Vaseline Price South Africa: Market Overview, Factors & Trends

Understanding Vaseline’s Role in South Africa

In South Africa, Vaseline — also known as petroleum jelly — is a household essential and an industrial material.
It’s used in skincare, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and even cable manufacturing.

Because of its versatility, the Vaseline price in South Africa fluctuates based on supply, demand, and the cost of crude oil. For businesses, knowing how prices move helps them plan purchasing and production efficiently.

Let’s explore what affects Vaseline prices, where it’s used, and how to identify fair market rates across different sectors.

What Is Vaseline and Why It Matters

Vaseline is a semi-solid mixture of mineral oils and waxes, derived from petroleum refining.
It forms a protective, moisture-locking barrier on the skin and acts as a lubricant or stabilizer in industrial products.

In South Africa, Vaseline is available in different grades:

• Pharmaceutical grade: For medical and cosmetic use.

• Industrial grade: For machinery, cables, and manufacturing.

• Cosmetic grade: For lotions, balms, and creams.

Each grade has a different purity, viscosity, and price, depending on its intended use.

Average Vaseline Price in South Africa

As of the most recent market data (2025), Vaseline prices in South Africa generally range from:

Note: Prices vary depending on quantity, purity, and supplier region.

Bulk purchases or long-term contracts often come with discounts, while smaller retail packs cost more per kilogram.

Factors Influencing Vaseline Price in South Africa

Several factors contribute to the changing Vaseline price across South Africa.

1. Crude Oil Prices

Vaseline originates from crude oil refining. When global oil prices rise, the cost of petroleum-based products follows.
South Africa’s Vaseline market directly reflects international oil trends.

2. Import and Transportation Costs

Although South Africa refines petroleum locally, a portion of Vaseline or raw feedstock is imported.
Shipping costs, customs duties, and currency exchange rates (especially the USD/ZAR rate) all impact final retail prices.

3. Quality and Purity Level

Highly refined pharmaceutical-grade Vaseline undergoes extra purification steps, which increase production costs.
In contrast, industrial-grade products are cheaper but less refined.

4. Packaging and Distribution

Bulk industrial buyers often purchase Vaseline in drums or barrels, while retail consumers buy small jars or tubes.
Packaging, branding, and distribution add an extra 10–20% to consumer prices.

5. Market Demand

Seasonal factors, like winter or dry seasons, increase skincare product consumption.
As demand rises, suppliers may temporarily adjust Vaseline prices upward.

6. Supplier Location

Prices vary across South Africa —

• Gauteng and Cape Town: Higher due to logistics and packaging.

• Durban and Port Elizabeth: Slightly lower, thanks to port access for imports.

How Vaseline Is Used Across South African Industries

The Vaseline market in South Africa is not just about skincare. It extends deep into industrial and pharmaceutical sectors.

1. Skincare and Cosmetics

Brands use Vaseline as a base ingredient in lotions, balms, and creams.
It’s valued for its hydration and healing properties — ideal for dry climates like South Africa’s interior regions.

2. Pharmaceuticals

Hospitals and clinics use pharmaceutical-grade petroleum jelly for wound care, ointments, and topical medications.
It acts as a gentle, non-irritating carrier for medical formulations.

3. Industrial Applications

Industrial Vaseline helps in cable insulation, rubber lubrication, and corrosion prevention.
Its high-temperature stability makes it vital for engineering and electrical sectors.

4. Packaging and Machinery

Some packaging plants use Vaseline for machine lubrication and mold release, preventing friction damage.

Because of its multi-sector demand, Vaseline maintains steady consumption in South Africa, even when prices fluctuate.

Recent Market Trends (2024–2025)

The Vaseline market in South Africa is evolving with global energy and skincare trends.
Here’s what’s driving recent changes:

• Rising Oil Prices: Global crude oil volatility continues to push production costs upward.

• Local Refining Expansion: New refineries have slightly reduced import dependence, stabilizing prices in 2025.

• Cosmetic Industry Growth: The beauty and personal care sector in South Africa is expanding, increasing Vaseline demand.

• Eco-Friendly Packaging: Brands are investing in recyclable packaging, influencing the final retail cost.

Despite these shifts, Vaseline remains affordable compared to imported specialty creams or industrial lubricants.

Tips for Buying Vaseline in South Africa

If you’re sourcing Vaseline — whether for personal, retail, or industrial use — here are a few practical tips:

1. Compare Suppliers: Prices differ across local distributors and international exporters.

2. Check Grade and Certification: Always verify if the Vaseline meets BP/USP standards for pharmaceutical use.

3. Buy in Bulk: Larger quantities significantly reduce the per-kilogram cost.

4. Request Technical Data Sheets (TDS): A good supplier provides detailed product specifications.

5. Monitor Oil Prices: Keep track of crude oil trends — they often predict Vaseline price changes.

Being aware of these factors helps buyers make smarter, cost-effective decisions.

Price Forecast for Vaseline in South Africa

Based on current data, analysts expect Vaseline prices in South Africa to remain stable to slightly increasing over the next year.

Key reasons include:

• Consistent local refining output

• Moderate increases in global oil costs

• Expanding cosmetic and personal care demand

However, if global oil markets experience sharp fluctuations, South African prices could adjust accordingly.

ATDM – Reliable Supplier of Vaseline and Petroleum Jelly

For industries and distributors seeking high-quality Vaseline at competitive rates, ATDM remains a trusted global name.

ATDM supplies pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial-grade petroleum jelly, meeting international purity and performance standards.
Their products are exported worldwide, including to South Africa, ensuring stable supply and consistent quality.

With decades of experience in petroleum refining and product formulation, ATDM continues to support global industries with premium Vaseline solutions at fair prices.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the Vaseline price in South Africa means looking beyond numbers — it’s about knowing how oil markets, logistics, and demand work together.

As both consumer and industrial needs grow, Vaseline remains one of the most valuable and versatile petroleum-based products in South Africa.
And with reliable suppliers like ATDM, businesses can count on steady quality and transparent pricing, no matter the market changes.