What is a hydrocarbon base that is a purified mixture of semisolid hydrocarbons made of petroleum, with color yellowish to light amber?

What is a hydrocarbon base that is a purified mixture of semisolid hydrocarbons made of petroleum, with color yellowish to light amber?

• A. White Petrolatum, USP (White Vaseline)
• B. Yellow Ointment, USP
• C. Petrolatum, USP (Vaselin)
• D. White ointment, USP

Answer: (C)

Petrolatum is a hydrocarbon base derived from petroleum that is a purified mixture of semisolid hydrocarbons. It’s used as an ointment base because it’s occlusive and emollient, forming a protective barrier on the skin. Its natural color ranges from yellow to light amber, which distinguishes it from the white, highly refined form. The description given – a hydrocarbon base from petroleum, purified semisolid hydrocarbons, and a yellowish to light amber color – matches Petrolatum, USP (Vaselin).

Petrolatum is a hydrocarbon base derived from petroleum that is a purified mixture of semisolid hydrocarbons. It’s used as an ointment base because it’s occlusive and emollient, forming a protective barrier on the skin. Its natural color ranges from yellow to light amber, which distinguishes it from the white, highly refined form. The description given – a hydrocarbon base from petroleum, purified semisolid hydrocarbons, and a yellowish to light amber color – matches Petrolatum, USP (Vaselin).