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White petrolatum
White petrolatum is a Emollient/Occlusive agent Small molecule drug developed by Pfizer. It is currently FDA-approved for Dry skin and xerosis, Diaper dermatitis, Minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.
White petrolatum is an occlusive emollient that forms a protective barrier on the skin to prevent water loss and protect against irritants.
White petrolatum is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons with the CAS number 8009-03-8. It has been studied as a treatment for various conditions, including xerosis cutis, dental caries in children, cervicogenic headache, Dupuytren disease of the finger, and wounds, often in comparison to moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid.
At a glance
| Generic name | White petrolatum |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Pfizer |
| Drug class | Emollient/Occlusive agent |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Dermatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
White petrolatum is a purified mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum that acts as a physical barrier on the skin surface. It reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by occluding the stratum corneum, thereby maintaining skin hydration and protecting against environmental irritants and allergens. It has no active pharmacological mechanism but provides passive protective and moisturizing benefits.
Approved indications
- Dry skin and xerosis
- Diaper dermatitis
- Minor cuts, scrapes, and burns
- Chapped lips and skin irritation
- General skin protection and moisturization
Common side effects
- Local irritation or allergic contact dermatitis
- Folliculitis (rare, with occlusive use)
Key clinical trials
- Skin Barrier Function and Inflammation in Aging: The BIA Study (PHASE4)
- Role of Combination Therapy of Glucose Insulin Potassium Infusion (GIK), Intravenous Hydrocortisone and Oral Sevelamer in Treatment of Acute Aluminum Phosphide Poisoned Cases Admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Sohag University Hospitals. (NA)
- Evaluation of Topical Dutasteride as a Potential New Therapy for Facial Acne Vulgaris Versus the Triple Combination Therapy (Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%, Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1%, and Adapalene 0.15% Gel) (NA)
- CO2Lift and T-Junction Breakdown Rates Evaluation After Breast Reduction Surgery Pilot Trial (NA)
- Sunitinib or Cediranib for Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma (PHASE2)
- Metronidazole SC Penetrance With Moisturizers (NA)
- Comparing Supplemental Topical Agents for the Treatment of Acute Radiation Dermatitis in Patients With Breast Cancer (PHASE1)
- Topical Application of Engineered Lactobacillus Reuteri With a Zinc Sulfate-Tannic Acid MPN Coating for Acne (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- White petrolatum CI brief — competitive landscape report
- White petrolatum updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Pfizer portfolio CI
Frequently asked questions about White petrolatum
What is White petrolatum?
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Related
- Drug class: All Emollient/Occlusive agent drugs
- Manufacturer: Pfizer — full pipeline
- Therapeutic area: All drugs in Dermatology
- Indication: Drugs for Dry skin and xerosis
- Indication: Drugs for Diaper dermatitis
- Indication: Drugs for Minor cuts, scrapes, and burns
Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing