Updated 3/28/2024

I know the title of this post has a lot of people looking at me sideways. Aquaphor is truly a holy grail for a lot of people for a lot of reasons. I used to be on the Aquaphor train, however…the main ingredient in Aquaphor is Petrolatum or as we all know it petroleum jelly. Yes, the same petroleum jelly or Vaseline, that your Mom and Aunties used to slather you up in as a kid, the same petroleum jelly that is used for all scraps, burns, cuts, rashes, you name it, it was used.

Another ingredient in Aquaphor is mineral oil. Mineral oil is a by product of petroleum. Ugh.

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So, why is Petrolatum or Petroleum Jelly considered a toxic ingredient?

I am gonna go into a little science so stick with me for a bit. I would also like to point that there is debate whether the petroleum in the USA includes the possible ingredient below. Regardless, here is the information below.

The main reason why petroleum is considered to be a toxic chemical is due to possible Polyaromatic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) contamination. PAHs are chemicals that naturally occur in things like crude oil, gasoline, and coal. This chemical can also produce when you burn garbage, wood, gas, tobacco and a few other things.

Petroleum jelly is a mixture of hydrocarbon which is derived from Crude Oil. Crude Oil naturally has Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH).

According to the CDC, people are usually exposed to mixtures of PAHs by breathing air contaminated with motor vehicle exhaust, cigarette smoke, wood smoke, or fumes from asphalt roads are common ways exposure occurs. People can also take in PAHs when they eat grilled or charred meats or foods. Exposure to PAHs can cause cancer, liver, and kidney damage, and a host of other issues.

Now that we got science out of the way.

Natural Alternatives to Aquaphor

Here are some of my favorite, tried and true alternatives to petroleum jelly.

1. Alba UnPetroleum Jelly

The ingredients consist of castor oil, sunflower oil and beeswax. I love this option because it still protects like petroleum jelly but without the possible toxic ingredients.

2. THE BALM

This baby was purposefully created to be a petroleum jelly alternative. Its smooth like petroleum jelly, it has staying power and amazing properties that can soothe and protect cuts, scraps and wounds. Can be used for diaper rash, moisture and even as a lip balm. This product is infused with calendula oil and black cumin oil, known for its amazing healing properties.

3. Murumuru butter - this butter in itself is a holy grail. It’s considered the “vegetable silicone” of butter due to its coating and moisturizing properties. I love this butter so much.

4. 365 Wholefoods Multi-Purpose Jelly

This is another great aquaphor alternative to use as it has similar ingredients to Alba listed above but this one also includes Shea butter, green tea, and vitamin e.

You can find this in the store at WholeFoods.

5. Egyptian Magic

Now don’t fight me, it is a bit pricey but I have personally used this and I love it! It’s so smooth and has natural ingredients like propolis, bee pollen and royal jelly which new very moisturizing. These ingredients also come from bees. I know a lot of Vegans and animal lovers are advocates for not using products that have propolis and royal jelly in them so skip over this one if that is your area of concern.

6. Shea Butter - Speaking of Shea butter, this is the muvas of all butters. I don’t need to go any further on this one.

7. CLEAN MUNDI Moisturizing Hair and Body Butter

This has been my go to for years in place of petroleum jelly. I use it for literally everything! Cuts, rashes, dry skin, eczema, flaky skin, everything. It includes some of the good stuff such as shea, cupuacu, and murumuru butter. It provides endless moisture and protection to the skin.

8. Alo Magic Multi-Balm

This price point my turn some away but this ultra rich formula is a great alternative to petroleum jelly. We also love this brand and range of products that they offer.

9. Cocokind Ceramide Recovery Balm

Another clean alternative to petroleum jelly that offers skin barrier support.

Do you all have any alternatives that I did not list? Let us know.

Love,

Mundi🌱