Petrolatum: Why Dermatologists Still Recommend It | CeraVe Sri Lanka
Petrolatum: Why Dermatologists Still Recommend It
Petrolatum — commonly known as petroleum jelly — has been sitting in medicine cabinets for over a century, and despite newer, trendier ingredients constantly entering the skincare conversation, dermatologists still recommend it for one simple reason: nothing else seals in moisture quite as effectively.
What Petrolatum Actually Does
Unlike humectants such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which draw moisture into the skin, petrolatum is an occlusive — meaning it works by forming a protective barrier on the skin’s surface that physically prevents water from evaporating. This is a fundamentally different mechanism from the ceramides we discussed in our article on ceramides and the skin barrier, which rebuild the barrier’s internal structure. Petrolatum works on top of the skin rather than within it, which is exactly why it’s so effective for severely dry or compromised skin.
Why Dermatologists Trust It
Petrolatum has one of the strongest safety profiles of any skincare ingredient, largely because purified, pharmaceutical-grade petrolatum is chemically inert — it doesn’t oxidize, support bacterial growth, or commonly trigger allergic reactions. According to Neutrogena’s ingredient glossary, the American Academy of Dermatology specifically recommends petrolatum for moisturizing dry, cracked skin and protecting healing wounds, making it one of the most trusted options for extreme dryness. See this explanation of what petrolatum is and how it works for more detail.
Best Uses for Petrolatum
- Cracked heels and rough patches: Areas with thicker skin can handle petrolatum’s heavier texture well, sealing in moisture overnight.
- Chapped lips: One of the most effective and simple treatments for dry, cracked lips.
- Eczema-prone skin: Helps reduce moisture loss and protect already-irritated skin from further environmental stress, complementing the approach we covered in our article on CeraVe for eczema-prone skin.
- Sealing in other products (“slugging”): Applying petrolatum as a final step over other moisturizers can lock in hydration overnight for very dry skin.
A Note for Acne-Prone Skin
Petrolatum is generally considered non-comedogenic, but its heavy, occlusive texture can feel too rich for oily or acne-prone facial skin, and some dermatologists suggest using it more sparingly on the face if you’re prone to breakouts. For acne-prone skin, lighter, non-occlusive moisturizers are often a better daily choice — see our guide to CeraVe for acne-prone skin for alternatives that won’t feel as heavy.
Shop CeraVe Petrolatum-Based Products in Sri Lanka
cerave.lk is the authorized source for genuine CeraVe products containing petrolatum, including Healing Ointment, in Sri Lanka. Browse the range at www.cerave.lk, or message us on WhatsApp at 0712 64 65 65 for guidance on the right product for very dry areas.