Petroleum-based products fall under which category?

Petroleum-based products are categorized as anhydrous products due to their lack of water content. Anhydrous means without water, and petroleum-based items, such as mineral oil and petrolatum, consist primarily of oils and waxes derived from petroleum. This characteristic makes them effective at providing moisture and creating a barrier on the skin without the inclusion of water, which is a defining trait of anhydrous formulations.

Understanding the nature of anhydrous products is important for estheticians, as they are often used for hydration and protection in various skin treatments. Aqueous products, by contrast, contain water as a primary ingredient, and emulsified products typically include a mixture of water and oil, necessitating the role of emulsifiers to blend these phases. Gel-based products may contain water but are formulated to deliver a specific texture and feel, unlike pure petroleum-based items that focus on barrier-enhancing properties.