RED PETROLATUM
Commonly Found In
Overview
RED PETROLATUM is a cosmetic ingredient primarily used for MOISTURISING. It is commonly found in various cosmetic formulations and serves important functions in personal care products.
Also known as: Amber Petrolatum, Yellow Petrolatum, Red Vaseline
Key Benefits
Red petrolatum may help protect and moisturize dry, chapped lips through its occlusive emollient action. The FDA has recognized it as a sun protectant active for lip products. However, it is banned in EU/UK cosmetics due to less complete refining versus white petrolatum.
Skin Compatibility Ratings
Comedogenic Rating
Similar to white petrolatum in occlusive properties; petrolatum is rated non-comedogenic (0/5) despite common misconception.
Source: Fulton et al. (1984) β comedogenicity data for petrolatum derivatives
Irritancy Rating
Non-irritating; widely used as skin protectant and moisturizer.
Source: CIR Safety Assessment β Petrolatum (2012)
Typical Use Concentration
Range
30β100% (FDA OTC sun protectant use)
Optimal
30β100%
FDA OTC monograph permits 30β100% in sun protective lip products.
Works Well With / Avoid
Works Well With
Banned in EU/UK (Annex II/904) unless full refining history known and carcinogenicity excluded. US FDA OTC sun protectant at 30β100%. Higher comedogenic rating than white petrolatum due to less refining.
Commonly Found In
Global Regulation Summary
Overview of current status across major international markets.
Detailed Regional Status
| Region | Status | Max Conc. | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πͺπΊ EU | Banned | - | - | Official β |
| πΊπΈ USA | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π―π΅ Japan | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π°π· Korea | Unknown | - | - | Official β |
| π¬π§ UK | Banned | - | Follows EU regulations (II/904 (except if the full refining history is known and it can be shown that the substance from which it is produced is not a carcinogen)) | Official β |
π Why Regulations Differ
EU bans inadequately refined petroleum derivatives due to potential polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) carcinogen content (Annex II/904). The US FDA grants OTC monograph status based on historical safety data. Japan permits use with general safety framework.
Regulation Analysis
Regional Agreement
Banned in EU, UK but allowed in USA, Japan.
Strictness Ranking
πΏ Natural Sources
Derived from petroleum. It is a less refined version of white petrolatum (Vaseline), retaining more of the natural color from petroleum hydrocarbons.
π How It's Made
Obtained during petroleum refining as a semi-solid residue. Unlike white petrolatum which undergoes extensive bleaching and purification, red petrolatum retains its reddish-amber color.
π Uses in Cosmetics
Used in cosmetic products primarily for moisturising, skin conditioning - emollient, uv absorber.
π¬ Other Applications
Used in industrial lubricants, rust prevention coatings, and some veterinary skin ointments.
π‘ Fun Facts
- β’ Red petrolatum was once commonly used in sunscreen products for its UV-absorbing properties before modern synthetic sunscreens replaced it
- β’ The EU and UK banned it from cosmetics due to concerns about polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that remain in the less-refined product
- β’ White petrolatum (Vaseline) is considered safe precisely because the refining process removes the impurities that make red petrolatum controversial
Related Skin Concerns
Data Sources
- β’ EU CosIng database β Annex II/904
- β’ FDA OTC Sunscreen Monograph β Sun Protectant active
- β’ CIR Safety Assessment of petrolatum
Last data verification: 2026-04-12
Related Ingredients
ALLANTOIN PABA
CYCLOMETHICONE
CYCLOTETRASILOXANE
GLYCERYL PABA
PETROLATUM
BENZOPHENONE-3
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is RED PETROLATUM banned in the EU but allowed in the US?
The EU follows a precautionary principle, banning RED PETROLATUM under II/904 (except if the full refining history is known and it can be shown that the substance from which it is produced is not a carcinogen) due to potential safety concerns. The US FDA has not found sufficient evidence to prohibit its use, allowing it under different safety assessment standards. This reflects differing regulatory philosophies between the two regions.
Why is RED PETROLATUM banned in the EU but allowed in Japan?
The EU prohibits RED PETROLATUM (II/904 (except if the full refining history is known and it can be shown that the substance from which it is produced is not a carcinogen)) based on their strict safety criteria. Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has evaluated the ingredient and permits its use, potentially with different safety data or usage conditions.
What is RED PETROLATUM used for in cosmetics?
RED PETROLATUM is primarily used for moisturising in cosmetic products. It also serves as skin conditioning - emollient, uv absorber. The ingredient is commonly found in various cosmetic and personal care products.
Which countries regulate RED PETROLATUM?
RED PETROLATUM is banned in EU, UK. The ingredient is freely allowed in JP, US.
Are there alternatives to RED PETROLATUM?
Due to regulatory restrictions on RED PETROLATUM, cosmetic manufacturers often use alternative ingredients with similar functions. For moisturising, alternatives may include other approved ingredients in the same category. Consult product labels for specific formulations, and look for products compliant with your region's regulations.
Disclaimer
The information on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive for accuracy based on official government databases, cosmetic regulations change frequently. Always consult with a qualified professional or refer to the latest official regulatory documents for compliance. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided here.