A few years ago, there was a lot of concern around the web about the safety of petroleum jelly (AKA Vaseline). Petroleum jelly, as its name suggests, is derived from petroleum. Before being refined, it contains carcinogens that can be harmful to your health, or even cause cancer. No wonder people were a bit freaked out about it!
But the FDA has set a standard for the refinement and purification of petroleum jelly. The refinement process is supposed to be thorough enough to remove all the carcinogens from the product. When petroleum jelly meets this refinement standard, it is considered safe enough to be used in beauty and health products, or on its own.
But even with FDA standards, refinement, and purification, it’s understandable that people might still be nervous about using a petroleum product on their bodies. But the good news is that you don’t have to! You can make an all-natural version of “petroleum” jelly right at home. It only has two ingredients, and it couldn’t be any easier to make! You can use it in all the same ways you would use regular Vaseline, like to treat dry, itchy skin. (One of my very favorite ways to use it is to make my own lip stain, but we’ll get to that later in the post!)
Here’s how you can make it at home. Give it a try, and experience it for yourself! 🙂
Homemade Vaseline (Petroleum-Free Jelly)
Ingredients:
- 1/8 cup beeswax pellets
- 1/2 cup olive oil
Directions:
Combine beeswax and oil in a small glass jar or bowl. Place the container over (or into) a small pan of simmering water. Stir occasionally until the ingredients have melted and combined.
Pour the melted oil and beeswax mixture into a small container with a lid. Allow the mixture to cool completely, then use as needed.
The finished product has a texture that’s similar to regular petroleum jelly, but has the added benefits of all-natural ingredients. Beeswax has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help treat minor cuts and burns. And olive oil is very moisturizing to skin, and contains plenty of beneficial antioxidants too.
As for what you can do with it, there are simply too many uses to list here! Luckily we have another blog post devoted to dozens of ways to put your homemade Vaseline to good use! 🙂
Related: 57 Uses For Petroleum-Free Jelly
One of my favorite ways to use my homemade Vaseline is to make this super easy lip stain! It’s a great way to get the moisturizing effects of Vaseline while still getting a bit of color on your lips as well.
How To Use Homemade Vaseline To Make Your Own Lip Stain
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp berry-flavored drink powder (or lemon-berry drink powder for an added “plumping” effect)
- 3 tsp homemade Vaseline
- Sprinkle of water
Directions:
Pour the drink powder into a small bowl, and sprinkle with just enough water for the powder to dissolve.
Next, add your homemade Vaseline to the bowl and stir until smooth. Transfer your lip stain to a small container with an airtight lid.
Smooth a small amount over your lips to moisturize and add a splash of color! Use a lemon-berry flavored drink mix (instead of plain berry) for an added tingling effect that will plump up your lips. I love a good two-for-one! 🙂
