Petrolatum vs. Petroleum — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 19, 2023
Petrolatum is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons commonly used for skin care, while Petroleum is a liquid crude oil from which petrolatum and many other products are derived. Petrolatum is refined; petroleum is raw material.
Difference Between Petrolatum and Petroleum
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Petrolatum is a specific byproduct that is processed and refined from crude petroleum. Petroleum is the natural, unrefined fossil fuel that is a precursor to petrolatum and other hydrocarbon-based products. They stand in a producer-product relationship.
While Petrolatum is mostly known for its moisturizing properties and is used in various skincare and pharmaceutical products, Petroleum is a versatile raw material. It serves as the basis for petrolatum as well as many other products like gasoline, diesel, and plastics.
Petrolatum usually appears as a semi-solid substance, often clear or somewhat yellowish. Petroleum, in contrast, is a liquid that can range in color from yellow to black, depending on its composition and purity. One is a specialized end product; the other is a raw, multi-purpose material.
In terms of chemical composition, Petrolatum consists mainly of a mix of longer-chain hydrocarbons and is considerably more stable. Petroleum comprises a diverse range of hydrocarbons in varying chain lengths and configurations, making it much more complex and volatile.
Grammatically, "Petrolatum" is a singular, countable noun, while "Petroleum" can be both countable and uncountable depending on its usage. Petrolatum refers to a specific substance; Petroleum can refer to the general category of similar substances.
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Comparison Chart
State of Matter
Semi-solid
Liquid
Use
Skincare, pharmaceuticals
Raw material for various products
Complexity
More stable, longer-chain hydrocarbons
Complex, diverse hydrocarbons
Grammatical Number
Singular, countable
Can be both countable & uncountable
Origin
Derived from petroleum
Natural, unrefined
Compare with Definitions
Petrolatum
A semi-solid hydrocarbon substance used for skin moisturizing.
Petrolatum is a key ingredient in this lotion.
Petroleum
Used in fuel and plastics.
Petroleum is used to produce gasoline and plastic.
Petrolatum
Refined product from crude petroleum.
Petrolatum is processed from raw petroleum.
Petroleum
Comprises diverse hydrocarbons.
Petroleum contains both long and short-chain hydrocarbons.
Petrolatum
Colorless or pale-yellow ointment.
This ointment contains white petrolatum.
Petroleum
Source for many refined products.
Many petrochemicals are derived from petroleum.
Petrolatum
Commonly known as Vaseline.
Many people use the term Vaseline for petrolatum.
Petroleum
Naturally occurring, unrefined.
Petroleum is a natural, unrefined resource.
Petrolatum
Used for its healing properties.
Petrolatum helps to heal minor cuts and burns.
Petroleum
A liquid fossil fuel used as a raw material.
Petroleum is drilled from beneath the Earth's surface.
Petrolatum
A semisolid unctuous substance, neutral, and without taste or odor, derived from petroleum by distilling off the lighter portions and purifying the residue. It is a yellowish, fatlike mass, transparent in thin layers, and somewhat fluorescent. It is used as a bland protective dressing, and as a substitute for fatty materials in ointments.
Petroleum
Petroleum (), also known as crude oil and oil, is a naturally occurring, yellowish-black liquid found in geological formations beneath the Earth's surface. It is commonly refined into various types of fuels.
Petrolatum
A semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum; used in medicinal ointments and for lubrication
Petroleum
A liquid mixture of hydrocarbons which is present in suitable rock strata and can be extracted and refined to produce fuels including petrol, paraffin, and diesel oil; oil.
Petroleum
A thick, flammable, yellow-to-black mixture of gaseous, liquid, and solid hydrocarbons that occurs naturally beneath the earth's surface, can be separated into fractions including natural gas, gasoline, naphtha, kerosene, fuel and lubricating oils, paraffin wax, and asphalt and is used as raw material for a wide variety of derivative products.
Petroleum
A flammable liquid ranging in color from clear to very dark brown and black, consisting mainly of hydrocarbons, occurring naturally in deposits under the Earth's surface.
Petroleum
Rock oil, mineral oil, or natural oil, a dark brown or greenish inflammable liquid, which, at certain points, exists in the upper strata of the earth, from whence it is pumped, or forced by pressure of the gas attending it. It consists of a complex mixture of various hydrocarbons, largely of the methane series, but may vary much in appearance, composition, and properties. It is refined by distillation, and the products include kerosene, benzine, gasoline, paraffin, etc.
Petroleum
A dark oil consisting mainly of hydrocarbons
Common Curiosities
Can Petroleum be used for skincare?
No, Petroleum needs to be refined to create skincare-safe products like Petrolatum.
Is Petrolatum a byproduct of Petroleum?
Yes, Petrolatum is derived from Petroleum.
Is Petrolatum flammable?
Generally, no, it is stable and not considered flammable.
Is Petrolatum natural?
No, it is a processed and refined product.
What is Petrolatum?
A refined semi-solid hydrocarbon substance used primarily in skincare.
Is Petroleum natural?
Yes, it is a naturally occurring substance.
What is Petroleum?
A liquid fossil fuel comprising a range of hydrocarbons, used as a raw material.
Is Petroleum flammable?
Yes, it is highly flammable and volatile.
Can Petroleum be consumed?
No, it is toxic and not meant for consumption.
Does Petroleum have a specific chemical composition?
No, it has a diverse range of hydrocarbons.
Can Petrolatum be used in food?
Only food-grade Petrolatum is suitable for such use.
Does Petrolatum have a specific chemical composition?
Yes, it mostly consists of longer-chain hydrocarbons.
Is Petrolatum always safe for skin?
Generally, yes, but some people may have allergic reactions.
Is Petrolatum the same as Vaseline?
Vaseline is a brand name for Petrolatum.
Are all Petroleum products like Petrolatum?
No, Petroleum is used to make various products, including fuels and plastics.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
