A few weeks ago, I released a natural dupe for E45 Cream, and you have all been loving it. So I thought I would do a natural dupe of another famous product that we've all grown up with: Vaseline!
Vaseline is without doubt an amazing product with multiple uses that is also highly effective. But like E45 Cream, it is filled with petroleum derivatives that do a great job of occluding and protecting the skin but without any other true benefits. And I'm not bashing that-sometimes this is all it takes to make a great product!
But we'd like to make a more natural version without any petroleum derivatives, so let's dive in.
Creating a Natural Alternative
To me, the most unique thing about Vaseline is its great consistency. In anhydrous natural products, it can sometimes be quite tricky to achieve certain consistencies. It may go too hard in winter or too soft in summer, or even go grainy with temperature fluctuations.
So we need to be careful about which ingredients we use. While you can use them, I'm going to avoid butters in this case, as the stearic acid content is what gives the grainy appearance in cold weather. There are ways to get around that, but I want something simple that doesn't require much technical expertise.
Instead, I'm going for oils with viscous consistencies such as castor oil and olive oil, and thickeners and texturizers like beeswax and lanolin.
In the end, I think I managed to achieve a pretty good Vaseline/petroleum jelly substitute. It has a similar texture and feel: proof that you can achieve everything that petroleum derivatives do, without the petroleum derivative!
Uses for Your Natural Vaseline Substitute
Like traditional Vaseline, these natural dupes are versatile. They can be used as a makeup remover, moisturiser, lip balm, wound salve, cuticle balm, heel balm, anti-chafe treatment, and even as part of your slugging routine.
With these natural ingredients, you get the added benefit of nourishing your skin with every use. Give them a try!
N.B. These are not vegan formulas as they make use of beeswax and lanolin.
The Magic of Slugging
Vaseline is widely known for its ability to lock in moisture and protect the skin, making it a popular choice for a skincare technique called slugging. Slugging involves applying a thick layer of an occlusive product like Vaseline over your face as the final step in your nighttime skincare routine. This helps to seal in moisture and enhances the absorption of other skincare products, making it particularly beneficial for those with dry or dehydrated skin.
While petroleum jelly is highly effective in this role, it lacks additional nourishing properties. This is where a natural alternative can offer more, providing the same occlusive benefits while also delivering nutrients to the skin.
