How to Make Non-petroleum Gels
Petroleum gel, also known as petroleum jelly, has been used for years as a remedy for cracked lips, dry skin and minor burns. You may recognize it under the brand name Vaseline. Petroleum gel is oily, greasy and inorganic. The main ingredient in petroleum gel is polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), which have been linked to breast cancer and other adverse health conditions, according to the Organic Natural Health website.
Petroleum gel works by locking in moisture, which results in your pores being restricted from letting any existing toxins out. Petroleum gel has also been linked to several skin disorders--dandruff, acne, dryness of skin and skin irritation.
For a natural, organic substitute, you can make a non-petroleum gel with just two simple ingredients, in under thirty minutes. This non-petroleum gel has the benefits of petroleum gel, like softening dry skin and healing cracked lips, without undesirable side effects. Non-petroleum gel is also antibacterial, unlike petroleum gel, due to the olive oil content, as indicated in a 2007 issue of the "Journal of Food Protection."
Instructions
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Melt the grated beeswax in a double broiler over low heat.
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Remove the beeswax from the heat and add the olive oil.
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Mix the two ingredients together with a hand mixer until the mixture is cool.
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Pour the combined ingredients into a glass jar and store for up to a year.
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Tips & Warnings
You can add essential oils like lavender to your mixture; add four drops of essential oils while you add the olive oil.
Olive oil isn't the only oil that can be used for this non-petroleum gel. You can also use jojoba oil or avocado oil, which both contain skin moisturizing properties.
This non-petroleum gel is meant as a skin lubricant and not intended for internal use.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit produit de beauté image by laurent hamels from Fotolia.com
