Hydrocarbon gels

Hydrocarbon gels are lipophilic gel systems of hydrocarbon-containing bases. Yellow and white Vaseline belong to the carbogels. Here, Paraffinum solidum and Paraffinum liquidum (see below paraffins) come together to form a stable, anhydrous, coherent, semi-solid, hydrophobic system.

Hydrocarbon gels are chemically largely indifferent. In contrast to vegetable and animal fats, they are characterized by high durability. Preservatives are not necessary. Highly purified hydrocarbon gels have practically no allergenic effect.

Hence, these systems are suitable as very well tolerated dermatological external agents. They are used in pure form, as carrier system for drugs or combined in different ointment bases.