Ingredient

Petrolatum

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Petrolatum is used as a processing aid in the food industry, primarily to prevent …

What is Petrolatum?

Petrolatum is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons, typically derived from petroleum. It is purified and refined for use in food products. It is also known as petroleum jelly.

Is Petrolatum vegan?

Petrolatum is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is Petrolatum gluten-free?

It does not contain gluten.

Is Petrolatum a major allergen?

Petrolatum is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens.

What is Petrolatum used for?

Petrolatum is used as a processing aid in the food industry, primarily to prevent sticking and aid in the release of doughs from equipment.

Is Petrolatum safe?

In the US, petrolatum is listed as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a lubricant and release agent in food processing.

Why it's used

Petrolatum is used as a processing aid in the food industry, primarily to prevent sticking and aid in the release of doughs from equipment. It can also act as a lubricant. It is most commonly found in baked goods like cakes, cupcakes, and breads.

Health notes

In the US, petrolatum is listed as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a lubricant and release agent in food processing. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated petrolatum and established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). While generally considered safe at typical intake levels, some consumer groups have raised concerns about its petroleum origin.

Allergen info

Petrolatum is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Foods that contain Petrolatum

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Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.