Natural Alternatives to Petroleum Jelly

For over a century, petroleum jelly has been hailed as a dry skin saviour and a cornerstone of many people’s beauty routines. With the current shift in the skincare industry, however, and the abundance of information available on different ingredients, consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of how their personal care products affect their well-being and the environment. 

As a result, the safety, efficacy, and sustainability of petroleum jelly have come into question.

Petroleum jelly is a mixture of mineral oils and waxes derived from the same petroleum used in cars. It has a soft, thick texture that creates an occlusive layer on the skin. While petroleum jelly has been used for various household needs for many years, consumers have started looking for safer, natural alternatives.

The history and cultural significance of petroleum jelly

Petroleum jelly, also known as petrolatum and paraffin, was initially discovered in 1859 by chemist Robert Chesbrough on an oil rig in Titusville, Pennsylvania. He noticed that oil workers collecting crude oil would apply the jelly-like residue to their skin to treat burns. Chesbrough then decided to package this crude oil byproduct and sell it under the name Vaseline in 1870, promoting the product for its “healing properties.”

For over 150 years, petroleum jelly has been a staple in households worldwide. It acts as an occlusive, creating a barrier that locks in moisture underneath it. Petroleum jelly also prevents air from drawing moisture from the skin. It is most commonly used to treat chapped hands and lips.

The problem with petroleum jelly

Petroleum jelly is derived from the same toxic crude oil used in cars. When properly refined, this common household item is believed to have no known health concerns.

It’s important to note that petroleum jelly is not suitable for all skin types or concerns, even when properly refined and free of toxic contaminants. The topical application of petroleum jelly and other petroleum-based products may interfere with the skin’s natural ability to form a protective film, especially after an injury. 

The occlusive, thick layer does not allow the skin to breathe properly. While it may be effective at treating dry and chapped skin, petroleum jelly’s texture does not allow other beneficial ingredients to penetrate the skin.

Natural raw materials to use in place of petroleum jelly

Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii)

Extracted from the shea nuts of the Karité tree, this emollient is one of the most sought-after ingredients in vegan skincare, haircare, and cosmetics. Its rich nutrient profile helps replenish dry, chapped skin. Constituents such as linoleic, palmitic, stearic, and oleic fatty acids manage water loss and restore moisture. Meanwhile, vitamins A, E, and F possess antioxidant properties that promote skin cell turnover, revealing renewed, healthy-looking skin.

Cetyl ester is responsible for shea butter’s waxy texture, which conditions the skin and locks in moisture—making it an excellent natural alternative to petroleum jelly. At Oleo Bodycare, we use shea butter in all of our handmade soaps, our Happy Lips Lip Balm, Protect & Hydrate SPF30 Face Cream, and our highly effective Intensive Dry Skin Balm.

Rice Bran Wax (Oryza sativa)

Rice bran wax is an excellent vegan alternative to beeswax. It is a sustainable raw material that creates a hydrating barrier, protecting the skin from harsh environmental elements. When used topically, rice bran wax is believed to repair damage, exfoliate the skin, and promote cell renewal.

Its restorative, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties make this natural wax suitable for various skin types, including mature skin, dry skin, and skin affected by eczema and psoriasis. You will find this wax in Oleo’s beautifully fragranced Massage Balms, Happy Lips Lip Balm, Intensive Dry Skin Balm, and our Rose Petal Cleansing Balm.

Olive Oil (Olea europaea)

Rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and polyphenols, olive oil is a deeply nourishing emollient. It serves as a great alternative to petroleum jelly in skincare and haircare formulations.

• Oleic and linoleic acids condition dry skin and hair, encouraging water retention.

• Polyphenols are believed to repair extra dry skin, promote healthy skin cells, and improve elasticity in maturing skin.

• Vitamin E and carotenoids replenish the skin, support elastin and collagen production, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Olive oil is a key ingredient in our Massage Balms, Facial Cleansing Bar, Geranium & Lavender Shampoo Bar, and our soaps.

Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacao)

Cocoa butter is a luxuriously rich moisturiser derived from cacao beans inside cocoa tree pods. When applied topically, it coats the skin with a protective barrier, promoting water retention in extremely dry skin.

Its fatty acid profile includes oleic, stearic, palmitic, linoleic, arachidic, and palmitoleic acids, which help condition the skin and hair while preventing moisture loss. Vitamin E provides antioxidant benefits for maturing skin, while vitamin K helps treat acne and scars—making cocoa butter a versatile alternative to petroleum jelly. Cocoa butter can be found in our Happy Lips and Intensive Dry Skin Balm.

Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera)

Rich in phytonutrients, polyphenols, and antioxidants, coconut oil is one of the most effective emollients for dry skin and brittle hair.

• Its polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats offer antimicrobial and antifungal properties while replenishing moisture and shine.

• Polyphenols found in unrefined varieties soothe inflammation, repair damaged skin, support elasticity, and promote healthy hair growth.

Coconut oil’s ability to penetrate the skin seamlessly makes it as effective as petroleum jelly for treating dryness. However, it is gentler on the skin, hair, and environment.

Due to coconut oil’s numerous benefits, you will find it in many of our products at Oleo, including:

• All of our facial moisturisers

• Blissful Body Cream

• Rosemary & Nettle Hair Conditioner

• Light Cleansing Lotion... and many more!

Other ways to avoid petroleum jelly in your personal care routine

Avoid petroleum byproducts – This includes mineral oil, paraffin wax, petrolatum, and formaldehyde.

Choose petroleum-free products – Look for alternatives like coconut oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter. These ingredients are just as effective while being kinder to your skin and the environment.

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