Petroleum jelly Penetration

What Does Petroleum Jelly Penetration Mean?

When we talk about petroleum jelly penetration, we’re not referring to skin absorption — instead, it’s a measure of softness or hardness.

The penetration value tells us how easily an object (usually a standard needle) can enter or “penetrate” the jelly under specific conditions.
It’s one of the main tests used to grade and classify petroleum jelly for different industrial and cosmetic uses.

So, a higher penetration number means the jelly is softer, while a lower number indicates it’s harder or denser.

How the Penetration Test Works

The test is performed according to ASTM D937 or IP 49 standards. Here’s how it’s usually done:

1. A standard cone or needle is placed on the surface of the petroleum jelly.

2. The jelly sample is maintained at 25°C (77°F).

3. The cone is allowed to penetrate the jelly for 5 seconds under a fixed weight.

4. The depth of penetration is then measured in tenths of a millimeter (called “dmm”).

For example:

• Soft petroleum jelly: 160–200 dmm

• Medium petroleum jelly: 100–150 dmm

• Hard petroleum jelly: 60–90 dmm

These values help manufacturers decide which grade of jelly suits a specific purpose.

Why Petroleum jelly Penetration Matters

Penetration is more than just a number — it’s a sign of texture, performance, and usability.

Here’s why it matters:

• Consistency: Ensures the product feels the same every time you use it.

• Spreadability: Softer jellies spread easily (good for skincare), while harder ones hold shape (ideal for cables or machinery).

• Temperature Stability: A balanced penetration value means the jelly stays stable across hot or cold conditions.

• Quality Control: Every batch must meet penetration standards before it’s approved for packaging or export.

In short, the penetration test keeps petroleum jelly safe, reliable, and high performing.

Factors That Affect Petroleum Jelly Penetration

Several things can change the penetration value of petroleum jelly:

1. Oil Content:
   More oil = softer jelly (higher penetration). Less oil = firmer jelly (lower penetration).

2. Wax Type and Ratio:
   The balance between microcrystalline wax and mineral oil controls hardness.

3. Temperature:
   If the jelly is warm, it becomes softer. Testing must be done at a fixed temperature for accurate results.

4. Purity and Refining Level:
   Highly refined petroleum jelly usually has more consistent penetration than unrefined ones.

5. Additives:
   Some formulations use small additives for shine, stability, or fragrance — all of which can slightly affect penetration.

Typical Grades Based on Petroleum jelly Penetration

Different industries choose the grade that matches their specific need — soft for cosmetic comfort, hard for protective endurance.

How Penetration Relates to Quality

The penetration value is often used alongside other tests, such as:

• Melting point (stability under heat)

• Color index (purity and appearance)

• Oil content (texture balance)

A petroleum jelly with balanced penetration and melting point provides the best overall performance — soft enough to apply easily, yet stable enough to stay put.

This balance is what makes premium petroleum jelly stand out.

Applications Based on Penetration Value

Because of its versatility, petroleum jelly with specific penetration ranges is used across multiple sectors:

• Cosmetics: Soft jelly penetrates smoothly on skin and lips.

• Pharmaceuticals: Medium-grade jelly serves as a safe base for ointments.

• Cable Industry: Hard jelly acts as a filling compound that resists heat and water.

• Textiles: Used as a lubricant during yarn processing.

• Machinery: Provides a protective layer against corrosion and rust.

Each type offers the right balance of softness and stability for its purpose.

Penetration and Temperature Stability

Temperature and penetration are closely connected. When exposed to heat, petroleum jelly becomes softer; when cooled, it hardens.

That’s why high-quality petroleum jelly is designed to maintain its penetration range even in extreme conditions.
A stable penetration means the product won’t melt in hot climates or turn rock-hard in the cold.

Safety and Standards

Every petroleum jelly, no matter its penetration value, must meet international quality standards like:

• ASTM D937 – Penetration of Petroleum Jelly

• BP/USP/EP – Pharmaceutical standards

• ISO 9001 – Quality management in production

Following these ensures the jelly is safe, pure, and consistent across batches.

ATDM – Supplier of Premium Petroleum Jelly

When it comes to high-quality vaseline with controlled penetration, ATDM is a global leader.

ATDM supplies petroleum jelly in soft, medium, and hard grades, all tested for penetration, melting point, and oil content accuracy. Their products meet international cosmetic and industrial standards, ensuring top performance in every use — from skincare to cables.

With years of expertise in petroleum refining, ATDM delivers consistent quality, technical support, and global reliability.

Final Thoughts

Understanding petroleum jelly penetration helps you choose the right grade for your needs — whether you want a smooth cosmetic product or a tough industrial sealant.

Penetration defines texture, usability, and endurance. And with ATDM’s precise refining process, you can trust every batch to have perfect consistency and premium quality.