USP-Grade & Industrial Petrolatum Blends
Petrolatum, also known as petroleum jelly, is a semi-solid substance consisting of hydrocarbons derived from crude oil. It is a byproduct from petroleum refining and most commonly used as an ingredient in personal care products due to its moisturizing and skin soothing properties. However, it also finds use in a number of other industries.
Petrolatum is an oil and microcrystalline wax blend with consistent chemistry across its various grades. Differences in performance derive from consistency (cone penetration) and melting point differences, allowing formulators to prioritize properties such as payoff, spread, and temperature resistance without changing the material’s base chemistry.
IGI’s petrolatum products include high-purity PETAX® USP petrolatums and industrial grades optimized for packaging, personal care, and manufacturing environments.
Our PETAX® petrolatum line of white, USP-grade material is manufactured to meet U.S. Pharmacopeia requirements, ideal for the kinds of cosmetic and OTC topical applications where purity and batch-to-batch consistency matter. For non-USP uses, IGI offers PETROFIBE® industrial petrolatum products, engineered for dependable processing and an amber to dark amber appearance.
PETAX® 0386A and 0310A are medium-consistency petrolatum grades, while PETAX® 0320A and 0321A are softer, making them well-suited to repackaging and filling applications. Representative test methods for IGI petrolatum products include ASTM D127 (typical melting point) and ASTM D937 (cone penetration).
Full specifications and handling guidance are available in the technical data sheet (TDS) and SDS for each grade.
Download TDS
IGI: We Put Wax to Work™
For more than a century, IGI has specialized in wax chemistry. We have developed paraffin, microcrystalline, petrolatum, and plant-based solutions to power brands in the cosmetics, personal care, and packaging spaces and beyond.
Our industrial-grade and cosmetic-grade petrolatum products are backed by rigorous quality control, validated testing methods, and documented traceability to help meet regulatory and brand-owner requirements.
Whether you need USP-grade white petrolatum for sensitive skincare applications or a robust industrial grade for use in corrosion protection and processing aids, IGI pairs application expertise with reliable North American supply to ensure you have access to the products you need, when you need them.
Customers rely on the IGI technical team for professional grade selection, formulation guidance, and scale-up support. We also offer a comprehensive library of TDS/SDS and essential regulatory documents.
When performance, purity, and customer service matter, IGI puts wax to work for you.
Grades & Applications
PETAX® USP Petrolatums
PETAX® USP petrolatum products are engineered specifically to meet the requirements of the U.S. Pharmacopeia. White in color and with tightly controlled odor and purity, they are ideal for cosmetics, lip care products, skin protectants, and OTC topicals. Within the PETAX® line, clients can choose a specific grade according to their consistency and processing needs.
0386A / 0310A grades offer a medium consistency with good structure and payoff, while 0320A / 0321A are softer grades optimized for repackaging and filling applications.
The typical petrolatum melting point for representative grades is 132°F / 56°C (ASTM D127), and the representative cone penetration is approximately 200–215 dmm at 77°F / 25°C (ASTM D937). Please see each TDS for full specifications and tolerances.
| TEST METHODS | PETAX® 0386A | PETAX® 0320A |
| Typical Melting Point (ASTM D127) °F/°C | 132/56 | 132/56 |
| Cone Penetration (Consistency), dmm @ 77°F/25°C (ASTM D937) | 200 | 215 |
| Color | white | white |
PETROFIBE® 201 (Industrial Grade)
PETROFIBE® 201 is an industrial-grade petrolatum designed for applications where appearance and purity do not require USP. This grade is ideal for uses such as anti-corrosion coatings, process lubricity, cable compounds, and packaging aids. It has a melting point of approximately 145°F / 63°C (ASTM D127), a cone penetration of approximately 160 dmm @ 77°F / 25°C (ASTM D937), and is amber to dark amber in color.
PETROFIBE® 201 petrolatum balances an elevated melting point with a highly workable consistency, enabling stable films and easy application across a range of temperatures.
| TEST METHODS | PETROFIBE 201 |
| (Industrial Grade) | |
| Typical Melting Point (ASTM D127) °F/°C | 145/63 |
| Cone Penetration (Consistency), dmm @ 77°F/25°C (ASTM D937) | 160 |
| Color | Amber to Dark Amber |
Custom Petrolatum Blends
Whether you need a specific melt point or an appearance or feel outside our standard grades, IGI can tailor petrolatum blends to your needs by adjusting microcrystalline content and oil type and level. We can align cone penetration to the desired payoff, control the viscosity for filling, and tune the color of your petrolatum to meet brand aesthetics.
Our process includes pilot batching, application testing, and documentation support to speed up approval and commercialization. We can also support you with scale-up and quality control processes. Work with our expert technical team to match a legacy benchmark or design a new profile for your product line.
Get the Right Petrolatum for Your Formula
Compare PETAX® USP cosmetic petrolatum and PETROFIBE® grades, receive TDS/SDS, and request samples [1].
Our application specialists can recommend the best grade, melting point, and consistency for your product and processing needs.
[1] Typical values shown. Please refer to current TDS for specs.
Petrolatum Frequently Asked Questions
What is Petrolatum and How Does IGI Formulate It?
Petrolatum is a semi-solid mixture of microcrystalline wax and oil and a byproduct of petroleum refining. By adjusting the wax crystal structure and oil level or type, IGI can specify the desired consistency (cone penetration) and melting point to drive the payoff, texture, and temperature stability required.
Because the base chemistry of petrolatum is constant, grade selection focuses on performance targets, regulatory needs (such as USP vs. non-USP), and processing requirements such as repackaging or hot-fill. Each grade’s TDS lists its typical values and testing methods to support qualification.
Which Test Methods Define Melting Point and Consistency?
IGI references industry-standard testing methods. ASTM D127 determines the typical melting point (specified in °F/°C), a key indicator of heat resistance and processing temperature, while ASTM D937 measures cone penetration (specified in dmm @ 77°F / 25°C), which correlates to softness or firmness and perceived payoff.
Together, these values help you to select a grade that fills cleanly, holds its shape in packaging, and performs as intended on skin or substrate. Always consult the current TDS for ranges and tolerances before you buy.
How Do PETAX® Grades Differ From Each Other?
All PETAX® grades are white, USP-grade petrolatums. The main differences are in their consistency and handling.
For example, PETAX® 0386A shows a typical melting point of 132°F / 56°C (ASTM D127) and ~200 dmm cone penetration (ASTM D937), displaying a medium feel with good structure. PETAX® 0320A, on the other hand, has the same typical melting point but a ~215 dmm cone penetration, making it a softer product that is well-suited to repackaging or filling. Choose the firmness that best fits your desired product experience and manufacturing processes.
Is PETAX® Suitable for Cosmetics and OTC Topicals?
Yes. PETAX® petrolatums are manufactured to meet USP requirements, making them ideally suited for use in cosmetics and many OTC topical uses in which white color, high purity, and consistency are critical.
Final product compliance depends on your complete formula and intended use. Therefore, customers should verify all applicable regulations and monographs and confirm that the selected PETAX® grade meets internal and market requirements. IGI provides current TDS/SDS for all products and can assist you with documentation during qualification.
When Should I Choose an Industrial Grade Like PETROFIBE® 201?
Clients should choose PETROFIBE® 201 petrolatum when USP is not required and when a firmer, amber petrolatum with a higher typical melting point (145°F / 63°C) is needed. This product is the ideal choice for applications such as corrosion protection, cable compounds, or process aids. Its ~160 dmm cone penetration ensures it is highly workable.
Industrial grades of petrolatum can also be a cost-effective option for equipment lubrication and packaging operations. Clients should always confirm suitability through pilot trials and reference the TDS for property ranges before making a choice.
How Should Petrolatum Be Stored and Handled?
Store closed containers of petrolatum in a clean, dry area away from direct heat or sunlight. Keep the packaging sealed to prevent contamination and moisture ingress. When melting petrolatum, use indirect heat and avoid excessively high temperatures or prolonged heating as this can darken the color or change the consistency of the substance. Follow standard hygiene practices in repackaging and filling. Always refer to the grade-specific SDS for safety guidance and the TDS for processing notes and recommended temperature ranges before working with any petrolatum product.
Elevate Your Manufacturing with IGI Petrolatum Products
Contact IGI today to request samples of our standard petrolatum blends, speak to the team about a custom product, or discuss petroleum jelly bulk orders.
