Snow White Petroleum Jelly: Technical Specifications & Commercial Procurement Guide

Snow white petroleum jelly (technically classified as snow white soft paraffin) represents the highest purity tier of refined Petroleum Jelly derivatives in global commodity markets. Unlike standard yellow or white grades, this pharmaceutical-grade material undergoes advanced catalytic hydrogenation to achieve a pristine, crystalline appearance.

For procurement managers and formulators, understanding the nuanced specifications of this white petrolatum ointment base is critical for regulatory compliance, particularly in the EU and Japanese markets.

What Defines Snow White Petroleum Jelly?

Snow white petroleum jelly is defined by its ultra-purified status, meeting USP/NF standards with a minimum purity of 99.95%. While standard petrolatum retains trace impurities, the snow white grade is engineered for sensitive applications.

Key Technical Characteristics:

• Visual: Pure snow-white color (Lovibond scale ≤0.5Y).

• Odor/Taste: Completely odorless and tasteless.

• Texture: Homogeneous, long-fiber structure with smooth consistency.

• Chemical Profile: Zero polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and passed UV absorbance testing.

Manufacturers achieve this through a multi-stage refining process, making it the mandatory choice for infant-grade skin protectants and ophthalmic formulations.

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White Petroleum Jelly vs. Snow White: The Differences

Understanding the distinction between “White” and “Snow White” is essential for avoiding import rejections and formulation failures.

While both are petroleum derivatives, the snow white grade requires 2-3 additional refining passes to remove all remaining color bodies.

Regulatory Implications:

• EU Cosmetics (Reg 1223/2009): Snow white is often required to prove non-carcinogenicity for infant products.

• Japanese JSQI: Mandates the snow white specification for eye-area cosmetics.

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Grades of Snow White Petroleum Jelly: Pharma vs. Cosmetic

While all snow white petroleum jelly represents the highest tier of refining, procurement managers must select the specific grade that aligns with their end product’s regulatory category. We classify our bulk supply into two primary, distinct grades: Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic.

1. Pharmaceutical Grade (USP / BP / Ph. Eur)

This is the ultimate purity standard. Pharmaceutical-grade snow white petroleum jelly is manufactured to strictly comply with global pharmacopoeias, including the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), British Pharmacopoeia (BP), and European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur).

• Primary Focus: Safety, purity, and traceability.

• Target Applications: Ophthalmic ointments (eye care), burn dressings, API excipients, and mucosal applications.

• Compliance: Must pass strict tests for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), acidity/alkalinity, and fixed oils. It is suitable for products classified as drugs or medical devices.

2. Cosmetic Grade (Personal Care)

Cosmetic-grade snow white petroleum jelly is engineered for sensory profile and stability. While it often meets general pharmacopoeia purity standards, the manufacturing controls focus on texture, spreadability, and interaction with other cosmetic ingredients.

• Primary Focus: Texture, “slip,” and emulsion stability.

• Target Applications: High-end moisturizing lotions, anti-aging creams, hair pomades, and lip care.

• Compliance: Meets EU Regulation 1223/2009 requirements (free from carcinogens) and INCI standard specifications. It is optimized to be non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.

Manufacturing & Industrial Applications

1. Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices

• Ointment Vehicle: The primary base for topical antibiotics, steroid creams, and zinc oxide diaper rashes.

• Medical Lubricants: Used in the coating of surgical gloves and catheters requiring high biocompatibility.

2. High-End Cosmetic Formulations

• Lip Care: Provides the base for luxury lip balms requiring non-yellowing stability and neutral taste.

• Eczema Therapy: Functions as a superior occlusive moisturizer for sensitive skin lines.

• Eye Makeup: Meets strict purity standards for mascaras and primers.

3. Technical & Specialty Uses

• Precision Coatings: Protects optical lenses and precision instruments from oxidation.

• Cable Filling: Acts as a moisture barrier in telecommunications cabling (hydrophobic properties).

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