“In my practice, I always say: “Keep it goopy.” For cuts, post-procedures, etc, it’s important to keep the skin barrier protected. This works with the skin barrier both ways. So that good stuff doesn’t get out and bad stuff doesn’t come in.” - Dr. Sam Ellis

Skin protectants are an FDA regulated category of OTC drugs that are meant to “temporarily protect injured or exposed skin or mucous membrane surfaces from harmful or annoying stimuli, and may help provide relief to such surfaces.” There are several active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) listed in the monograph that have been generally recognized as safe and effective for this purpose with some slight differences in use level, intended treatment, and acceptable product formats. Our Skin Utility Ointment Multi-Purpose Skin Protectant utilizes 45% USP Petrolatum to temporarily protect and help relieve chafed, chapped, or cracked skin and lips. It temporarily protects minor cuts, scrapes, and burns while also protecting from the drying effects of wind and cold weather. This product is not only for all skin types but also can be used head-to-toe. It is safe for use on eyelids, lips, forehead, elbows, toes, and more; anywhere you have skin it can be applied externally. We adopted the name Multi-Purpose to indicate this and have it be your go-to for many of your skin needs.

Petrolatum, also known as petroleum jelly, is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons that is used as an occlusive agent. It forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface to help prevent moisture loss and protect the skin from external irritants. Petrolatum is semi-permeable or gas permeable meaning water loss from the skin is reduced but oxygen can still permeate. By reducing water loss the skin becomes softer, more supple, less flaky, and less prone to irritation. When your skin barrier is compromised a skin protectant like petrolatum can act as a substitute skin barrier to help the skin recover also reducing the ability of pollutants and irritating molecules to penetrate the skin and further exacerbate skin concerns. Dermatologists often recommend application after incisions and procedures to keep the skin hydrated minimizing scarring, redness, infection, and inflammation. It can be used as a last step at night for “slugging” to seal in moisture. Petrolatum is not just for the dry skin type and can be used for all skin types but frequency of use or amount of application should vary by what your skin needs.

Petrolatum can feel greasy or heavy in traditional skin protectants but our Skin Utility Ointment blends USP grade petroleum with dimethicone, another semi-permeable occlusive agent, to enhance the slip and aesthetics. We also used a USP grade of petrolatum, meeting the United State Pharmacopeia standards, indicating it underwent processing to obtain a high purity grade. This refinement process reduces the polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon content to ensure product safety.

To further improve skin recovery and restoration, our Skin Utility Ointment contains a natural shielding polymer that creates a breathable, flexible film on the skin. It is proven to reduce irritation from pollutants and irritating substances while restoring the skin’s moisture barrier. ¹ In addition, we added a Skin Barrier Support Complex made of a ceramide, alpha bisabolol, and phytosterols to enhance skin recovery when skin is compromised. Alpha bisabolol, the active isomer of bisabolol, is known for its soothing and anti-erythema properties. We selected an alpha bisabolol derived from the fermentation of plant sugars, a white biotechnology process. It is high purity meaning it contains the lowest farnesol content possible for a synthesized bisabolol and also ensures highest content of the active isomer. By focusing on the restoration of the moisture barrier, reducing potential for skin irritants to penetrate, and calming compromised skin, our Skin Utility Ointment works on multiple levels to restore skin health.

The Skin Utility Multi-Purpose Skin Protectant is fragrance free, hypoallergenic, allergy tested, non-comedogenic tested, suitable for all skin types, safe for sensitive skin, safe for eczema prone skin, and non-greasy. It also received the Eczema Seal of Acceptance.

DISCLAIMER: All skin care articles are intended to help educate on specific ingredients and skin care topics. Our articles are written to be informative and informational. Any reference to a specific patient experience is not a medical suggestion for treatment. Please note that any Prequel products with referenced ingredients are formulated for Cosmetic Use Only and NOT intended as replacements for physician advice and/or pharmaceutical product recommendations.