Petroleum Jelly Tub 500g

This is a 500g tub of plain white petroleum jelly - the same soft white petrolatum most people know by the Vaseline brand name, in a size meant for genuine use rather than a handbag. It works as an occlusive barrier: it does not add moisture to skin, it seals in the moisture already there and shields the surface from friction and wet.

Why keep a 500g tub of petroleum jelly?

Understanding the mechanism explains when it is the right choice and when it is not. It is occlusive, not a humectant - it forms a physical film that blocks water loss through the skin surface. That makes it excellent on cracked heels, chapped lips, chafed thighs and wind-burnt skin, and it is why applying it over damp skin works far better than applying it to dry skin.

The 500g tub is the reason to buy this rather than a small jar. Barrier ointment only works applied generously and reapplied often, and a 100g jar makes people ration it. At this size it gets used properly - as a nappy-area barrier, on nightly heel treatment under socks, on a runner's chafe points, or across a whole household through winter.

Two practical limits worth knowing. It is not compatible with latex, so never use it as a lubricant with latex condoms or latex gloves you need to stay intact. And it should not be put inside the nose, particularly for children, the elderly or anyone with swallowing difficulties, because repeatedly inhaled oil can cause lung inflammation.

Key features

• Plain white petrolatum - no fragrance, no active ingredients
• Occlusive barrier - seals in existing moisture and blocks friction
• 500g tub - the economy size, priced to be used generously
• For chapped lips, cracked heels, chafing and wind-exposed skin
• Works as a nappy-area and incontinence barrier
• Very long shelf life and no refrigeration needed
• Not for use with latex, or inside the nose

Specifications

Common uses

The uses divide into barrier and protection. As a barrier: nappy-area and incontinence care, where it keeps moisture off skin that is already irritated, and around wound dressings to protect surrounding skin from adhesive and exudate. As protection: cracked heels overnight under socks, chapped lips, chafing on long runs or walks, and skin heading out into cold wind. Aged care and nursing settings go through tubs of it for exactly these reasons. If you specifically want the branded product in a smaller jar, we stock Vaseline Petroleum Jelly 100g, and for a medicated barrier there is zinc and castor oil cream. Both sit with our everyday pharmacy and medical supplies in the wider medical supplies range.