soft white paraffin

Soft white paraffin (also known as white soft paraffin or white petrolatum) is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons widely used as an emollient, skin protectant, and ointment base. It functions primarily by forming an occlusive barrier on the skin surface, which prevents transepidermal water loss, thereby hydrating the stratum corneum and facilitating skin barrier recovery. In clinical research, it is frequently employed as an inert vehicle or placebo control in trials evaluating topical dermatological treatments. For example, in a pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial conducted by James Cook University in Australia, soft white paraffin was utilized as a comparator arm against active antimicrobial ointments (mupirocin and hydrogen peroxide) for the treatment of mild impetigo to support antimicrobial stewardship goals.

Brand names

Vaseline

Other names

white soft paraffinwhite petrolatumpetroleum jellypetrolatum