Healthy petroleum jelly made from 2 ingredients

Advantages and disadvantages of classic petroleum jelly

There must be reasons why this inexpensive, odorless fat cream was – and still is – so popular. It can be used universally to soften lips, care for rough areas of the body such as elbows or heels, serve as a wound ointment for babies, and effectively shield against external influences such as moisture and cold. However, because nothing can reach the skin from the outside, nothing can escape from the inside either. Vaseline literally seals the skin and pores. With prolonged use, conventional Vaseline dries out the skin and destroys the body's own protective function. The solution? More Vaseline to combat dry skin and for protection – a negative vicious circle in which you don't even notice that the relief from your problems is actually the cause of them.

Ingredients in conventional petroleum jelly

Petroleum jelly is obtained from the residues of petroleum refining. This raw material is treated in a complex process with sulfuric acid, activated carbon, and bleaching earth until it is finally available in our stores as a smooth cream.

The main components of petroleum jelly are paraffins, which are extracted from petroleum or mineral oils. They are oily, slightly waxy, and water-repellent substances that are well suited for use in cosmetic products. They are particularly attractive to manufacturers because they are inexpensive to procure and easy to process. Nevertheless, paraffins are controversial as an ingredient, as numerous studies indicate that they could be potentially harmful to health. In random samples taken by Stiftung Warentest, high levels of critical MOAH and MOSH compounds were detected in petroleum jelly. These can accumulate in the body, promote cancer, and attack genetic material. Not what we want, right? Homemade "good petroleum jelly" made from two ingredients Petroleum jelly is actually a brand name for the substance "petroleum jelly" invented by American Robert Chesebrough in the 19th century. We use the name Vaseline here because our homemade version has a similar consistency and can be used just as universally as the original – only with far better effects for the skin and health!

Castor oil and beeswax

Castor oil, the viscous, odorless oil from the miracle tree, is widely regarded as a multi-talented product for skin and hair. It consists of approximately 90% anti-inflammatory ricinoleic acid, contains high levels of vitamin E, and stimulates collagen formation. It helps with blemished and aging skin, has wound-healing properties, nourishes eyebrows and eyelashes, and stimulates hair growth. It provides nutrients to fingernails and nail beds, and with regular use, it can even reduce the appearance of scars.

The recipe for "good Vaseline"

100 ml castor oil (olive oil also works, if preferred)
10 g beeswax (optionally, berry wax for a vegan version)

Pour the oil into a disinfected jar, add the beeswax in small pieces, and slowly heat the mixture in a water bath until the beeswax melts. Only heat as much as necessary!

Remove the jar from the water bath and stir – e.g., with a milk frother – until the cream begins to become jelly-like. Once the mixture is lukewarm but still liquid, you can pour it into sterile jars with screw caps – stirring repeatedly.

TIP: Divide your cream into several jars of different sizes and add different essential oils to each one. Then you'll have several creams in one step: from lip gloss to cold balm to foot ointment.

Variations thanks to essential oils

Two drops each of vanilla and peppermint essential oils mixed with a small amount of "good Vaseline" make a wonderful lip gloss. If you like, you can also melt in a small piece of your favorite lipstick to create a delicately tinted lip blush.

With a few drops of eucalyptus, peppermint, and spruce needle, your cream transforms into a wonderful cold balm that you can rub on your chest, back, and around your nose.

Rosemary oil stimulates hair growth and, in small quantities, is suitable for use in your eyelash growth serum, which, when applied to your eyelashes and eyebrows in the evening (please avoid contact with the eyes), promotes thick, healthy hair growth.

With a little vanilla, ylang ylang, and lavender, it makes a wonderful hand cream that, when applied in bed at night, gives off a soothing scent and leaves your hands soft and smooth overnight.

You can enrich your "good Vaseline" with essential oils of mountain pine, sage, or lemongrass to create a nourishing foot cream for after tiring hikes and to combat sweat odor.

This homemade petroleum jelly, which contains no essential oils, is ideal for protecting your baby's bottom from chafing or protecting your face from the cold when hiking in winter.