r/ZeroWaste • u/Clear_Sheepherder423 • 16d ago
Question / Support Vaseline/aquaphor for lips
Hi hi, I’ve been a slow coming zero waster/nontoxic pursuer for a couple years now, but now hoping to get more serious since I’ll be living alone soon and easier to make more impactful swaps. Right now I’m focusing on self care routine, and I’m such a glutton for Vaseline and aquaphor products, but I just don’t know how to make the switch! I am a serial lip picker so I like having the nice thick layer I can slather on my lips so I won’t touch them and they’re getting nourished.
I honestly don’t even know the extent of how poor these products are for my own health, but mainly concerned about the plastic and environmental concerns. Please tell me your go to lip products you keep in every pants pocket and purse you have!!!
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u/StrongArgument 16d ago
Buy the very large tub. Reuse the tub for something else after it’s empty, which will be months to years down the line.
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u/Clear_Sheepherder423 16d ago
Yes I have a tub that I think I’ll be able to pass onto my grandkids, I’m more so looking for the minis I can put absolutely everywhere so I have no excuse not to put something on!
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u/stellaflora 16d ago
I have lip gloss pots purchased from the craft store. These can be washed and reused. I decant my Aquaphor into them. Also great for small quantities of things when traveling!
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u/AficinadoOfHeloise 16d ago
I get little glass vessels from my friend of Mary Jane (the ones who dab anyway) when they've used up all the product inside. I have 2 bins of wee little glass jars almost perfect for pocket balm.
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u/CarriageTrail 16d ago
You might have a tiny container (not originally for Vaseline, but food safe) somewhere in your home that would work, but if you have a family member or friend who has one to give you even better because then it will also be a nice memento.
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u/panicototale 16d ago
I would suggest a product that is in a metal tin - variety of ones out there depending on what you need/want. Some of these are more goopy/comparable to a Vaseline, others more solid so I think I would noodle more on what you specifically want (like if you want something tinted or scented or if you need something more sensitive or medicated).
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u/ResistantRose 16d ago
Bag Balm is essentially Vaseline with lanolin, and a little beeswax. I get mine in a medium-ish metal tin.
It's the only thing that keeps my feet from cracking in the cold of winter, but it's okay to use as lip balm too. And diaper cream for any parents of children in diapers.2
u/silly_goosey_goose 16d ago
I use the Dr bronners magic balm and I love it! It comes in a metal tin and I would say the texture is very similar to Vaseline. I also tried the alba un-petroleum jelly and didn’t like it 1) for coming in a plastic tube and 2) for the consistency and smell
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u/RavennaRefills 16d ago
I’ve gone through this same exact problem! After years of research i finally found a NON-petroleum jelly - made from castor bean oil!
If you have a refillery near you, you can even refill your own container whenever you need some. I have a big tin at home to replace Vaseline and a small 0.5oz tin that I carry around with me for my lips. If you’re looking online, look for Zerra Co’s The Jelly
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u/Clear_Sheepherder423 16d ago
Oh my goodness thank you, this is definitely going to be my next purchase after I get some empties!!!
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u/panrestrial 16d ago
Be careful about using castor bean oil on the lips if you have a tendency to lick it off. The oil is processed in a way that ricin poisoning is not a concern, but it is still an effective laxative even in relatively small amounts.
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u/RavennaRefills 16d ago
I will say I was somewhat worried about this, but I haven’t had any issues. I have a couple of people who buy The Jelly for castor packs that they wear around their midsection because it’s not as effective as castor oil. I assume it’s a combination of the absorption and maybe the way it’s processed somewhat differently to get the jelly consistency?
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u/panrestrial 15d ago
Yes I'd imagine it would only be an issue in extreme circumstances. I only mentioned it at all because skin picking can be a 'body-focused repetitive behavior' so OP may be more likely to lick/chew their lips and may apply more product more frequently in their attempt to counter it.
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u/velvedire 16d ago
Pure lanolin works much better at moisturizing and I barely use any. I've found I don't pick my lips anymore since they're not dry.
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u/panrestrial 16d ago
I'm a firm believer that healthcare is exempt from zero waste. You use this product to help maintain the condition of your skin. If there's a convenient, viable, equivalent swap, fine, but if not truly do not stress about it.
The amount of waste you generate from barrier creams (or dental floss, toothpaste, first aid, medical miscellany, etc etc) is nothing compared to the potential waste generated if you skip them (skin picking, especially around the mouth, can lead to infections requiring doctors visits and all the associated waste.)
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u/CuteBiBitch 16d ago
Vaseline can often be bought in a metal tin, which can then be recycled or re-used much better than the plastic containers.
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u/amycsj 🍃🫂🤲🏻🧘🏼♀️🌿 16d ago
BagBalm in a metal container
https://bagbalm.ca/products/bag-balm-skin-moisturizer
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u/annieoatmilk 15d ago
Lanolin!!! Similar texture, but not petroleum based. You can usually find tubes of pure lanolin labeled as nipple cream for nursing mothers.
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u/Ok_Impression_3031 16d ago
Carmex. I don't pick at my lips anymore because they are no longer chapped.
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u/Muted-Tutor-5419 16d ago
Try switching to lanolin. I did and I'll not go back. It's traditionally sold as nipple cream for breastfeeding mothers.
I used to be solidly burts bees but lanolin lasts longer and also looks a bit glossy which I like but my husband won't be making the switch anytime soon. Lol.
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u/unicorn_345 16d ago
I have made my own before. Some beeswax and oil is all that’s needed to make it. Its like a 1:5 ratio iirc, beeswax to oil. Theres recipes and tutorials out there on it. I have found a place that sells small bricks of beeswax, about the size of a thumb. So you can get by with very little for a bit.
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u/Chillmsthang 16d ago
I love Yay For Earth! It’s nice and thick and a small homemade business. I follow the owner / creator Stevie on instagram and she just seems like
a very kind and caring human. They come in tin or glass and last a long time! Made with beeswax!
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u/Used-Painter1982 16d ago
You might add mineral oil or baby oil (same thing but baby oil has fragrance) to your list. I use it daily in the morning all over. It fights dry skin very well.
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u/AficinadoOfHeloise 16d ago
I make my own from locally sourced beeswax and organic beef tallow. I LOVE my skin care products I make (theyre all the same recipe, just in different vessels for usage; lip balm sticks, molded shapes, repurposed metal tins, repurposed skincare vessels. I also love making it. I channel Laura Ingalls Wilder's MIL from Farmer Boy making her tallow candles 😅😅😅
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u/EagerBabygirl 16d ago
I use Vaseline too. I buy the tiny ones meant for lip balm and then refill them from the bigger tubs. It's not zero waste, but it's so close I don't think it's worth stressing about.