This Science of Skincare is a little different than most.
It’s a history AND science lesson on one of the most commonly used products in skincare today – petroleum jelly.
Get your geek glasses on. This is a good one.
The History
Petroleum jelly is the main substance of Vaseline, and it was discovered in the 1800’s on oil rigs. The waxy substance caused the equipment to malfunction, but the workers applied it on their cuts and burns and observed a faster healing time.
Literally – they scraped the dark wax from the rods and slapped it on their skin.
The product didn’t become a thing until chemist Robert Chesebrough further refined it in his lab, distilling it to a light (and more aesthetically pleasing) substance. Once he developed the product, he took to the road with a fiery demonstration to showcase the gel’s effects.
As in, he burned his skin with acid or an open flame, and applied the substance to quickly heal the burn. As demand grew, he moved production into a Brooklyn factory – which he named Vaseline.
The Chemistry
Vaseline, one of the purest forms of petroleum jelly, is nothing more than a ton of carbons and hydrogens – with a few oxygens thrown in there for good measure. Â The long hydrocarbon tails make the substance water-repelling (hydrophobic), which reduces moisture loss.
These hydrocarbons are also the same molecules as petroleum – hence the name, petroleum jelly.
Despite the scary-sounding name, Vaseline is incredibly safe. It’s been documented (after thorough analysis and testing) as the purest petroleum jelly on the market. The brand triple-purifies their jelly and removes all carcinogenic elements from the raw material.
The Latest and Greatest
The Vaseline family is a big one – from pure petroleum jelly to lotions and body washes, intensive products to a men’s line.
Also, lips. These Vaseline Lip Therapy tins have just been released in the United States, and they’re amazing.
It’s the same Lip Therapy you’ve always loved, but in Marie Kond0-approved packaging that fits in your smallest bags. (Yes, indeed, that tin brings me a LOT of joy). My lips have never been softer, and I’m never without one of these little babies in my bag.
They also have been instrumental in taming the baby hairs around my face that seem to always pop up.
It’s amazing how something that was scraped off an oil rig is now one of my go-to beauty items. Thank you, Bobby C, for refining this product and creating the miracle that is Vaseline.
I’d give you a kiss if I could.
Special thanks to Vaseline for sponsoring this post. All opinions are, of course, my own.
