What if you don't have Vaseline? Exploring the Best Alternatives

September 24, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 100 years ago, Vaseline was first introduced to the market, becoming a household staple for countless ailments. But what if you don't have Vaseline when you need it most? Fortunately, there are many highly effective, natural, and commercial alternatives available to soothe, protect, and moisturize your skin.

Quick Summary

Several natural and commercial products can effectively replace petroleum jelly for moisturizing, protecting minor wounds, and soothing chapped skin. Options range from plant-based oils and butters to specialty ointments, providing solutions that are often gentler on the skin and more environmentally friendly.

Key Points

Coconut Oil is a Top Substitute: It’s rich in fatty acids, acts as an effective emollient for dry skin, and has antimicrobial properties for minor scrapes.
Shea Butter Offers Deep Moisturization: Ideal for very dry or irritated skin, its vitamins and fatty acids help repair and soothe damaged skin.
Petroleum-Free Products are Readily Available: Commercial brands like Waxelene and Alba Botanica offer dedicated petroleum-free jelly alternatives.
Alternatives Have Diverse Uses: Substitutes can be used for chapped lips, makeup removal, hair taming, and chafing prevention, not just moisturizing.
Consider Ingredient Properties: Look for alternatives with occlusive properties to create a barrier, or humectants and emollients to actively hydrate the skin.

Top Natural Alternatives to Petroleum Jelly

When you're looking for a substitute, many natural options can be found in your pantry or local health food store. These alternatives are often celebrated for their moisturizing properties and lack of petroleum-based ingredients.

Coconut Oil

Rich in saturated fatty acids, coconut oil acts as an excellent emollient, filling in gaps in dry skin to make it feel smooth. It’s also known for its antimicrobial properties, making it useful for minor cuts and scrapes. A 2014 study found coconut oil to be as effective as petroleum jelly for treating dry skin, providing significant improvement in skin hydration.

For Dry Skin: Apply a thin layer to damp skin after showering to lock in moisture.
For Chapped Lips: Dab a small amount on your lips throughout the day.
For Minor Wounds: Apply to a clean wound to create a protective barrier.

Shea Butter

Extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, shea butter is a deeply nourishing moisturizer. Its rich fatty acid profile and vitamins make it particularly effective for very dry or irritated skin.

For Dry Skin: Massage a small amount into elbows, knees, and feet before bed.
For Eczema: Its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe flare-ups.
For Chafing: Apply to areas prone to chafing for lubrication and protection.

Olive Oil

While a 2013 study found olive oil could damage the skin barrier on some participants, other sources champion its use as a natural moisturizer due to its vitamin E and antioxidant content. It's best used in small amounts and monitored for adverse reactions.

For Removing Makeup: Gently massage a few drops onto your face and wipe away with a warm cloth.
For Massage: Use as a natural massage oil to moisturize the skin.

Beeswax

Often used in lip balms, beeswax creates a protective, hydrating barrier on the skin, shielding it from environmental irritants. It is a key ingredient in many commercial petroleum-free balms.

Cocoa Butter

This rich fat derived from cacao beans works by coating the skin with a protective layer, promoting water retention. It's excellent for severely dry skin and boasts a pleasant, natural aroma.

Commercial Products and Specialty Ointments

For those who prefer a store-bought solution, several brands offer petroleum-free ointments that mimic Vaseline's protective function.

Waxelene: Made with organic soy oil, beeswax, rosemary oil, and vitamin E, this product offers a similar texture and function to Vaseline without petroleum. It's widely available and comes in various sizes.
Alba Botanica Un-Petroleum: This multi-purpose jelly uses beeswax, coconut oil, and vitamin E to soothe and protect skin. It’s a popular vegan-friendly option.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment: While some versions contain mineral oil, which is a petroleum byproduct, it is often marketed as a petroleum-free alternative. The main active ingredient is petrolatum, so check labels carefully for petroleum-free claims if this is a concern.
After Inked Non-Petroleum Jelly: Specifically designed for tattoo aftercare, this ointment is formulated with castor oil, shea butter, grapeseed oil, and jojoba oil to moisturize and protect skin without petroleum.

Comparison Table: Vaseline Alternatives


Alternative	Best For	Pros	Cons
Coconut Oil	Dry skin, lips, minor wounds	Natural, antimicrobial, deeply moisturizing	Can be greasy, some may be sensitive
Shea Butter	Very dry skin, eczema, chafing	Richly moisturizing, anti-inflammatory	Thick texture, can feel heavy
Beeswax	Creating a protective barrier, lip balms	Long-lasting protection, natural	Firm consistency, needs warming up
Waxelene	All-purpose, sensitive skin	Mimics Vaseline, natural, widely available	Can be pricey, contains beeswax (not vegan)
Alba Un-Petroleum	All-purpose, vegan option	Plant-based, soothing, effective	Less common than Vaseline, potential for sensitivity to ingredients

Uses for Alternatives When You're Out of Vaseline

Beyond basic moisturizing, Vaseline has many applications. Its substitutes can often perform the same functions.

Protecting Minor Cuts and Scrapes: Create a barrier against bacteria by applying a dab of coconut oil or a petroleum-free ointment to the cleaned wound.
Soothing Chapped Lips: A balm made with beeswax or shea butter works wonders. Honey is also a natural option with healing properties.
Preventing Chafing: For runners or anyone experiencing skin-on-skin friction, shea butter or coconut oil can be applied to inner thighs, underarms, or other areas.
Taming Flyaway Hair: A small amount of coconut oil can smooth frizzy hair or flyaways. Use sparingly to avoid a greasy look.
Removing Eye Makeup: Oils like olive oil or coconut oil are effective at dissolving and removing stubborn eye makeup gently.
Highlighting Cheekbones: For a dewy glow, dab a tiny bit of coconut oil or a shea butter-based balm on your cheekbones.
Soothening Baby's Diaper Area: A natural, fragrance-free balm with ingredients like shea butter or zinc oxide is an effective substitute for diaper rash prevention.

The Role of Humectants and Emollients

When considering alternatives, it's helpful to understand the science behind how they work. Vaseline is an occlusive, meaning it creates a physical barrier to lock in moisture. Many alternatives combine different properties. For instance, glycerin is a humectant that draws moisture from the air to the skin, while emollients like shea butter smooth and soften. Using a mix of ingredients can provide comprehensive hydration and protection.

Conclusion

Running out of Vaseline is not a cause for concern. The wide variety of natural and commercial alternatives offers effective, and in some cases, superior options for all your skincare and first aid needs. From readily available pantry staples like coconut oil and honey to specialized commercial products, you have plenty of choices to moisturize, protect, and soothe your skin. By understanding your specific needs and the properties of different ingredients, you can find the perfect substitute and even discover a new favorite product. Remember to always patch test new products and prioritize hydration from within by drinking plenty of water.

For more information on general skin health, the American Academy of Dermatology provides excellent resources on skin conditions and care [https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care].

Frequently Asked Questions

For chapped lips, excellent alternatives include coconut oil, shea butter, or a lip balm made with beeswax. Honey is also a natural option that is moisturizing and has healing properties.

Yes, you can use olive oil as a moisturizer, but use it sparingly and test on a small area first. Some studies suggest olive oil could damage the skin barrier, while others highlight its antioxidant properties and hydrating benefits for cleansing and massage.

Natural, petroleum-free alternatives for baby care include shea butter, coconut oil, or specialty balms like Waxelene or Beesaluxe. These can be used to prevent diaper rash and soothe sensitive skin.

If you don't have Vaseline, you can apply a thicker moisturizer like a shea butter or cocoa butter cream. For an overnight fix, massage coconut oil liberally onto your hands and wear cotton gloves to seal in the moisture.

For a minor cut or scrape, clean the area thoroughly, then apply a thin layer of coconut oil or a commercial petroleum-free ointment to protect it. Cover with a bandage as needed.

You can make a simple DIY substitute by melting equal parts beeswax and coconut oil together. Let it cool and solidify in a clean jar. You can add a few drops of vitamin E oil for extra benefits.

Many people prefer alternatives because they are often plant-based, renewable, and environmentally friendly. They can also offer additional benefits like vitamins and antioxidants not found in petroleum jelly.