Petroleum jelly in Poland: what it is called and where to find it

In Poland petroleum jelly is called wazelina. For skin, look for "wazelina kosmetyczna" (cosmetic petroleum jelly) or the Vaseline brand; "wazelina techniczna" on a label means a technical grease for hinges and locks, not for skin. You will find it in Polish drugstores (drogeria) and pharmacies (apteka), usually on the shelf with hand and lip care.

Polish words to look for on the label

If the label says "kosmetyczna" or gives directions for use on skin, it is the one for personal care. In Polish, "Vaseline" is often written and said as "wazelina Vaseline".

What petroleum jelly is

Petroleum jelly is made from crude oil. It is a mixture of hydrocarbons, refined until it is thick, smooth and almost odourless. It is semi-solid, colourless or slightly yellow. It does not dissolve in water and does not dry, so it stays on the skin longer than an ordinary cream.

Vaseline and other petroleum jelly

Vaseline is a Unilever brand that dates back to the 19th century. In English "vaseline" often means any petroleum jelly, in the same way that some people call any tissue a Kleenex.

Vaseline products you may see in Poland:

• Vaseline Original in a small tub: plain cosmetic petroleum jelly,
• Vaseline Blueseal: a larger jar, labelled "hypoallergenic",
• lotions and creams with added petroleum jelly, which are different products with different ingredients.

Always check the ingredients and the maker's directions on the label of the jar you buy.

How people use it every day

Petroleum jelly goes on in a thin layer, because a little covers a large area. The common uses, as the labels describe them:

1. Dry lips. A little petroleum jelly instead of lip balm, especially in the Polish winter.
2. Dry hands, elbows and heels. Apply a thin layer to clean skin. At night some people wear cotton socks so as not to mark the sheets.
3. Cuticles. Rub a little into the cuticles after a manicure.
4. Eyebrows. A little on a clean brush smooths the brows. Keep it out of the eyes.
5. Before dyeing hair. Many people put it along the hairline and on the ears so the dye does not stain the skin.

It is greasy and leaves marks on clothes and bedding. It absorbs poorly, so use less rather than more.

What not to do

• Do not eat it, and keep the jar out of reach of small children.
• Do not put wazelina techniczna on skin.
• Do not use it on irritated skin or a wound without asking a doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not scoop it out with dirty fingers. A clean spatula is better, especially with a large jar.

Where to buy Vaseline in Poland

Little India sells the Vaseline Blueseal jar 450 ml, the smaller Vaseline Original 100 ml and the large Pure Vaseline Family 1200 ml. All the brand's products are on the Vaseline brand page. Little India has shops in Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław and Gdańsk (shop addresses) and ships orders across Poland.

For other things to buy in an Indian shop in Poland, see our guide to the Indian shop in Poland. If you are interested in traditional tooth care, read what a miswak stick is.