The challenge of healthier and environmentally friendly formulations has gained momentum in the cosmetics industry in recent years. Formulators are increasingly replacing petroleum jelly-based ingredients with natural alternatives.
As an expert in the manufacture of natural ingredients for cosmetics, and with its expertise in the manufacturing process of fats, SOPHIM has developed a 100% vegetable Vaseline substitute, an alternative to petroleum jelly, petrolatum and other paraffins: VEGELINE, a choice alternative for formulators in the development of more natural formulas with multiple benefits for the skin.
VEGELINE : VEGETABLE EMOLLIENT WITHOUT PETROLATUM
VEGELINE is 100% plant based and is a natural alternative to petroleum jelly, petrolatum and paraffins.
SOPHIM offers two grades: VEGELINE 65 , both available in ORganic version
In today’s health-conscious market, the demand for natural alternatives to mineral or petroleum ingredients rises. In the same spirit, consumers increasingly prioritize vegan alternatives.
As an expert in the manufacture of natural ingredients for cosmetics and skincare, SOPHIM has developed many vegetable alternatives to synthetic or petrochemical ingredients. Since its creation, SOPHIM’s mission has been to provide the cosmetic industry with natural ingredients, such as natural wax alternatives to animal or synthetic ingredients, and texturing agents such as VEGELINE as an alternative to petroleum jelly.
What is petroleum jelly ?
Definition
Petroleum jelly (petrolatum), and more specifically Vaseline, has been used for decades in cosmetics, to prevent lips cracking or as a moisturiser for the skin and hair.
Known for over 100 years, Vaseline has a prominent place in the list of cosmetic ingredients. Its chemical nature and colloidal microstructure give it multiple properties: healing, moisturising, protective, emollient, etc.
Cosmetic properties
Petroleum jelly is a purified mixture of long-chain saturated hydrocarbons. Its chemical and physiological inertness makes it a multifunctional ingredient, and a very good carrier of active ingredients. Petroleum jelly is inert, and therefore totally compatible with any active ingredient. Petroleum jelly-based ointments are known to be good delivery systems for active ingredients in terms of efficacy.
Its hydrophobic character is responsible for its occlusive property. When used on dry skin, it helps prevent insensible water loss by creating a protective layer below the skin’s surface. By blocking moisture, petroleum jelly helps the skin to regenerate.
Cosmetic applications
Petroleum jelly is present in a large number of cosmetic products: facial care formulas, body care, as well as in make-up and hair care formulas. In all these cosmetic formulas, its texture is essential. It improves the look, feel and spreadability of the product, as well as its ability to add shine to the hair. Because of these properties, it is also widely used in sports.
Distrust of petrochemicals raw materials
However, today, companies in the cosmetics industry tend to look for a natural alternative to petroleum jelly. End consumers are looking for natural ingredients in their formulas and are increasingly aware of INCI naming through smartphone apps such as ThinkDirty, GoodGuide or Yuka. The transition from petrochemical to plant-based ingredients is not just a trend; it’s a reflection of evolving consumer preferences towards health and sustainability.
In what has become a purchasing process, customers are now seeking information and educating themselves before making the final decision. The environmental impact of the product is also a new criterion that is taken into account. As a result, cosmetic brands are replacing synthetic, petrochemical or animal-sourced ingredients with natural alternatives.
To support them, SOPHIM offers plant-based alternatives to beeswax or petroleum jelly for example. Its texturizing agent VEGELINE is a natural substitute for petrolatum, paraffin and other petrochemical raw materials.
VEGELINE, a natural substitute for petroleum jelly
What is VEGELINE ?
VEGELINE is a 100% plant-based texturising emollient and petroleum jelly substitute: it is an alternative to petrolatum, petroleum jelly, paraffin and petrochemical raw materials. It is composed of castor oil and carnauba wax to offer benefits not only to the skin but also to the formulas.
Cosmetic properties
VEGELINE has similar texturising effects to petrolatum but improved properties for cosmetic use.
It has a moisture retention effect, preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Vegeline has a water-resistant function offered by its original blend of castor oil and carnauba wax. Compared to petrochemical oils or polymers, VEGELINE® has better skin compatibility. It is non-irritating and non-comedogenic.
VEGELINE® offers film-forming properties for long-lasting effect and skin protection.
It can also be used as a thickening agent for the oil phase of the formulation, and gives structure, consistency and viscosity to finished products.
Cosmetic applications
Due to its diverse properties, VEGELINE is recommended as a natural emollient for face and body care formulas such as moisturisers, after-shower lotions or body milks.
This alternative to petroleum jelly is also a moisturising and texturising agent in lipsticks and lip balms, and a nourishing base in hair care products such as conditioners, creamy shampoos, gels, waxes. Cosmetic brands are embracing the balm revolution, incorporating natural alternatives like VEGELINE into their formulations to meet consumers new demands.
VEGELINE provides water resistance to sunscreen and after-sun products, and is also used as a texturising agent in make-up products such as foundations.
VEGELINE, a sensoriality asset
Many brands often use a combination of waxes and butters to replace petroleum jelly in their balm formulations: shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil… While presenting many benefits, those ingredients do not match the needed sensory. VEGELINE from SOPHIM emerges as a choice alternative, with a textured sensory closer to petroleum jelly.
VEGELINE is the perfect synergy of plant ingredients offering new alternatives and solutions for sustainable products. In addition to being a substitute for petroleum jelly, and beneficial to the skin, it brings a sensorial texture to the formula, and has a great affinity with the skin.
VEGELINE is a sensorial asset because it is an emollient with a pleasant touch, much less greasy than petrolatum and without any sticky residual effect. VEGELINE is soft to use, has sensory properties and a mild aftertaste like vegetable butters, offering real comfort during and after application.
As the demand for natural skincare solutions continues to surge, VEGELINE emerges as a versatile ingredient, offering the texture and performance of petroleum jelly without the use of petrochemicals.
VEGELINE is available in two grades, VEGELINE 65 and VEGELINE 70, for two melting ranges, to offer an optimal choice for your formulations. It is easily incorporated into the oil phase and is an oxidation stable ingredient. VEGELINE is compatible with all types of emollients.