A 150-year success story
Like many great discoveries in medicine, Vaseline was found by chance. It dates back to American chemist Robert Chesebrough, who trademarked the name Vaseline and patented its manufacturing process nearly 150 years ago. Since then, Vaseline has become indispensable in dermatology (the study and treatment of skin diseases). However, today’s medical Vaseline is significantly different from the original product. Its quality and purity have been continuously improved over the years. The medical Vaseline used today is a highly refined white Vaseline that meets the strict purity standards of the European Pharmacopoeia. Through advanced processes, it is repeatedly purified and freed from unwanted residues.
Interesting facts about vaseline
Vaseline (also known as Petrolatum) is a mixture of solid and liquid paraffin oils. Thanks to its unique properties and excellent skin compatibility, it has numerous applications beyond medicine. Here are just a few examples:
- Component of creams used for vaginal and eye applications
- Lubricant for medical examinations (e.g., colon cancer screenings)
- Base ingredient in ointments, creams, cleansing lotions, and hand baths
- Found in cold creams and diaper rash creams for babies
- Used as a lubricant during sexual intercourse
- Coating for cheese and sausages
- Protective layer for avocados and melons
- Release agent for confectionery
Medical Vaseline has a replenishing effect
The term replenishing means that a skincare product or cleansing lotion helps maintain or restore the natural fat content of the skin’s outermost layer (horny layer). Oils and fats, including medical Vaseline, achieve this effect. Vaseline penetrates the horny layer’s surface, enveloping its cells and supplying the intercellular substance with fats (see illustration).
At the same time, medical Vaseline prevents excessive moisture loss from the horny layer, thereby increasing its hydration. Only when the horny layer contains sufficient fat and moisture does it remain smooth and supple. In this healthy state, the intimate skin serves as a strong protective barrier against external influences (e.g., urine, stool, germs, mechanical stress).
By forming a thin protective film on the intimate skin, medical Vaseline supports this barrier function—especially when the skin is dry, rough, cracked, and therefore less resilient. Common symptoms such as burning, itching, and pain are typical indicators of this condition.
Deumavan Protective Ointment with Medical Vaseline protects and cares for intimate skin.
New Insights into its mode of action
Despite being used for generations, scientists and medical professionals continue to study Vaseline’s beneficial effects. Thanks to modern research methods, scientists have recently discovered that medical Vaseline activates important skin-specific peptides (proteins), including:
- antimikrobielle Peptide, die zum menschlichen Immunsystem gehören. Sie schützen die Haut vor Infektionen, weil sie krankmachende Keime – vor allem Bakterien – in Schach halten.
- Filaggrin and Loricrin, essential for a healthy horny layer and a smooth, resilient intimate skin surface.
It has long been known that certain chronic skin diseases involve a deficiency of filaggrin and loricrin, such as:
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Psoriasis (scaly skin condition)
- Ichthyosis (a disorder causing dry, thickened skin)
All three conditions are associated with dry, cracked skin.
* Source: Merk HF. Dermatologist 2019;70:942–947
Medical Vaseline is hypoallergenic
Substances or mixtures that rarely or never cause allergic reactions are classified as hypoallergenic. Medical Vaseline belongs to this category. Extensive and long-term studies confirm this, which is why modern wound dressings (e.g., mesh gauze) are often coated with medical Vaseline.
It is easy to see why medical Vaseline is well-suited for delicate intimate skin, particularly when it feels dry, rough, and cracked—such as at the onset of menopause. In this stressed state, the skin is more susceptible to allergens. Therefore, it is essential to use intimate care products that contain hypoallergenic ingredients and are free from potentially harmful additives (see below).
Medical Vaseline in Deumavan Protective Ointment
Deumavan Protective Ointment protects and nourishes delicate and sensitive intimate skin. This is due to its special formulation based on hypoallergenic medical Vaseline. The formula is rich in fat and free of water. Since it contains no water, there is no need for additives that could burden the skin or trigger allergies.
Deumavan Protective Ointment – Free from unnecessary additives:
-
No emulsifiers
-
No preservatives
-
No alcohol
More on additives:
No emulsifiers
Emulsifiers are needed to mix non-compatible substances like water and oils/fats. Water-based creams, ointments, and lotions require emulsifiers. However, Deumavan Protective Ointment contains only fats and oils, which do not require emulsifiers.
No preservatives
Preservatives (e.g., parabens) are necessary in formulations where microorganisms (fungi, bacteria) can thrive. Since Deumavan Protective Ointment is water-free, it does not provide an environment for microbial growth. Without water, life— including microorganisms—is impossible.
No alcohol
Alcohol is commonly used as a preservative in water-based formulations and as a solvent for active ingredients. However, alcohol can cause a burning sensation on damaged intimate skin. Deumavan Protective Ointment is alcohol-free.
Deumavan Protective Ointment does not affect the ph balance of intimate skin
The water-free formulation with medical Vaseline has another advantage: It does not alter the natural pH balance or protective acid mantle of the intimate skin. Only water-containing formulations can influence the skin’s pH, depending on their own pH level.
Thanks to its fat-rich, water-free formulation with medical Vaseline, Deumavan Protective Ointment is suitable for daily intimate and anal hygiene, as well as for relieving discomfort such as burning, itching, and pain in the entire anogenital area.
Additionally: Deumavan Protective Ointment Neutral is officially recommended by the German Skin and Allergy Aid Association (Deutsche Haut- und Allergiehilfe e.V.).
