PRODUCTION AND QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF VASELINE

ABSTRACT This study investigated the elemental profile of laboratory-prepared and commercial Vaseline (petroleum jelly) to assess heavy metal contamination and compliance with international safety standards. Laboratory-prepared Vaseline was formulated using paraffin oil, candle wax, and perfume oil, while commercial samples were purchased from Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria. Both sample types were digested with concentrated nitric acid and analyzed for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and arsenic (As) using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results showed that laboratory-prepared samples contained higher concentrations of all four metals (Pb: 0.044±0.09 ppm, Cd: 0.030±0.063 ppm, Cr: 0.055±0.116 ppm, As: 0.021±0.043 ppm) compared to commercial samples (Pb: 0.031±0.063 ppm, Cd: 0.003±0.006 ppm, Cr: 0.039±0.008 ppm, As: 0.009±0.018 ppm), with cadmium showing a tenfold difference. However, all concentrations remained well below WHO maximum permissible limits (Pb ≤ 10 ppm, Cd ≤ 0.3 ppm, Cr ≤ 1.0 ppm, As ≤ 5.0 ppm), confirming both products are safe for consumer use. The elevated metal content in laboratory-prepared samples was attributed to less refined raw materials and simplified production methods compared to industrial-scale manufacturing processes. The study concludes that while laboratory-prepared Vaseline meets safety standards, commercial manufacturing processes are more effective at minimizing elemental impurities, emphasizing the importance of routine quality control testing and high-quality raw material sourcing to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.