Natural Alternatives to Petroleum Jelly

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Soothe Your Skin With Natural Alternatives to Petroleum Jelly

In the world of skincare, there’s a product that’s been a staple in many households for decades: petroleum jelly. Yes, that trusty jar of goo that seems to have a million and one uses, from moisturizing dry skin to protecting minor cuts and scrapes.

However, here’s the thing about petroleum jelly — it’s made from, you guessed it, petroleum. While it might seem like it helps your skin, it’s not exactly the most environmentally friendly option out there. Plus, do we really want to be slathering fossil fuels all over our bodies?

Fear not, because I’ve got some fantastic natural alternatives to petroleum jelly up my sleeve that you’ll absolutely love. We’re talking about simple, eco-friendly swaps that not only nourish your skin but also tread lightly on the planet. Your skin — and the Earth — will thank you for making the switch!

1. DIY Skin Protector

You don’t have to go out and buy petroleum jelly when you can make your own amazing skin protector balm at home and know exactly what type of ingredients are included. For this DIY skin protector, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 ounces of shaved beeswax
4 ounces of cocoa butter
4 ounces of jojoba oil
A few drops of essential oil (optional, for scent)

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, follow these directions to make your skin protector balm:

Melt the shaved beeswax and cocoa butter in a double boiler.
Stir the jojoba oil into the mixture. (If you’re using essential oil, also add it at this time.)
Pour the mixture into a glass jar and let it cool down before covering.

These ingredients make outstanding alternatives to petroleum jelly because beeswax helps lock moisture in the skin and provides a protective coating. Cocoa butter is also an incredible moisturizer and creates a protective barrier that helps slow the natural escape of moisture from the skin. Both ingredients also help relieve irritation and inflammation, making them great for conditions like eczema.

Even better, this DIY skin protector isn’t the only natural beauty product you can make. If you want to ensure everything you put on your skin is free from harmful chemicals, be sure to check out this guide on everything you need to know about eco beauty products.

2. Badger

If you don’t have time to DIY, that’s no problem. Several companies out there make natural alternatives to petroleum jelly.

One such company is Badger, which has an excellent line of balms that can work wonders on dry, itchy skin. If you’re interested in one of the top natural solutions to soothe your skin, you absolutely can’t beat Badger Balm for Hardworking Hands.

Made with a blend of beeswax and organic extra virgin olive oil, this balm will leave your dry skin feeling unbelievably smooth. Rough hands? Cracked feet? Dry elbows and knees? No problem! Badger Balm is safe to use everywhere — even on the most sensitive skin.

I love that it’s made in the United States using USDA Certified Organic ingredients. It doesn’t contain any synthetics, fragrances, harsh chemicals, parabens, phthalates, BPA, or GMOs. Best of all, Badger is a certified B Corp, and their products are Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free.

3. Waxelene

Waxelene makes an amazing multi-purpose ointment and all-around moisturizing and healing product that’s ideal for dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and more. To use, all you have to do is apply a small amount of the ointment to the desired area on your body and gently spread it around.

Since Waxelene has come up with a patented aeration process that infuses tiny air particles into the formula, you’ll enjoy an ointment with a silky soft texture that provides a thin protective barrier that still lets the skin breathe.

The ointment is petroleum-free, hypoallergenic, and contains no chemical additives. Instead, it’s made with USDA-certified organic ingredients that include soy oil, beeswax, vitamin E oil, and rosemary oil.

You’ll also love that it’s just as versatile as traditional petroleum jelly. You can use it for dry skin, chapped lips, cracked heals, dry cuticles, eczema, psoriasis, cradle cap, diaper rash, slugging, anti-chaffing, and more.

4. Meow Meow Tweet

From their effective natural deodorant to their nourishing natural lip balm, Meow Meow Tweet has an amazing selection of non-toxic skincare products designed to give you the results you want without any nasty chemicals.

If you’re looking for a top alternative to petroleum jelly, this repair balm is a fantastic option. From delicate skin on your face and rough skin on your elbows to cracked lips and dry feet, this balm is perfect to use everywhere on your body.

It’s handmade, vegan, and contains moisture-rich plant oils and healing essential oils that restore and protect chapped, dry, or cracked skin. I also love this repair balm because it comes in a jumbo compostable paper tube that’s compostable when it’s empty, meaning I never have to worry about excess plastic waste!

You can find Meow Meow Tweet products at EarthHero, which is one of my favorite zero waste online stores for all types of essential eco-friendly products. If you decide to get some, you can use the code EARTHFRIENDLY to save 10% on your order!

5. Chaun’s Promise

Chaun’s Promise has several great products that make fine alternatives to petroleum jelly. This Heel and Foot Repair Balm is one of my favorite options.

Although it’s labeled as a heel and foot cream, this balm is a potent emollient that’s specially formulated to relieve and revive dried, cracked skin anywhere on your body. It’s made with natural and organic ingredients that include shea butter, cocoa butter, candelilla wax, and coconut oil.

One thing I absolutely love about Chaun’s Promise is that everything they make comes in 100% biodegradable and compostable paper tubes that are lined with a plant-based wax. Since they don’t use any plastic, you can simply toss the container in your compost bin when it’s empty!

Plus, the Heel and Foot Repair Balm isn’t the only great product you can get from them. They also have an Under Eye Balm that does an incredible job of hydrating and protecting the sensitive skin under your eyes.

Is Petroleum Jelly Bad for You?

Person using two fingers to scoop petroleum jelly out of container

Here’s the great debate: Is petroleum jelly bad for you? Well, let’s break it down.

On one hand, petroleum jelly is hailed for its ability to lock in moisture and create a barrier on the skin, which can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with dryness or irritation. It’s also been used for decades with relatively few reported adverse effects.

However, there are some valid concerns to consider. Firstly, petroleum jelly is derived from crude oil, which means it’s not a renewable or sustainable resource. There’s also the issue of potential contamination with harmful substances.

Petroleum jelly is made from petrolatum, which is a byproduct of petroleum refining. When petrolatum is properly refined, it has no known health concerns. However, petrolatum is often not fully refined, even in the United States.

Incomplete refining leaves behind toxic chemicals like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are considered carcinogenic and have been linked to cancer development.

Additionally, because petroleum jelly forms a barrier on the skin, it can potentially clog pores and interfere with the skin’s natural ability to breathe and detoxify. This might not be a big deal for some, but for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, it could exacerbate existing issues.

Furthermore, there’s the question of environmental impact. The production and disposal of petroleum-based products contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, which can have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and human health alike.

So, is petroleum jelly inherently “bad” for you? It’s not necessarily black and white. For some people, it may be a safe and effective option for occasional use. However, if you’re looking for alternatives that are kinder to both your body and the planet, exploring natural options is definitely worth considering.

Eco-Friendly Skincare: Alternatives to Petroleum Jelly

It’s clear that there’s a whole world of natural alternatives to petroleum jelly out there just waiting to be discovered. From simple DIY recipes to store-bought alternatives made with plant-based ingredients, making the switch from petroleum jelly to natural alternatives is not only better for your skin but also better for the planet.

By opting for natural alternatives, you’re not only avoiding potential exposure to harmful chemicals and reducing your environmental footprint, but you’re also supporting companies that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices.

Whether you’re looking to moisturize dry skin, soothe minor cuts and scrapes, or simply want to embrace a more eco-conscious lifestyle, I hope you feel inspired to give these natural alternatives a try.

Remember, every small change we make in our daily lives has the power to create a big impact. So, here’s to making mindful choices that nourish both body and planet. Together, we can pave the way for a greener, cleaner future!

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