For generations, petroleum jelly such as Vaseline has been the go-to remedy for dry, irritated skin. But as more people turn toward cleaner, plant-based skincare, questions are being raised about what alternatives exist, and whether they can match the performance of petroleum-based products like Vaseline.

Enter VasaCLEAN: a thoughtfully formulated vegan balm that offers long-lasting moisture protection and skin barrier support, using only plant-derived, non-toxic ingredients. Designed as a plant-based alternative to Vaseline, for anyone looking to avoid petroleum without compromising on hydration. VasaCLEAN provides a  breathable, skin-conditioning barrier that supports the skin’s natural resilience.

In this blog, we’ll break down what makes VasaCLEAN unique and how it compares to traditional petroleum-based balms. We’ll also take a closer look at its key ingredients, their benefits, and the many ways this versatile balm can be used.

Why Choose a Petroleum-Free Balm?

Petroleum jelly is highly refined and widely used in cosmetics, however it originates from crude oil. While it's considered safe in its purified form, many people now prefer products that are biodegradable, vegan, and made from renewable sources.

VasaCLEAN is formulated to replicate the occlusive, protective qualities of petroleum jelly, without petrochemicals. It is:

• 100% petroleum-free

• Made with biodegradable and vegan ingredients

• Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)

• Free from synthetic preservatives, dyes, or fragrances

• Safe to use around the mouth, nose, and delicate skin areas

The Hero Ingredients & Why They Matter

Each ingredient in VasaCLEAN was selected for its proven skincare benefits and compatibility with sensitive skin. Here’s how they work together to nourish, protect, and restore:

Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil

Castor oil is derived from the castor bean, it is a vegetable oil rich in ricinoleic acid, a rare fatty acid that gives it unique properties:

• Occlusive (locks in moisture) & humectant (attracts moisture): Most oils only seal moisture in, but castor oil also attracts moisture from the environment, helping to draw water into the outer skin layers.
  

• Water-binding film: Once applied, castor oil forms a thin, semi-solid film that binds moisture to the skin without feeling greasy or suffocating.
  

• Supports ingredient absorption: Helps enhance the delivery of other active ingredients in a formula.
  

• Stable across temperatures: Remains fluid and effective in both hot and cold conditions, ideal for year-round use.
  

• Glossy finish: Castor oil is the glossiest of all natural oils, making it a popular choice for lip and barrier balms.

Importantly, castor oil has been safety-reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, which found it non-sensitising and suitable for use in cosmetic formulations, even at high concentrations (up to 81%).

Hydrogenated Castor Oil (Castor Wax)

Hydrogenated castor oil is castor oil that has been solidified through a hydrogenation process, which turns it into a wax-like substance often called castor wax. It offers several benefits in skincare:

• Improves texture: Adds body and structure to the balm, helping it stay in place on the skin.
  

• Moisture retention: Forms a soft, protective barrier that helps minimise transepidermal water loss (TEWL), keeping the skin hydrated longer.
  

• Non-sensitising: Has a long track record of safe cosmetic use and is well tolerated, even by sensitive skin.
  

• Surface hydration: Although it doesn’t penetrate deeply, its larger molecular size makes it ideal for surface-level and long-lasting moisture protection.

Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax

Carnauba wax comes from the leaves of the Carnauba Palm that is native to Brazil. It is the hardest natural plant wax, with a melting point of about 85°C, making it highly durable and long-lasting in skincare formulas. It’s often used in products that need to stay solid, such as lip balms, sticks, and barrier creams. In skincare, it plays a versatile role beyond texture and shine.

• Stabilises the formula: Helps the balm remain consistent in different climates and temperatures.
  

• Gloss-enhancing: Adds a natural shine to the balm, ideal for lips or dry skin patches.
  

• Non-irritating: Has been shown in studies to produce no eye or skin irritation, even at higher concentrations.
  

• Non-toxic & plant-derived: Reviewed by the CIR Expert Panel and found to be safe and well tolerated.

Carnauba wax is a sustainable and biodegradable alternative to synthetic waxes, making it a great fit for clean beauty formulations.

Who Is VasaCLEAN For?

VasaCLEAN is suitable for:

• Dry, flaky, or chapped skin

• Lips prone to cracking

• Hands exposed to frequent washing or sanitising

• Babies’ sensitive skin (e.g. cheeks or nappy areas)

• Outdoor skin protection in cold, windy, or dry climates

• Sensitive or eczema-prone skin; while not clinically eczema-tested, its moisture-sealing properties may help support the skin barrier and relieve dryness.

How to Use

Use VasaCLEAN wherever and whenever your skin needs extra protection:

• Apply a small amount to dry lips, hands, or cheeks, wherever extra moisture is needed

• Use as a final step in your routine to seal in serums or moisturisers

• Protect exposed areas before outdoor activities (like windburn-prone cheeks)

• Layer over irritated patches to reduce water loss and calm the skin

A little goes a long way, its rich texture means a thin layer is usually enough.

Final Thoughts

VasaCLEAN is more than just a petroleum-free balm, it’s a clean, functional skincare staple for anyone looking to support their skin barrier in a natural, gentle way. Whether you’re seeking a daily lip balm, a travel-friendly hydrator, or a versatile product for the whole family, VasaCLEAN delivers moisture without compromise.

References:

INCIDecoder. (n.d.). Copernicia Cerifera Wax. https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/copernicia-cerifera-wax

INCI Decoder. (n.d.). Hydrogenated castor oil. https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/hydrogenated-castor-oil

INCIDecoder. (n.d.). Ricinus Communis Seed Oil. https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/ricinus-communis-seed-oil

Paula’s Choice. (n.d.). PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil. https://www.paulaschoice.com.au/ingredient-dictionary/ingredient-peg-40-hydrogenated-castor-oil.html

Paula’s Choice. (n.d.). Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil. Paula’s Choice Skincare. https://www.paulaschoice.com.au/ingredient-dictionary/ingredient-ricinus-communis-castor-seed-oil.html