. ... Pumpjack pumping an oil well near Lubbock, Texas Ignacy Łukasiewicz - inventor of the refining of kerosene from crude oil. ... For other uses, see Patent (disambiguation). ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Bone char, also known as bone black or animal charcoal, is a granular black material produced by calcinating animal bones: the bones are heated to high temperatures in the absence of air to drive off volatile substances. ...

Chesebrough traveled around New York State demonstrating the product to encourage sales by burning his skin with acid or an open flame, then spreading the ointment on his injuries and showing his past injuries healed, he claimed, by his miracle product. He opened his first factory in 1870 in Brooklyn. The brand name "Vaseline" has been anecdotally claimed to be from the German word for water, wasser (pronounced vahser), and the Greek word for oil, elaion, but this is unconfirmed. State nickname: Empire State Other U.S. States Capital Albany Largest city New York Governor George Pataki Official languages None Area 141,205 km² (27th)  - Land 122,409 km²  - Water 18,795 km² (13. ... This article is about the borough of New York City. ... This article is about brands in marketing. ... Vaseline is personal care brand of skin creams, lotions and cleansers. ...

Physical properties

Petrolatum is a flammable, semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons, having a melting-point usually ranging from a little below to a few degrees above 100°F (37 °C). It is colorless, or of a pale yellow color (when not highly distilled), translucent, and devoid of taste and smell when pure. It does not oxidize on exposure to the air, and is not readily acted on by chemical reagents. It is insoluble in water. It is soluble in chloroform, benzene, carbon disulfide and oil of turpentine. In chemistry, a hydrocarbon is a cleaning solution consisting only of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H). ... In optics, transparency is the property of being transparent, or allowing light to pass. ... R-phrases , , , S-phrases , Flash point Non-flammable U.S. Permissible exposure limit (PEL) 50 ppm (240 mg/m3) (OSHA) Supplementary data page Structure and properties n, εr, etc. ... For benzine, see petroleum ether. ... Carbon disulfide is a colorless liquid with the formula CS2. ... For the band, see Turpentine (band). ...

There is a common misconception (resulting from the similar feel they produce when applied to human skin) that petroleum jelly and glycerol (glycerine) are physically similar. While petroleum is a non-polar hydrocarbon hydrophobic (water-repelling), insoluble in water, glycerol (not a hydrocarbon but an alcohol) is the opposite: it is so strongly hydrophilic (water-attracting) that by continuous absorption of moisture from the air, it produces the feeling of wetness on the skin, similar to the greasiness produced by petroleum jelly. The feeling is similar, but petroleum jelly repels water, and glycerine attracts it. Glycerine, Glycerin redirects here. ... In chemistry, hydrophobic or lipophilic species, or hydrophobes, tend to be electrically neutral and nonpolar, and thus prefer other neutral and nonpolar solvents or molecular environments. ... Glycerine, Glycerin redirects here. ... Hydrophile, from the Greek (hydros) water and φιλια (philia) friendship, refers to a physical property of a molecule that can transiently bond with water (H2O) through hydrogen bonding. ...

Producers of microcrystalline wax[4] and related materials often produce petrolatums. Some testing standards used by these companies are as follows: Microcrystalline waxes are a type of wax produced by de-oiling petrolatum, as part of the petroleum refining process. ...

• Drop Melt Point (ASTM D-127)
• Cone Penetration (ASTM D-937)
• Saybolt Color (ASTM D-6045)
• Lovibond Color

Depending on the specific industry the petrolatum is used for, the petrolatum may be USP (United States Pharmacopeia) grade. This pertains to the processing and handling of the Petrolatum so it is suitable for cosmetic and personal care applications. The United States Pharmacopeia is a compendium of quality control tests for drugs and excipients to be introduced into a medicinal formulation. ...

Uses

Chesebrough originally promoted Vaseline primarily as an ointment for scrapes, burns, and cuts, but physicians have shown that Vaseline has no medicinal effect or any effect on the blistering process, nor is it absorbed by the skin. Vaseline’s effectiveness in accelerating wound healing stems from its sealing effect on cuts and burns, which inhibits germs from getting into the wound and keeps the injured area supple by preventing the skin's moisture from evaporating. "Vaseline First Aid Petroleum Jelly" brand, (which contained phenol to give the jelly additional anti-bacterial effect), has been discontinued. Phenol, also known under an older name of carbolic acid, is a colourless crystalline solid with a typical sweet tarry odor. ... An antiseptic is a substance that kills or prevents the growth and reproduction of various microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses on the external surfaces of the body. ...

However, after becoming a medicine chest staple, consumers began to use Vaseline for myriad ailments and cosmetic uses, including: chapped hands or lips, toenail fungus, nosebleeds, diaper rash, chest colds, and even to remove makeup or stains from furniture. It is even used as trout bait. There are uses for it for pets, including stopping fungi from developing on aquatic turtles' shells and to keep cats from making messes when they cough up furballs. In the first part of the twentieth century, petrolatum, either pure or as an ingredient, was also popular as a hair pomade. When used in a 50/50 mixture with pure beeswax, it makes an effective moustache wax. This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... Onychomycosis means fungal infection of the nails. ... A nosebleed or nosebleedage, medically known as epistaxis, is the relatively common occurrence of hemorrhage (bleeding) from the nose, usually noticed when it drains out through the nostrils. ... Diaper rash (U.S.) or nappy rash (UK), is a generic term applied to skin rashes in the diaper area that are caused by a various skin disorders and/or irritants. ... Acute viral nasopharyngitis, often known as the common cold, is a viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory system (nose and throat). ... Cosmetics or makeup are substances to enhance the beauty of the human body, apart from simple cleaning. ... This does not cite its references or sources. ... For the rock song by Nirvana, see Beeswax (song). ...

Also used to shine up heaters and slow combustion stove tops.

Most petroleum jelly today is consumed as an ingredient in skin lotions and cosmetics. Although petrolatum is less expensive than glycerol, the most common active lubricating ingredient in skin lotion, it is not used in expensive lotions because it is not absorbed into the skin resulting in a greasy feel. A lotion is a low- to medium-viscosity medicated or non-medicated topical preparation intended for application to unbroken skin. ... Glycerine, Glycerin redirects here. ...

Petroleum jelly was formerly used as a way to pitch a spitball in baseball. Although the pitch was banned in 1920, pitchers sometimes throw "the spitter" surreptitiously. A spitball is a baseball pitch in which the ball has been altered by the application of spit, petroleum jelly, or some other foreign substance. ...

Petroleum jelly is used to moisten plasticine, as part of a mix of hydrocarbons including greater (paraffin wax) and lesser (mineral oil) molecular weights. Not to be confused with the Pleistocene epoch which is part of the geologic timescale. ... Paraffin is a common name for a group of high molecular weight alkane hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH2n+2, where n is greater than about 20. ... Mineral oil or liquid petrolatum is a by-product in the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline. ...

It can also be used as tinder when coated on cotton balls. The combination can easily be ignited by a fire starter, burning fiercely for several minutes, and the petroleum keeps the cotton from getting wet. For other uses, see Cotton (disambiguation). ...

It can be used as a quick method of shining shoes, when spread evenly onto the surface to create a shiny layer.

Petroleum jelly is commonly used as a personal lubricant. (Not recommended due to its dissolving effect on condoms. See below.) Personal lubricants are specialized lubricants which serve to reduce friction with the vagina, the anus, or other body parts. ... Solvation is the attraction and association of molecules of a solvent with molecules or ions of a solute. ...

Dangerous uses to avoid

As the substance became more common in households, it began to be used for a number of medical purposes, some of which medical science has shown to be dangerous or damaging.

• Burns

It should not be used on fresh burns of any kind, including sunburn. Petrolatum traps heat inside, worsening burns. After heat has dissipated, however, it can serve as a dressing for minor burns to soothe later pain.^[1]

• Nasal congestion or dryness

It may immobilize the cilia in the nose, impeding its ability to clean incoming air. As well, if small particles of petrolatum are inhaled from the nose, they may deposit in the lungs and lead to a condition called lipid pneumonia.^[2]

• Sex with latex condoms

Since petroleum is a kind of oil, it interferes with the structure of latex. Using petroleum jelly with latex condoms weakens the material increasing the chance of rupture, and thereby the chance of conceiving or spreading sexually transmitted infections such as HIV.

cross-section of two cilia, showing 9+2 structure A cilium (plural cilia) is a fine projection from a eukaryotic cell that constantly beats in one direction. ... Lipid pneumonia is a specific form of lung infection (pneumonia) that develops when lipids enter the bronchial tree. ... Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs), are diseases that are commonly transmitted between partners through some form of sexual activity, most commonly vaginal intercourse, oral sex, or anal sex. ... Species Human immunodeficiency virus 1 Human immunodeficiency virus 2 Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS, a condition in humans in which the immune system begins to fail, leading to life-threatening opportunistic infections). ...

Petroleum jelly in popular culture

• Tyra Banks expressed her ardent enthusiasm for the health and beauty benefits of Vaseline on her talk show.^[3]

• The lyrics of the song "She Don't Use Jelly" by The Flaming Lips speak of a girl who slathers Vaseline on her toast.

• Elastica included a song called "Vaseline" on their debut album.

• The Stone Temple Pilots have a song called "Vasoline" (sic) on their second album Purple.

• The Talking Heads released a compilation album of their work from 1976-1992 titled, "Sand in the Vaseline."

• In WWE Raw, Stacy Keibler found Andrew Martin's duffel bag that contains a small box of tissues, a large Vaseline bottle, and a Playboy magazine that featured Torrie Wilson.

• The Dresden Dolls rhapsodize Vaseline in their song "Bad Habit" : "I've tried bandages and sinking, I've tried gloves and even thinking, I've tried Vaseline, I've tried everything."

• Snake River Conspiracy released an EP titled "Coke and vaseline."

• Ice Cube's infamous song "No Vaseline" is a diss towards his former group NWA (and a vicious pun on anal rape).

• Jake Thackray's song "Leopold Allcox" contains the words "You are the grit in my life's Vaseline."

• In the animated TV show The Simpsons, the character Milhouse Van Houten is said to enjoy the unusual delicacy of Vaseline on toast; Homer Simpson has also been depicted as eating an entire tub of petroleum jelly. In the episode Lisa the Beauty Queen, many of the contestants in the beauty pageant use Vaseline to achieve a "frictionless smile" allowing the lips to move freely back from the teeth. In another episode, Don't Fear the Roofer, Homer ate a rubber mouth plug covered with vaseline, commenting that it tastes good. Conversely, in the 1999 mockumentary Drop Dead Gorgeous, several pageant contestants put Vaseline on their teeth in order to make them appear shiny.

• In the animated TV show Beavis and Butt-head episode "Shopping list"

(while shopping, Beavis picks up a container of petroleum jelly.) This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... The Tyra Banks Show is an American two-time Emmy Award-winning talk show hosted by former supermodel and Americas Next Top Model creator Tyra Banks. ... The Flaming Lips (formed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1983) are an American alternative rock band. ... This article is about the food. ... Elastica were a Britpop band who were popular in the 1990s, formed by Justine Frischmann after leaving Suede in 1991. ... Stone Temple Pilots (abbreviated STP) was a popular Grammy Award-winning American rock band in the 1990s and early 2000s, consisting of Scott Weiland (vocals), brothers Robert (bass guitar, vocals) and Dean DeLeo (guitar), and Eric Kretz (drums, percussion). ... Vasoline is a song by the band Stone Temple Pilots from their second album Purple. ... For other uses, see SIC. Sic is a Latin word, originally sicut [1] meaning thus, so, or just as that. In writing, it is placed within square brackets and usually italicized — [sic] — to indicate that an incorrect or unusual spelling, phrase, punctuation, and/or other preceding quoted material has been... Purple was the second CD released by the 1990s grunge band Stone Temple Pilots on June 7, 1994, by Atlantic Records. ... Talking Heads were an American rock band existing between 1974 and 1991, composed of David Byrne, Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth and Jerry Harrison. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Stacy Keibler (born October 14, 1979) is an American actress, former professional wrestler and manager for World Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Entertainment. ... Andrew Test Martin (born Andrew J. Martin on March 17, 1975 in Whitby, Ontario) is a Canadian professional wrestler. ... For other uses, see Playboy (disambiguation). ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The Dresden Dolls are an American musical duo from Boston, Massachusetts. ... Snake River Conspiracy is a rock band currently composed of Jason Slater (bass guitar, producer) & Matt Lucich (drums). ... OShea Jackson (born June 15, 1969) better known by his stage name, Ice Cube, is an American rapper, actor and film director. ... Dissing is a slang term derived from the word disrespecting. ... NWA is a three-letter abbreviation for: National Weather Association, meteorological society based in Charlottesville, Virginia. ... Male sexual assault and rape is a topic new to the research world. ... John Philip Jake Thackray (22 February 1938 – 24 December 2002), was an English poet and singer-songwriter from Leeds, Yorkshire. ... Simpsons redirects here. ... Milhouse Mussolini Van Houten is a fictional character featured in the animated television series The Simpsons, voiced by Pamela Hayden. ... This article is about the food. ... Homer Simpson is also a character in the book and film The Day of the Locust. ... Lisa the Beauty Queen is the 4th episode of The Simpsons fourth season. ... A beauty contest, or beauty pageant, is a competition between people, based largely, though not always entirely, on the beauty of their physical appearance. ... Dont Fear the Roofer is the sixteenth episode of the sixteenth season of The Simpsons. ... This article or section cites very few or no references or sources. ... For other uses, see Drop Dead Gorgeous (disambiguation). ... Beavis and Butt-head was an American animated television series created by Mike Judge. ...

Beavis: I think we need to get some of this.

Butt-head: oh yeah…we do.

Beavis: never have too much of that.

• Dissidents by Thomas Dolby describes political scribblings as "My writing is an iron fist, in a glove full of vaseline."

• The song "Gave Up" by Nine Inch Nails contains the words "Covered with hope and Vaseline, still cannot fix this broken machine".

• The Smashing Pumpkins mention Vaseline in the song "Fuck You (An Ode To No One)" in the lyric "With vaseline afterbirths and neon coughs"

• The song "These Filthy Hands" by Mushroomhead contains a lyric in which J. Mann abruptly shouts out "Petroleum Jelly."

• The song "Bobby Brown Goes Down" by Frank Zappa contains the lines "Oh God, I am the American dream, but now I smell like Vaseline."

• The book Of Mice and Men has a character, Curly, keeping one of his hands in a glove full of vaseline, reportedly for his wife, to keep his hand soft for her.

• In Tyler Perry's book, Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings, she dedicates a whole chapter to various uses of Vaseline.

Thomas Dolby (born Thomas Morgan Robertson, on 14 October 1958) is an English musician, producer, and inventor. ... “NIN” redirects here. ... The Smashing Pumpkins are an American alternative rock band that formed in Chicago in 1988. ... Mushroomhead is a band from Cleveland, Ohio. ... Jason Popson is most popularly known from his eleven years as a singer in the band Mushroomhead, he was known as his stage name J Mann while he was a member. ... Frank Vincent Zappa[1] (December 21, 1940 – December 4, 1993) was an American composer, musician, and film director. ... Of Mice and Men is a novella by Nobel Prize winning author John Steinbeck, first published in 1937, which tells the tragic story of George Milton and Lennie Small, two displaced Anglo migrant ranch workers in California during the Great Depression. ... Tyler Perry (born September 13, 1969) is an American playwright and actor. ...

External links

• Safety and chemical properties
• Study of the effect of Aquaphor and petrolatum ointment on wound healing
• Petrolatum Products
• Potroleum Jelly as an OTC ointment

References

1. ^ http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/327/7426/1289
2. ^ [1]
3. ^ The Tyra Banks Show: "Secrets for Sensational Skin" (HTML). Warner Brothers (14 September 2006). Retrieved on 2007-03-11.

• This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.