Vaseline is a common, versatile product that, unfortunately, contains by products of crude oils. Learn how easy it is to make your own, natural vaseline with only a few simple ingredients that has a similar look and feel, just without the toxins.

Vaseline

Also known as petroleum jelly, we used it all the time when growing up. Back then, I didn’t know much about chemicals and the effects of using toxic products on the largest organ of our body – the skin.

The natural ingredients used in this recipe provide a moisturising, anti-inflammatory and natural option to the more expensive, chemical filled petroleum commercial product.

Using Vaseline

Apply a small amount of vaseline to:

Chapped lips / as a lip balm
Dry Hands
Treat minor cuts and burns
Promotes healing when applied to sore, red chaffed cheeks, and dry, cracked skin around the nose
Eye makeup remover
Facial moisturiser
Soften dry feet and heels
Cuticle Softener
To help tame eyebrows
Shine shoes and leather
Provide a protective layer or barrier on your sin
Place a small amount around your hairline when colouring your hair to decrease the risk of the colour getting on your skin
Any other ways that you may use vaseline

Carrier Oils

When making vaseline, choosing the correct carrier oil can improve the impact of the vaseline as each carrier oil has its own set of distinct properties. Blending a couple of carrier oils can also help maximise their benefits.

With this vaseline recipe, the carrier oils that can be used are coconut oil and olive oil. Other oils that could be used include:

Avocado Oil
Jojoba Oil
Sweet Almond Oil

You can learn more about carrier oils here.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are potent, and need to be diluted. Make sure to do your research first and use with extreme care. As this vaseline is being used on your skin, you will need to use essential oils that are gentle enough to be applied to your skin – and use in the correct quantities. Be careful to avoid sensitive areas like your eyes. Also, make sure to use oils that are safe for kids if using this vaseline on your kids.

Be careful when using some essential oils such as lemon. This is a photosensitive oil, which means that you can have a reaction if you go out in the sun within a few hours of using it. For this reason, when using Lemon essential oil in body care products, I use this Steam-Distilled Lemon Essential Oil from Plant Therapy as it is not phototoxic, which means you don’t have to worry about phototoxicity.

Eucalyptus essential oil is also an oil that needs to be used with caution. As with some oils, this one should not be used around young children, or those that are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Vaseline Variations

Use ½ cup of olive oil instead of both the coconut oil and olive oil.
Another oil to try is grapeseed oil instead of the coconut oil.
Add a couple of drops of Vitamin E oil
You can substitute carnauba wax for beeswax, though it is harder than beeswax, so you will probably need to decrease the amount slightly.
Vitamin E is optional, and is often added to beauty products as an antioxidant to prevent rancidity, as well as for its amazing skin-healing properties.
Essential oils that could be used in this recipe include: tea tree, peppermint, lavender, bergamot, chamomile, ylang yang, eucalyptus, and frankincense

Ingredients for Making Vaseline

To make around 4 ounces of vaseline, you will need:

¼ Cup Coconut Oil
¼ Cup Olive Oil
2 TBSP Beeswax
15 Drops Essential Oils (optional)

Making Homemade Vaseline

Add the coconut oil, olive oil and beeswax to a glass jar.

Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds, remove and stir, then heat for additional 30 second increments, until fully melted, stirring well between each heating session. A double boiler can also be used to melt these ingredients together.

Wait a few minutes for the mixture to cool a little before adding essential oils, if using.

Pour into containers and let sit until set.

Add the lid and store.

Storing Homemade Vaseline

Store in an airtight glass jar in a dark, cool place for up to one year, though check it regularly.

More Homemade Resources