Product Overview & China Production Capacity
White Petrolatum (CAS 8009-03-8) is a purified, bleached semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum, used as an occlusive ointment base, skin protectant, and emollient in pharmaceutical topical formulations. China’s petroleum refining infrastructure supports substantial white petrolatum production capacity, with dedicated pharmaceutical-grade processing facilities in Shandong, Liaoning, and Hebei provinces operating vacuum distillation, solvent de-oiling, and hydrogenation refining lines.
In pharmaceutical applications, white petrolatum serves as the primary base for ointment formulations, providing occlusive moisture barrier properties and compatibility with a wide range of APIs. It is used in ophthalmic ointments, wound care products, lip protectants, and dermatological preparations. Chinese producers achieve USP White Petrolatum specifications through careful selection of paraffinic crude oil fractions followed by multi-stage refining including acid/clay treatment, solvent refining, and catalytic hydrogenation to achieve the required purity, color, and consistency.
Manufacturing Standards & Quality Assurance
Production facilities maintain ISO 9001:2015, and FDA registration. Quality testing includes melting point range, cone penetration, color (Lovibond), UV absorption (290–350 nm), sulfur content, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, and microbial limits. Products comply with USP/NF, EP, and ChP monograph requirements.
Refining processes remove aromatic hydrocarbons, sulfur compounds, and color bodies through a combination of hydrotreating, solvent extraction, and clay percolation. UV absorption testing confirms removal of potentially carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic compounds to below pharmacopoeial limits. Each batch undergoes consistency and clarity testing in addition to chemical purity analysis.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 8009-03-8 |
| Description | Purified mixture of semi-solid hydrocarbons |
| Appearance | White to faintly yellowish unctuous mass |
| Melting Point Range | 38–60 °C |
| Cone Penetration | 100–300 (0.1 mm) |
| Color (Lovibond) | ≤1.5Y |
| UV Absorption (290–350 nm) | Meets USP/EP limits |
| Sulfur Content | Meets specifications |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤10 ppm |
| Pharmacopoeial Compliance | USP/NF, EP, ChP |
Packaging & Export Logistics
White petrolatum is supplied in 170 kg galvanized steel drums with tight-head closures, or in 25 kg tins for smaller orders. Bulk supply in 850 kg IBC containers is available. Lead time is 10–15 business days. FOB from Qingdao, Shanghai, or Dalian; CIF and DDP terms supported.
Documentation includes CoA, SDS, FDA compliance certificate, and commercial shipping paperwork. Non-hazardous classification facilitates straightforward global shipping.
China Supply Advantage
China’s massive petroleum refining industry provides cost-effective access to suitable crude oil fractions for white petrolatum production. Direct procurement delivers 20–35% savings compared to Western-refined pharmaceutical petrolatum. Chinese producers serve ointment manufacturers, cosmetic companies, and personal care product makers worldwide with consistent pharmacopoeial-grade quality and reliable delivery schedules.