• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
live love fruit logo

Live Love Fruit

Eat Vibrantly. Live Vibrantly

About Start Here Work With Me

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • About
  • Health
  • Remedies
  • Recipes
  • A-Z Conditions
  • Fitness
  • Environment
  • Self Improvement
  • My LLF
  • Shop
Category: > Health > 5 Vaseline Alternatives To End Your Toxic Petroleum Jelly Addiction

5 Vaseline Alternatives To End Your Toxic Petroleum Jelly Addiction

Feb 8, 2018 Carly Fraser Post contains aAffiliate links Save For Later Print

Last Updated: Dec 16, 2019

1.4Kshares
  • Facebook 1.2K
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

vaseline alternatives

Petroleum jelly, the main ingredient in Vaseline®, is often used in beauty products and even on its own to help fix dry skin problems. While it does seem to help at first, the longer-term effects of using Vaseline aren’t very promising.

While many people choose Vaseline for its low cost, no scent and skin-softening properties, they aren’t aware of the steps taken to create the product in the first place.

What is Petroleum Jelly?

Petroleum jelly (or petrolatum) is a by-product of the oil refining process. It is essentially a mixture of the hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum – you know, the same stuff used in our cars and lawn mowers.

Petroleum jelly was originally found in the bottom of oil rigs and is further refined for use in the beauty industry. While packaging and safety info claim that all harmful components are removed before use in personal care products, some sources argue that it still contains harmful components like hydrocarbons.

Petroleum Jelly is used in everything from lotions to baby products. On labels, it appears as one of the four following:
– Petrolatum
– Mineral Oil
– Liquid Paraffin
– Paraffin Oil

Petroleum Jelly Doesn’t Moisturize

Rubbing a byproduct of crude oil onto your skin isn’t the only concern when it comes to these products. Since petroleum jelly products (like Vaseline) sit on top of the skin and prevent moisture evaporation, the also prevent the skin from drawing moisture from the air. This results in trapped sebum and bacteria, preventing the skin from expelling toxins.

This is also the very reason why petroleum jelly should never be used on a burn or sunburn, as it locks in heat and can block the body’s ability to heal.

So, while you may think your skin is being moisturized, it is only the illusion of it that is taking place. There is actually nothing in petroleum jelly that nourishes the skin to result in the longer-term benefit of soft, supple skin.

Unless you’re hiking Everest and require that barrier against the deathly cold, dry air and wind that would otherwise burn your skin off, it really isn’t necessary.

Other Issues with Petroleum Jelly

Aside from blocking pores and trapping bacteria, petroleum jelly also carries some bigger problems as well.

1. Hydrocarbons

Petroleum jelly runs a high risk of containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), contaminants linked to cancer (1). These compounds have the ability to store in fat tissue, as pointed out by this 2011 study:

“There is strong evidence that mineral oil hydrocarbons are the greatest contaminant of the human body, amounting to approximately 1 gram per person. Possible routes of contamination include air inhalation, food intake, and dermal absorption.”

The study evaluated the long-term storage potential of these hydrocarbons in the body, and also a woman’s ability to pass them on to her child through breastfeeding. They discovered strong correlations between the amounts of fat tissue (from c-sections and breast milk samples) and the amounts of hydrocarbons passed on in breastmilk. Not surprisingly enough, they also found strong potential links between cosmetic and beauty product use and contamination.

The European Union, whose cosmetic safety standards are more stringent than those of the U.S., restrict the use of petrolatum in cosmetics and set a PAH limit (2).

2. Collagen Breakdown

While there are lots of websites out there claiming that Vaseline is a powerful anti-aging secret, the truth is that it isn’t. The barrier that the jelly creates on the skin brings up concerns about its ability to cause collagen breakdown (not a good thing).

When petroleum jelly coats the skin, it prevents it from breathing and absorbing nutrients. This slows the cell renewal process, and causes the skin to pull necessary moisture and nutrients from within. This leads to sunken-in, life-less looking skin over time, and increased collagen breakdown (aka – wrinkles!).

3. Estrogen Dominance

Another problem with petroleum jelly is the issue of estrogen dominance (when the body has high levels of estrogen in relation to progesterone). Estrogen dominance is linked to infertility, accelerated aging, allergies, menstrual problems, autoimmune problems, nutrient deficiencies, sleep problems and even some types of cancers.

Petroleum jelly contains chemicals called xenoestrogens, which may increase estrogen production in the body. These chemicals can act on hormone receptors in the body, and eventually lead to estrogen dominance (3).

4. Other Carcinogens

Petroleum-based products contain many other harmful chemicals like 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen (4). And while it is extremely rare that it may occur, lipid pneumonia has been documented in some cases, where petroleum jelly is applied around the nasal area. The condition occurs when small amounts of petroleum jelly are inhaled, and build up in the lungs (5). This creates severe inflammation of the lungs, which is difficult to treat.

5 Vaseline Alternatives

While Vaseline may not be loaded with carcinogens (even though it receives a high rank of 4 in the EWG Skin Deep Database), why use it when there are perfectly healthy and environmentally-friendly alternatives?

The environmental effects of supporting products that utilize petroleum in their ingredients also means you’re supporting petroleum drilling and refinement, which pollutes the soil, water and air. Cocoa, mango and shea butters do the exact opposite. They minimize environmental impact while helping support communities (always look for fair trade when buying these products!).

There are many great plant oils out there like shea butter, cocoa butter and mango butter, which soothe, soften, and heal the skin much more effectively than Vaseline and other petroleum products. These Vaseline alternatives are not only gentle on the skin, but they’re safer for the planet.

1. Jojoba Oil

I personally love jojoba oil to help moisturize my skin. Jojoba oil is a wax ester that is most similar to human skin oil (sebum). Applying it to your skin will actually trick your skin into thinking that it is producing enough oil, and thus balance oil production. It doesn’t evaporate, and helps keep the skin moisturized all day long.

My favourite brand is by Desert Essence.

2. Shea Butter

This natural plant butter is a superfood that helps nourish the skin with vitamins A and E, as well as essential fatty acids. This means that using shea butter will not only moisturize, but it will help reduce the appearance of scars, as well as minimize wrinkling. The essential fatty acids will also lessen skin inflammation and increase collagen production. It can be used on its own, or blended with other butters to create a nice fluffy body butter.

I’ve had excellent results with Nourish Organic’s brand of shea butter.

3. Cocoa Butter

A great source of antioxidants and beneficial fatty acids. It also contains beneficial plant-based saturated fats, which are especially useful for healing dry, cracked skin. Cocoa butter is an emollient, so it adds a protective layer of hydration wherever you use it (like on your lips for example). It can help block the effects of very cold temperatures, sun damage, or indoor heat, which can leave your lips (and skin) excessively dry.

I like this brand of cocoa butter.

4. Waxelene

This leader of petroleum jelly substitutes has created a product that feels and acts like Vaseline, but doesn’t clog your pores. It’s made with soy oil, beeswax, rosemary oil, and vitamin E. It is also gluten-free. You can find it here.

5. Jao Brand Goe Oil

This company went out of their way to create a jojoba-oil based Vaseline-type product that looks and feels similar, but is waaaay better for your skin. It also smells amazing, and it easily transportable. You can find this ointment here.

This post contains affiliate links

1.4Kshares
  • Facebook 1.2K
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

Filed Under: Health, Natural Beauty Tagged With: dry skin, moisturize skin, petroleum jelly dangers, vaseline alternatives

Carly Fraser

About the Author

Carly Fraser has her BSc (Hons.) Degree in Neuroscience, and is the owner and founder at Live Love Fruit. She currently lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with a determined life mission to help inspire and motivate individuals to critically think about what they put in their bodies and to find balance through nutrition and lifestyle. She has helped hundreds of thousands of individuals to re-connect with their bodies and learn self-love through proper eating habits and natural living. She loves to do yoga, dance, and immerse herself in nature.

View Profile

Reader Interactions

Related Posts

  • Kick Your Caffeine Habit with These 2 Iced Coffee Alternatives
  • Top 6 Safe And Natural Alternatives To Ibuprofen
  • Vitamin D Deficiency May Lead to Addiction
  • antacid alternatives
    Got Heartburn? Try These 7 Natural Alternatives To Antacids That Actually Work!
  • green juice with illustration of lungs beside
    Watercress Juice to Detox the Lungs During or After Smoking
  • This Smoothie Quickly and Safely Removes Toxic Waste That Has Been Sitting In Your Colon For Days
  • Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): The Toxic Food Additive You Must Ditch Today!

Comments

  1. marcia rea says

    Mar 6, 2019 at 12:58 am

    I. m sort of convinced that Vaseline is not a product for the face even though I have been applying it to my face since I was 16 ,im 80 now. I, told that I look 60, I don,t see that in the mirror . suppose I,ll swap to joaba oil, here,s hoping, it won,t age me, I have a lot of age spots, any clues on that.kind regards marcia

    Reply
    • Carly Fraser says

      Mar 6, 2019 at 11:05 am

      Yes! Jojoba oil will make your skin so supple and soft. It’s the only thing I will use on my face now, everything else feels super off and doesn’t nourish my skin as good 🙂

      Reply
    • Sandy says

      Feb 5, 2020 at 7:30 am

      I use essential oil tee tree oil to help heal cuts, bruises & old age spots.

      Reply
  2. Lauren R says

    Dec 17, 2019 at 7:42 pm

    Would any of these be prefered for babies? Doctor recommended vasolene for babies eczema patch in her face but I’d rather use one of these!
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Carly Fraser says

      Dec 19, 2019 at 8:51 am

      Absolutely. These are all better alternatives for babies, I would highly recommend using them over vaseline any day!

      Reply
  3. Mary says

    Feb 5, 2020 at 5:27 am

    Give me a flyin break! $59 for 3 oz. God oil?.
    And not one mention of coconut oil, hemp oil, or olive oil, or Arman oil.
    Get with it!

    Reply
    • Carly Fraser says

      Feb 5, 2020 at 4:48 pm

      Those are all great moisturizers, I gave suggestions as to what someone might want if they are looking for something with the same texture/feel as vaseline. But yes, argan oil, jojoba oil, are all great moisturizers.

      Reply
  4. Henry says

    Feb 4, 2021 at 7:51 am

    I’m a runner and use Vaseline as an anti chaffing agent, should i switch to KY gel?

    Reply
    • Carly Fraser says

      Feb 4, 2021 at 5:26 pm

      Any of the alternatives that I mention in this article would work great!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Free Ebook

Success! Please check your inbox to download your FREE eBook.

Reduce Chronic Inflammation Naturally!

The Ultimate Guide to Fight Inflammation and Restore Your Health!

21 Ways to Reduce Chronic Inflammation

Recent Posts

freshly pressed pineapple juice

15 Impressive Health Benefits of Pineapple Juice

healthy weight loss smoothie recipe with bananas, greens and pineapple

Healthy Weight Loss Smoothie Recipe to Burn Fat

resistance band glute workout set of 4 illustrated exercises

The Best Resistance Band Glute Workout

diagram of different plant foods rich in zinc

24 Zinc-Rich Plant Foods to Boost Immunity and Fight Disease

Popular Posts

Man spraying pesticides on tea plants with other side of image showing dry loose tea bags

Pesticides in Tea: Is Your Favorite Tea Contaminated with Harmful Chemicals?

glyphosate in wine

Monsanto’s Harmful Chemical Glyphosate Found In 100% Of California Wines Tested

whole dandelion plant with flowers and roots on cutting board on a table

Dandelions Are Not Weeds! Top 10 Health Benefits of Dandelion

johnson & johnson baby products in pharmacy

Johnson & Johnson Finally Admits: Our Baby Products Contain Cancer-Causing Ingredients

10 Plants That Attract Dragonflies for Mosquito Control

companion planting chart

Use This Companion Planting Chart to Help Your Garden Thrive

France Bans Neonicotinoid Pesticides

France Bans All Five Neonicotinoid Pesticides Linked to Bee Deaths

Glyphosate in Food: Complete List of Products and Brands Filled with Dangerous Weed-Killer

whales dying from plastic pollution

Whales Dying From Plastic Pollution Are a Grave Reminder to Give Up Our Addiction to Plastics

illustrated piriformis muscle showing trigger points and radiating pain

How To Get A Deep Piriformis Stretch To Get Rid of Sciatica, Hip & Lower Back Pain

RECOMMENDED

Cymbiotika B12
Cymbiotika the omega
Cymbiotika D3+K2+CoQ10
Cymbiotika coated silver

Thank you! Please check your inbox to confirm your subscription!

Want to reduce inflammation and restore your health?

Join Live Love Fruit and we'll show you how!

Footer

Stay Connected!

Follows
  • 312.8k Followers
  • 1.9k Followers
  • 66.5k Followers
  • 441 Followers
  • 10.9k Followers
  • Home
  • About
  • Start Here
  • Write For LLF
  • Contact

Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
Content on Live Love Fruit may not be reproduced in any form.
Ads provided by AdThrive. Displayed ads do not constitute endorsement or recommendation by Live Love Fruit.

Copyright © 2012 - 2021 Live Love FruitPrivacy Policy | Terms of Service | Full Disclaimer | Affiliate Disclosure

1.4Kshares
  • 1.2K