What's the Difference Between Petroleum and Petrolatum?

What is the Difference Between Petrolatum and Petroleum Jelly? There is no difference in chemical composition and physical properties between petrolatum and petroleum jelly because both names refer to the same compound. The only difference is that petrolatum is the North American name for petroleum jelly.

Is petroleum the same thing as petrolatum?

Petroleum jelly (also called petrolatum) is a mixture of mineral oils and waxes, which form a semisolid jelly-like substance. ... He eventually packaged this jelly as Vaseline. Petroleum jelly's benefits come from its main ingredient petroleum, which helps seal your skin with a water-protective barrier.

Why is petroleum bad for you?

Why Is It Potentially Harmful? Though generally regarded as safe, the components that are removed from the oil during the refining process of petroleum jelly are carcinogenic in some cases. ... According to Denno, Petroleum jelly can create the illusion of moisturized, hydrated skin, all the while suffocating your pores.