What is petroleum jelly?
Petroleum jelly is a mixture of natural waxes and mineral oils that together lock moisture in skin, moisturising it to repair and relieve dryness.
How was Vaseline Petroleum jelly founded?
Petroleum jelly started as “rod wax,” a by-product of the oil-refining process. Don’t be alarmed by where it all started: Vaseline Pure Jelly has come a long way since then!
American chemist Robert Chesebrough discovered that rod wax had healing properties. He refined it through various distilling and purification processes to eventually produce what we know today as petroleum jelly.
Using the thinner oil products from the rod wax after distillation and filtration, young Chesebrough purified it even further. This resulted in a colourless and odourless gel which he patented.
In 1870, he started producing this gel under the name Vaseline. The name Vaseline derives from the German word for water (wasser) and the Greek word for olive oil (elaion).
How long does petroleum jelly last?
When stored properly (below room temperature and out of direct sunlight), Vaseline Pure Jelly can last for at least 2 years. But we are sure that you will use it up long before then! Look through the website to find out some things besides skincare that Vaseline is ideal for.
How To Use Petroleum Jelly?
Petroleum jelly is safe to use on all skin types and is suitable for use on sensitive skin. Vaseline offers a range of petroleum jelly products to suit different needs:
- Helps to relieve dry skin – Use petroleum jelly for dry skin to soften and prevent loss of moisture in your skin. It gives the skin a chance to repair itself.
- Use as a daily moisturiser – Mixing petroleum jelly with a moisturising cream works incredibly well as a daily moisturiser, especially for eczema-prone skin. It soothes dry and itchy skin.
- Effective in treating dry lips – It soothes irritated and chapped lips by sealing in moisture. Tip: Combine with ordinary sugar for an awesome lip scrub before applying lipstick.
- Solution for dry feet and cracked heels – Cracked, dry, flaky heels or feet? Before bed, slather your heels or whole foot in pure petroleum jelly, put on some socks, and wake up to softer feet. Works even better when applied after a bath or shower when the skin on your feet is soft.
- Protect against nappy rash – Gently dab some petroleum jelly onto your clean and dry baby’s bum during nappy changes. Petroleum jelly products are effective in soothing and helping to prevent a nappy rash.
- Prevent chafing – Thighs rubbing together when you walk or exercise? Rub petroleum jelly on your inner thighs to protect against chafing. It helps to reduce friction and also works well to soothe already chafed skin.
There are 100 uses of petroleum jelly – read more and find out some of the most interesting uses you didn’t know.
For more expert advice on how Vaseline Pure Jelly products can help you to maintain healthy skin. We have extensive information about dealing with skin type issues including dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, and diabetic skin.
FAQ
1. What is petroleum jelly and how does it work?
Petroleum jelly is a mixture of natural waxes and mineral oils that form a protective barrier on the skin. This barrier helps lock in moisture, allowing the skin to repair and relieve dryness. It is commonly used to treat dry skin, chapped lips, and cracked heels.
2. How was Vaseline Pure Jelly discovered?
Vaseline Pure Jelly was discovered by American chemist Robert Chesebrough in the 19th century. He noticed that oil workers used “rod wax,” a by-product of oil refining, to heal cuts and burns. Chesebrough refined and purified this substance through distillation and filtration, creating the odourless and colourless gel known today as pure petroleum jelly. In 1870, he patented and introduced it under the name Vaseline.
3. What are the best ways to use petroleum jelly for skin care?
Petroleum jelly has multiple skincare benefits, including:
• Moisturising dry skin by locking in hydration.
• Soothing chapped lips and acting as a protective barrier.
• Treating cracked heels by applying a layer before bed and covering with socks.
• Protecting against nappy rash in babies.
• Preventing chafing by reducing friction on areas like inner thighs.
