I grew up thinking Vaseline, or a brand of petroleum jelly, was a magical cure for just about everything. Chapped lips? Vaseline. Scraped knee? Vaseline. Dry heels? Vaseline. Can’t coax the ring to come off? Vaseline. Ever since the 1870s, when chemist Robert Chesebrough distilled the thick gel found on oil wells into what became known as Vaseline, it became a go-to staple in bathroom cabinets around the world.
While Vaseline can make skin feel softer and prevent moisture from escaping, its primary ingredient is petroleum, a byproduct of the crude oil refining process - the same one used in cars and lawn mowers. Petroleum jelly can also appear as mineral oil, or soft or liquid paraffin on an ingredient list.
This study concluded that petroleum products cannot be metabolized by the body, even if highly refined. This means they accumulate in our bodies over time and are not excreted. Another study classified petroleum-based products as xenoestrogens, aka endocrine disruptors.
In addition, petroleum is a non-renewable resource and its extraction can lead to environmental damages, such as oil spills. Although the U.S. FDA and Health Canada consider petrolatum (another name for Vaseline) non-toxic, the EWG gives it a ‘moderate hazard’ safety rating, and David Suzuki Foundation puts it on their Dirty Dozen list due to its health and environmental hazards.
If the thought of applying a crude oil byproduct to your skin doesn’t sit well with you, you’re not alone—and fortunately, there are natural, plant-based alternatives that offer soothing, nourishing benefits without the synthetic feel. That’s where herbal salves and balms come in.
What’s an Herbal Salve?
An herbal salve is an ointment made from herb-infused oils and wax to soothe, repair and protect skin. Herbal salves deliver targeted herbal benefits to support skin health more effectively than generic skincare products.
An herbal infused oil is the essential part of making the herbal salve as it carries the healing properties of the chosen plants. Well-crafted oils are brimming with vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids that our skin is hungry for. Herbs are chosen for their natural healing, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties to address specific skin concerns.
Comfrey contains allantoin which helps speeding healing and promote skin cells growth. The mucilage in comfrey acts as a natural emollient, helping to soften and hydrate the skin, while creating a protective barrier to lock in moisture. Plantain leaf and calendula are general multi-taskers - they can be used for a variety of applications. There’s a salve for chest cold, for soothing muscle tension and even for a four-legged friend!
Herbal salves are easily absorbed into the skin while providing additional benefits such as moisture and nourishment. They are versatile and can be used as a moisturizer, lip balm, cuticle balm, anti-chafe treatment, or a tattoo ointment. A salve will remain in a solid state at room temperature and melt with body heat when rubbed on the skin.
Herbal salves offer numerous benefits that nutrient devoid petroleum-based product cannot match. Nature’s remedy in a jar, herbal salves stand out as a superior choice for those seeking both effectiveness and sustainability.
By choosing herbal salves, you’re not just caring for your skin; you’re nurturing your overall well-being while supporting sustainable and mindful practices.