Petroleum Jelly as the name suggests is a derivative of Petroleum. We all know now that it is not good for our health or skin.
Unlike before, there’s a lot of awareness about good and bad ingredients, carcinogens and whatnot. Until few years back, petroleum jelly was a household stable and used for almost anything. But as awareness grew about it’s carcinogenic properties, increasingly more people begun to look for alternatives.
Though there are set standards for refining of petroleum jelly and when followed diligently, the refining process is said t o eliminate the carcinogens it’s not reassuring. Is it? So I wanted to prepare a suitable alternative so we don’t miss the petroleum jelly anymore. Ready to find out ladies?
Ingredients
Beeswax – 2 Tbsp.
Olive Oil – 4 Tbsp.
Lavender Essential Oil – 7 Drops (Optional)
Instructions
Heat the beeswax pellets or shaving in your double boiler.
When it begin to melt add the Olive Oil and stir to combine.
Once melted remove from heat and let it sit for a bit.
Add in Lavender Essential Oil (if using) and stir.
Transfer to a sterilized jar and let it cool down.
Tip to Tweak the Recipe
You can skip the use of Lavender Essential Oil though it is mild and has healing and soothing properties. It makes a good addition to this recipe.
You could check the consistency of the resulting jelly and choose the wax:oil ration according to your preference.
You could use healing, soothing, nourishing and moisturizing carrier oils like Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil or Calendula Oil for this recipe.
Alternatively, you can also add Arnica or Calendula Oil additionally.
Hemp Oil and Avocado Oil are other two alternatives that make a good substitute for those who don’t prefer Olive Oil. Hemp Oil is especially good for those with ache and pains, besides the nutritional value. Avocado oil is on the thicker side, so you might have to add Sweet Almond or Coconut Oil if the consistency isn’t to your preference.
Why These Ingredients?
Olive Oil is healing and smoothens scars over. It’s also a suitable for use on private parts if there’s a need! The texture of Olive Oil is slightly different from nut oils as they’re extracted from fruits of the Olive tree and as such, the oil is slightly moist oil and give this jelly the right consistency in my opinion. However, I have also liked the results with Avocado & Sweet Almond or Jojoba Oils.
Beeswax gives the right consistency, besides being an ingredient that can be used for anything and everything healing.
I liked it with or without Lavender Essential Oil but better with it. It depends on your preference and use, as well.
I used Calendula or Arnica oils when I wanted to up the healing quotient but usually kept it simple and made additions as and when needed, for just the required amount.
As always, feel free to work around the recipe and identify what works for you best. Keep us posted with your results, and write to us for any questions or queries. Don’t have time for DIY recipes? Try Aya Naturals range of skin care products for skin or face care needs.
