White Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline): Wholesale Cosmetic and Industrial Grades

Petroleum jelly (white soft paraffin, often called Vaseline) is a semi-solid, white and odourless material made by refining mineral oil and petroleum waxes. It forms a protective film on the skin, stays stable in heat and cold and, unlike vegetable and animal fats, does not go rancid. These properties have made petroleum jelly one of the most widely used raw materials in cosmetics, personal care and industry since the 1870s. Mehr Gostar Paraffin supplies petroleum jelly in bulk to manufacturers, with a certificate of analysis.

What is petroleum jelly made from?

Petroleum jelly comes from crude oil, and its main feedstock (raw material) is petrolatum. Petrolatum itself is not petroleum jelly: it is a soft, dark, unrefined material that has to be processed in several steps before it becomes white petroleum jelly. The production process from feedstock to finished product is:

1. Crude oil distillation: crude oil is separated first in an atmospheric distillation column and then in a vacuum distillation column, leaving a heavy oily residue.
2. Separating petrolatum: when the heavy oils of this residue are dewaxed, a soft, wax-like material called petrolatum is separated. This is the feedstock of petroleum jelly.
3. Adjusting the blend: if needed, petrolatum is blended with liquid paraffin, paraffin wax and microcrystalline waxes to reach the required softness and melting point.
4. Refining and decolourising: colour, odour and aromatic compounds are removed by hydrotreating or by acid treatment with bleaching earth, turning dark petrolatum into white petroleum jelly.
5. Filtering, testing and packaging: the petroleum jelly is filtered, its specifications are tested and it is packed in drums.

The deeper the refining, the whiter and more odourless the petroleum jelly and the fewer polycyclic aromatics it contains. This depth of refining is what separates cosmetic grade from industrial grade.

Types of petroleum jelly

Mehr Gostar cosmetic petroleum jelly is supplied in three grades: White, Snow White and Ultra White. The grades differ in whiteness and depth of refining; the whiter the grade, the more it has been refined and the better it suits sensitive products.

Technical specifications of Mehr Gostar petroleum jelly

The figures below come from the Mehr Gostar petroleum jelly analysis sheet, and each one matters to the buyer:

• Drop melting point 57 to 59 °C (ASTM D127): the product does not melt in summer heat or in storage and keeps its shape in the container.
• Cone penetration 110 to 125 (ASTM D937): a measure of softness and consistency; this range spreads easily on the skin and blends well into creams.
• Congealing point 53 to 55 °C (ASTM D938) and kinematic viscosity 5 to 7 cSt at 100 °C (ASTM D445): important for manufacturers who melt and blend petroleum jelly with other ingredients.
• Flash point 220 to 240 °C (ASTM D92): safe to store and melt on the production line.
• Colour 0.5 to 0.9 Y on the Lovibond scale (IP-17): white and light.
• British Pharmacopoeia tests (BP 2016): polycyclic aromatics, acidity or alkalinity and odour passed; sulphated ash below 0.05%.

Mehr Gostar petroleum jelly analysis sheet

Uses of petroleum jelly

Cosmetics and personal care

Petroleum jelly is an occlusive: it covers the skin surface and prevents water from evaporating. Dermatological studies show a petroleum jelly film can reduce water loss from the skin by around 98%, which is why it is used in:

• Moisturising creams, hand and foot creams and lotions
• Lip balms
• Baby care products such as nappy rash creams
• Hair oils and gels, mascara and make-up

Industry

• Rust protection for tools, metal parts and moulds in storage
• Protecting battery terminals and electrical connections from moisture and corrosion
• Cable filling compounds and insulation
• Light lubrication of metal and plastic parts
• Leather softening and production of polishes and waxes

Safety notes

• For skin and cosmetic products, use only cosmetic grade; industrial grade is not suitable for skin.
• Petroleum jelly is not a sunscreen and should not be applied to fresh burns.
• Petroleum jelly is not an antiseptic; apply it only to clean skin and wounds.
• On oily or acne-prone skin, heavy use on the face may worsen breakouts.
• Petroleum jelly damages natural rubber and latex; it is not suitable for lubricating natural rubber parts.

Packaging and price

Mehr Gostar petroleum jelly is supplied in 20 kg, 50 kg and 175 kg drums with ring-lock lids, in metal or plastic (see the photo above). The ring-lock lid keeps the drum tightly closed and protects the product from moisture and contamination in storage and transport. The price depends on grade, order quantity, packaging type and the current exchange rate. Contact the sales team for the current price.

From left: metal drums in the warehouse, a plastic drum with an inner liner and drums loaded in a container.

How to order and get a price

1. Define the application, grade and quantity you need.
2. Contact the Mehr Gostar sales team to receive the current price and the certificate of analysis.
3. If needed, test a sample on your own production line.
4. Payment terms, packaging and shipping are agreed and the order is placed.

Frequently asked questions

What is petroleum jelly?

Petroleum jelly is a semi-solid, white and odourless material made from a refined blend of mineral oil and petroleum waxes. It forms a protective film on the skin and is used in cosmetics, personal care and industry.

What is petroleum jelly made from?

Its main feedstock is petrolatum, which is separated from crude oil when heavy refinery oils are dewaxed. Petrolatum itself is not petroleum jelly; it becomes white petroleum jelly after being blended with liquid paraffin and waxes, refined and decolourised.

What is the melting point of Mehr Gostar petroleum jelly?

According to its analysis sheet, the drop melting point is 57 to 59 °C (ASTM D127) and the congealing point is 53 to 55 °C (ASTM D938).

What is the difference between cosmetic and industrial petroleum jelly?

Cosmetic grade is more deeply refined, white and odourless, with polycyclic aromatics removed, so it is suitable for skin. Industrial grade is used for rust protection, lubrication and technical purposes and should not be applied to skin.

Is Mehr Gostar petroleum jelly suitable for cosmetic manufacturing?

Yes. According to its analysis sheet, it passed the British Pharmacopoeia (BP 2016) tests for polycyclic aromatics, acidity or alkalinity, odour and sulphated ash.

How many cosmetic grades of Mehr Gostar petroleum jelly are there?

Three: White, Snow White and Ultra White, which differ in whiteness and depth of refining. Ultra White is the whitest and most refined grade.

What packaging is Mehr Gostar petroleum jelly supplied in?

In 20 kg, 50 kg and 175 kg drums with ring-lock lids, made of metal or plastic.

What is the wholesale price of petroleum jelly?

The price depends on grade, order quantity, packaging and the current exchange rate. Contact the Mehr Gostar sales team for the current price and certificate of analysis.

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