Petroleum Jelly - Uses

Uses

Chesebrough originally promoted Vaseline primarily as an ointment for scrapes, burns, and cuts, but studies have shown that Vaseline has no medicinal effect nor any effect on the blistering process, nor is it absorbed by the skin. Petroleum jelly's effectiveness in accelerating wound healing stems from its sealing effect on cuts and burns, which inhibits germs from getting into the wound and keeps the injured area supple by preventing the skin's moisture from evaporating.

Vaseline brand First Aid Petroleum Jelly, or carbolated petroleum jelly, containing phenol to give the jelly additional anti-bacterial effect, has been discontinued.

After petroleum jelly became a medicine-chest staple, consumers began to use it for myriad ailments and cosmetic purposes, including chapped hands and lips, toenail fungus, male genital rashes (non-STD), nosebleeds, diaper rash, chest colds, and even to remove makeup or stains from furniture. Uses for pets include stopping fungi from developing on aquatic turtles' shells and keeping cats from making messes when they cough up furballs. In the first part of the twentieth century, petroleum jelly, either pure or as an ingredient, was also popular as a hair pomade. When used in a 50/50 mixture with pure beeswax, it makes an effective moustache wax.

• During World War II, a variety of petroleum jelly called red veterinary petrolatum, or Red Vet Pet for short, was often included in life raft survival kits. Acting as a sunscreen, it provides protection against ultraviolet rays.

• Most petroleum jelly today is consumed as an ingredient in skin lotions and cosmetics.

• Petroleum jelly is a useful material when incorporated into candle wax formulas. The petroleum jelly softens the overall blend, allows the candle to incorporate additional fragrance oil, and facilitates adhesion to the sidewall of glass.

• Petroleum jelly is used to moisten plasticine, as part of a mix of hydrocarbons including greater (paraffin wax) and lesser (mineral oil) molecular weights.

• Petroleum jelly is commonly used as a personal lubricant. (Not recommended for use with condoms because it dissolves latex.)

• It is used as a key ingredient for conditioners of Afro-textured hair.

• It can prevent moisture loss and chapped lips, soften nail cuticles, and provide rectal lubrication for conditions like hemorrhoids or anal fissures.

• It can be used to keep swimmers warm in water when training or doing channel crossings or long ocean swims

• It can be used as a release agent for plaster molds and castings.

• It can be used to coat corrosion-prone items such as metallic trinkets, non-stainless steel blades, and gun barrels prior to storage as it serves as an excellent and inexpensive water repellent.

• It can be used to condition and protect leather. For keeping the shine and cleanliness on black patent leather shoes, apply a very thin coat with a paper towel and buff off gently.

• It can be used to finish wood, much like a mineral oil finish.

• It can be used when using a home hair dye kit. Applied on skin close to the hairline, it can prevent the hair dye staining the skin.

• It can be used by long distance runners who wear loose t-shirts, to prevent chafing of their nipples caused by the friction between the skin and clothing while running.

• It can be used for tinder, lightly coated on a cotton ball.

• It can be used for coating the inner edges of terrariums, to deny organisms within physical purchase on the walls (which could allow them to escape).

• It was recommended by Porsche in the owner’s manual of their cars as a preservative for light alloy (alleny) anodized Fuchs wheels to protect them against corrosion from road salts and brake dust. “Every three months (after regular cleaning) the wheels should be coated with petroleum jelly.”

• It was also recommended by Porsche in maintenance training documentation for lubrication (after cleaning) of "Weatherstrips on Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Sun Roof". The publication states "…before applying a new coat of lubricant…" "Only acid-free lubricants may be used, for example: glycerine, Vaseline, tire mounting paste, etc. These lubricants should be rubbed in, and excessive lubricant wiped off with a soft cloth."