Petroleum jelly (commonly referred to by the brand name Vaseline) has been around since the 1870s and is an FDA-approved over-the-counter skin protectant, widely used in cosmetic skin care. However, some doctors believe this petroleum-based product is potentially harmful because it can be difficult for your body to eliminate, sometimes causing toxic buildup in various organs.

How to Make Non-Petroleum Jelly

Ingredients
1/8 cup grated beeswax (about 1 ounce)
1/2 cup olive oil

Method
Combine beeswax and oil in a small saucepan. Melt over very low heat or in the top of a double boiler.

Pour into a jar to cool.

Once completely cool, add lid and close tightly.

If you want a softer consistency, add more oil. It’s okay to remelt the jelly after it has hardened. Just keep working on it until you are happy.

Ways To Use Petroleum-Free Jelly

1. Put a coat of petroleum-free jelly on your feet at night, cover them with socks and you will have softer feet in the morning!
2. Help prevent diaper rash by applying a thin coat of petroleum-free jelly to a baby’s bottom.
3. Use petroleum-free jelly on your knees and elbows to prevent dryness.
4. Remove watermarks on wood by applying petroleum-free jelly and letting it sit overnight. In the morning, wipe away.
5. Use with your lipstick to create a cream blush for your cheeks.
6. Keep shampoo from getting in baby’s eyes by rubbing a line of petroleum-free jelly above the eyebrows (this will make the shampoo run off to the side).
7. Tame your unruly eyebrows with a bit of petroleum-free jelly.
8. Rub a bit of petroleum-free jelly around your hairline when applying hair dye.
9. If you have a squeaky hinge, dab some petroleum-free jelly on it.
10. Use a tiny dab on your shoes and bags for instant shine.
11. Lengthen the life of perfume by first applying a bit of petroleum-free jelly to your skin.
12. Rub petroleum-free jelly on the neck of your nail polish bottles and they won’t get stuck to the caps.
13. Use a touch of petroleum-free jelly mixed with powder eyeshadow pigment to make new colors.
14. Rub a bit of petroleum-free jelly on your pet’s paws if they have cracked pads.
15. Make your lotion last longer by mixing it with petroleum-free jelly.
16. Remove chewing gum from hair by applying petroleum-free jelly. Rub it around until the gum eventually slides right out.
17. Use petroleum-free jelly as a clear mascara (it will still give you volume).
18. Make a flavored lip gloss by combining petroleum-free jelly with a bit of powdered Kool-Aid.
19. Mix with sugar or salt and use as an exfoliating scrub.
20. Put a bit of petroleum-free jelly on your lips, scrub gently with a toothbrush and wipe clean.
21. Massage into your cuticles to prevent drying.
22. Apply petroleum-free jelly to your teeth before applying lipstick to prevent lipstick from sticking to your teeth.