petrolatum

noun

pet·​ro·​la·​tum ˌpe-trə-ˈlā-təm  -ˈlä- 

: petroleum jelly

Examples of petrolatum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Occlusives like petrolatum and lanolin are great for dry skin but can be too heavy for acne-prone individuals and may trigger breakouts. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 Mar. 2025

It’s packed with hydrating ingredients like glycerin and panthenol, plus occlusives like petrolatum and lanolin that seal all the goodness in, Dr. Spizuoco says. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 18 Mar. 2025

If your goal is hydration, Kopelman recommends occlusive products that include ingredients like lanolin, petrolatum, and beeswax, like Aquaphor and Vaseline. —Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 12 Mar. 2025

Pros: Feels very nourishing, instantly soothes and softens irritated and dehydrated skin Cons: Not fragrance-free, the tube isn't as compact and convenient to carry around Best for Dry Patches: CeraVe Healing Ointment Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid and petrolatum Fragrance-free? —Denise Primbet, Glamour, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

petrol(eum) + Latin -ātum -ate entry 1

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for petrolatum

• atom
• datum
• stratum
• erratum
• striatum
• substratum
• heteroatom

Medical Definition

petrolatum

noun

pet·​ro·​la·​tum ˌpe-trə-ˈlāt-əm  -ˈlät- 

: a neutral unctuous substance that is practically odorless and tasteless and is insoluble in water, that is obtained from petroleum and differs chemically from paraffin wax in containing unsaturated hydrocarbons or naphthenes as well as alkanes, and that is produced in several forms: as

a

: a yellowish to light amber semisolid mass used chiefly as a base for ointments and cosmetics, as a protective dressing, and in lubricating greases

called also petroleum jelly, yellow petrolatum

b

: a white or faintly yellowish mass obtained by decolorizing yellow petrolatum and used similarly to it

called also petroleum jelly, white petrolatum, white petroleum jelly