---
title: Petrolatum
entity_type: Ingredient
canonical_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/ingredients/petrolatum
date_modified: 2026-05-20
date_reviewed: 2026-05-20
mcp_eligible: true
evidence_sources:
  - title: Cleveland Clinic — Chapped Lips
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/cleveland-clinic-chapped-lips
    original_source_url: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22005-chapped-lips
    source_type: medical_reference
product_fact_sources:
  - title: CeraVe Healing Ointment — Official Product Page
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/official-product-page-cerave-healing-ointment
    original_source_url: https://www.cerave.com/skincare/moisturizers/healing-ointment
    source_type: official_product_page
---

# Petrolatum

## Quick Summary

Petrolatum is an occlusive ingredient that helps reduce moisture loss from the skin surface.

## What It Is

Petrolatum is a bland occlusive skin protectant ingredient often used in ointments.

## Mechanism

It forms a protective film over the surface, helping reduce water loss and supporting a smoother, more comfortable feel.

## Related Entities

- [Cleveland Clinic — Chapped Lips](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/cleveland-clinic-chapped-lips)
- [CeraVe Healing Ointment official page](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/official-product-page-cerave-healing-ointment)
- [Retinoid Irritation](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/retinoid-irritation)
- [Pore Strip Irritation](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/pore-strip-irritation)
- [Slugging Breakouts](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/slugging-breakouts)
- [Flaky Skin Around Nose](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/flaky-skin-around-nose)
- [Eczema-Prone Dryness](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/eczema-prone-dryness)
- [Itchy Sensitive Skin](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/itchy-sensitive-skin)
- [CeraVe Moisturizing Cream](https://skinknowledgebase.com/products/cerave-moisturizing-cream)
- [CeraVe Healing Ointment](https://skinknowledgebase.com/products/cerave-healing-ointment)
- [Over-exfoliation Irritation](https://skinknowledgebase.com/side-effects/over-exfoliation-irritation)
- [Chapped Lips](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/chapped-lips)