Vaseline, also referred to as the ‘wonder jelly’, is every woman and mom’s go-to salve. You can use it to remove eye makeup, help heal chapped lips or cheeks, treat cracked heels, soothe dry skin and lock in moisture, soften cuticles, protect the skin from germs and harsh weather – the list is endless.

For good reason, this small tub of petroleum jelly has been indispensable household item. But little did you know that some types of petroleum jelly do more harm than good to our bodies. Of particular concern are those that contain unrefined petrolatum, a by-product of oil drilling.

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Need an easy solution? Make petroleum free jelly at home.

how to make petroleum free jelly

You can easily make a homemade salve that will meet your family’s needs without posing a health risk. Whip up your own safe, petroleum-free jelly using just beeswax along with coconut oil or olive oil as the basic ingredients. For extra skin-nourishing benefits, you can add pure aloe vera gel to the recipe as well.

Beeswax is a natural and non-toxic thickening agent used in many beauty products. It protects and hydrates your skin. It is also well tolerated even by the most sensitive skin types. Coconut and olive oil on the other hand provide necessary nourishment and guard your skin against infections.

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Note: You can also add aloe vera to both the recipes mentioned here for its moisturizing and healing benefits. Though we have skipped it keeping the recipe basic, but you can definitely go ahead with it.
Go with one of the quantities mentioned below:
Fresh aloe vera gel - 2 tablespoons
Store-bought pure aloe vera gel - 1/4 cup

Method 1: Use Olive Oil and Beeswax

Yes, you read it right! Just these two ingredients and voilá – homemade Vaseline!

Things you’ll need:

things you'll need to make petroleum free jelly

  • Beeswax, shredded (protects and hydrates skin) – ¼ cup
  • Olive oil (moisturizing properties, rich in antioxidants) – ½ cup

Step 1. Put beeswax and olive oil in a double boiler

put beeswax and olive oil in a double boiler

  • Arrange a double boiler by putting some stones into a large saucepan.This will create a raised platform for the arrangement of a double boiler.
  • Fill the pan one-fourth of the way with water and place a glass bowl in the middle of the pan.
  • Put ¼ cup of shredded beeswax into the bowl. You can also use beeswax pellets.
  • Pour in ½ cup of olive oil as well.

Step 2. Heat the ingredients on low until the beeswax melts

heat the ingredients on low

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  • Allow the beeswax to melt completely on low heat.
  • Whisk the ingredients occasionally to ensure that they mix well.
  • Once melted, remove the bowl from the heat.

Step 3. Transfer the liquid to a jar and let it solidify

pour the liquid into a jar

  • Carefully, transfer the liquid into a jar and let it cool off for a couple of hours.
  • Once it has solidified, close the lid and store it in a cool place. It should stay good for 6 months.
  • Use it to your heart’s content and enjoy baby-soft skin throughout the winter.

final using olive oil and beeswax to make petroleum jelly

Method 2: Use Coconut Oil, Olive Oil and Beeswax

You can make your homemade Vaseline more nourishing by using coconut oil along with olive oil. Olive oil is loaded with antioxidants while coconut oil helps with the moisture balance.

Things you’ll need:

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things you'll need to make petroleum free jelly

  • Beeswax, shredded (protects and hydrates skin) – 2 tablespoons
  • Coconut oil (antibacterial and healing properties) – ¼ cup
  • Olive oil (moisturizing properties, rich in antioxidants) – ¼ cup

Step 1. Put beeswax, coconut oil and olive oil in a double boiler

put beeswax, coconut oil and olive oil in double boiler

  • Put some stones into a large saucepan to create a raised platform.
  • Fill the pan one-fourth of the way with water and place a glass bowl in the middle of the pan to create a makeshift double boiler.
  • Add about 2 tablespoons of shredded beeswax to the bowl. You can also use beeswax pellets.
  • Pour ¼ cup each of olive oil and coconut oil over the wax.

Step 2. Heat the ingredients on low until the beeswax melts

heat the ingredients on low

  • Melt the beeswax completely on low heat.
  • Whisk occasionally to mix all 3 ingredients.
  • Once melted, remove the bowl from the heat.

Step 3. Transfer the resulting liquid into a jar and let it solidify

pour the melted liquid into a jar

  • Pour the liquid into a jar and allow it to solidify.
  • You can use this homemade petroleum-free jelly for up to 6 months.
  • Use it like your regular Vaseline, the only difference being that it is more nourishing and skin-friendly.

final using olive oil, coconut oil and beeswax to make petroleum jelly

Tips to keep in mind

  • You can add 2 or 3 drops of your favorite essential oil to enhance the healing properties of your homemade Vaseline. Tea tree oil, peppermint oil and lavender oil are good choices.
  • When buying beeswax, opt for pellets rather than blocks. They are easy to measure and save you the hassle of shredding or cutting big chunks.
  • If opting for beeswax pellets, choose yellow ones. They are less refined and have their natural properties intact.

Summary of How to Make Petroleum(Free) Jelly

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how to make petroleum free jelly

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