Non Petroleum Jelly

As I have mentioned before, we are slowly trying to decontaminate our household from as many toxic products as we can.  I have found a replacement for petroleum jelly (Vaseline) made from all natural products.  First let's discuss why petroleum jelly may not be as safe as we have always believed.  After a quick online search I have found that petroleum jelly is not actually a moisturizer at all.  It is instead a "sealant".  This may help protect the skin from exposure, but it can cause a disruption in the body's ability to get rid of toxins through the skin and to heal.  It is made from a by-product of petroleum products.  The EU has banned the use of petrolatum (petroleum jelly) from many of the skincare products used there.  Their findings suggest that skin care products containing petrolatum have no label disclosing whether the product is high or low in carcinogenic PAHs.  PAHs are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and are linked to cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, endocrine disruption and bioaccumulation.  Now, as with most things, there are doctors that continue to say that the FDA monitors the refining of petrolatum in America to ensure it is safe and does not contain any cancer causing agents.  That may be true, but I have begun to greatly distrust the FDA after so many of the drugs and chemicals they have stated as "safe" have later been proven to be anything but.  So, I have decided it is better to make it at home and know it is made with nontoxic ingredients. 

Non Petroleum Jelly
1/8 Cup of beeswax
1/2 Cup of olive oil
 That's it.  Just 2 ingredients.  Melt them together on low or in a double boiler and pour into a jar to cool. 

This can be used as a base for many other skin care products or used alone as a skin protector/moisturizer.  Very simple, very inexpensive, and it comes with that good feeling that you are making healthy products for your family at home.