Description

Petrolatum is a homogeneous mixture of long-chain saturated hydrocarbons. Generally, these are chains of more than 25 carbon atoms, obtained from the refining of a heavy petroleum fraction. The composition of this mixture can vary depending on the type of petroleum and the refining process. The highly refined grade (filante or white petrolatum) is used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries as a lubricant or as a base for preparing creams, and it has a waxy, transparent off-white appearance.