8 Low Tox Swaps for Aquaphor
Aquaphor was one of the hardest low tox swaps for me to make! It was my go-to lip balm, cuticle cream and applying it to basically any dry spot on my body.
I knew that I needed to swap out my Aquaphor for a cleaner alternative because of these two ingredients.
The ingredients that raise a red flag:
Petrolatum & Mineral Oil
AKA petroleum jelly, paraffin
Petrolatum can contain toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) if not properly refined. In the US it is not required to refine the petroleum. In Europe it is required, so petrolatum in EU is much safer.
What are PAHs?
“A class of chemicals that occur naturally in coal, crude oil, and gasoline. They result from burning coal, oil, gas, wood, garbage, and tobacco. PAHs can bind to or form small particles in the air.” source
What’s the issue with PAHs?
“They are known to have carcinogenic, mutagenic neurodegenerative disorder, and teratogenic properties making their presence in consumer care products an environment health concern.” source
What to use instead?!
After learning this about petrolatum and mineral oil, I started my search for the best clean alternative. Here are all the clean low tox swaps for Aquaphor:
Honest Organic All-Purpose Balm - $12.99
This is my top favorite. It’s the closest possible swap for Aquaphor I have tried!
This was made with babies in mind but it works great for adults as well. I love a multi-purpose product! I use it on my lips and cuticles but it is also great for dry elbows, knees, etc.
Side note: I really wanted a product that was in a squeeze tube because it is less messy and easier to bring on the go!
Cocokind Ceramide Recovery Balm - $21.99
I love Cocokind, they do a great job of making low tox skincare products that are affordable and accessible.
This product is a great swap for Aquaphor and as someone with sensitive skin, this one can be great for on the face as well. (Perfect for you girlies that like do nighttime slugging!)
Dr. Bronner’s Organic Magic Balm - $14.03
This is probably my second favorite. It’s a really good product for moisturizing dry skin. I like to use it for flyaways in hair as well! A little bit goes a long way.
Waxelene Multi-Purpose Ointment - $39.99
“It is a fast-acting treatment for eczema and psoriasis flare-ups.” from waxelene dot com
This comes in a big jar. It’ll last you forever!
Alba Botanica Un-Petroleum Jelly - $8.41
Think Vaseline but the cleaner, low tox version. A must for every first aid kit!
Maty’s All Natural Baby Multipurpose Ointment - $14.99
I haven’t tried this one but I got feedback from a few of you on my Instagram that it is your top favorite!
The Good Stuff Gypsy Cream - $34
This is my sister’s favorite! She is a mom of four and uses it on all of them. Dry spots, diaper rash and even on her acne scarring! I need to try this one ASAP!
Rowe Casa Organics Boo-Boo Salve - $12
This is another one that was suggested to me by you on Instagram! I have not tried it but based on the feedback I received, it’s the perfect swap!
As you can see, there are great alternatives to Aquaphor. I am all about a balanced 80/20 lifestyle when it comes to toxin free living.
But with this many amazing alternatives, there is no excuse to not switch out this common household product!
Feel free to email me here with any questions/comments you may have!
xoxo, Karly Alane
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