Petroleum jelly

Chemical substance used as a lubricating agent and topical ointment

Petroleum jelly, petrolatum, white petrolatum, soft paraffin, or multi-hydrocarbon, CAS number 8009-03-8, is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons (with carbon numbers mainly higher than 25), commonly promoted as a topical ointment for its healing properties. Vaseline has been the dominant brand of petroleum jelly sold since 1870. After petroleum jelly became a medicine cabinet staple, consumers began to use it for cosmetic purposes and for many ailments including toenail fungus, genital rashes (non-STI), nosebleeds, diaper rash, and common colds.

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