Vegelatum
Read Time: 5 minutes
Can a plant-based gel really replace petrolatum?
For decades, formulators have relied on petrolatum (petroleum jelly) as a go-to ingredient. Petrolatum is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons that works as a viscosity builder, skin protectant, and stabiliser. It forms a thin, water-resistant film on the skin to seal in moisture and prevent dryness. This thick, occlusive ingredient has been beloved for creating rich textures (think ointments and balms) and stable emulsions. In short, it’s been a workhorse for viscosity, barrier protection, and formula stability in countless products.
Lately, however, petrolatum’s image has been under pressure. Consumers and brands are increasingly uneasy about using petroleum-derived ingredients. There’s a growing movement, from shoppers and regulators alike, to phase out petrochemicals in favour of renewable, eco-friendly options.
People love what petrolatum does, but they don’t love that it comes from crude oil. Sustainability concerns and “clean beauty” trends mean formulators are searching for alternatives that are kinder to the planet and align with natural product claims. In Europe especially, interest in moving towards natural products has been rising sharply. Formulators are essentially asking: “Can we get petrolatum’s performance without the petroleum?”
“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”
– Steve Jobs
Enter Vegelatum®, a next-generation cosmetic ingredient from Pacific Blends that aims to deliver all the goodness of petrolatum, minus the fossil fuels. Vegelatum is a line of plant-based gels that looks and performs like petrolatum in a more natural way. In lab tests measuring skin moisture loss (TEWL), Vegelatum provided barrier protection equivalent to petrolatum. That means it locks in hydration just as effectively – your creams and balms stay just as moisturising and protective. But Vegelatum doesn’t stop there. Users report it feels less greasy and less tacky on the skin than traditional petrolatum, giving formulations a lighter, more elegant finish. It still builds thickness in a formula like petrolatum does, but with a nicer skin feel.
Why formulators are excited: Vegelatum can do the heavy lifting of petrolatum (thickening a formula, preventing water loss, stabilising mixtures) while being 100% plant-derived. According to the manufacturer, you can easily replace petrolatum 1:1 with Vegelatum in existing formulations. No complicated reformulation needed. In fact, swapping to Vegelatum may even save you money – it can replace or reduce expensive natural waxes that formulators often use to build viscosity in “petro-free” recipes. By using Vegelatum as the primary thickener, companies have found they can cut down on costly waxes like beeswax or candelilla, without sacrificing stability. Vegelatum also handles typical cosmetic formulation conditions with ease (it’s stable across common pH ranges and up to ~80°C processing temperatures), so it slots into production processes without fuss.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the Vegelatum range is that it isn’t a one-size-fits-all gel – Pacific Blends has crafted several Vegelatum variants from different plant oils. There’s a canola-based Vegelatum (Canoline) that provides a neutral, versatile base. There’s a flaxseed-based Vegelatum (Omega-3), rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which taps into a trendy skin nutrition angle (Omega-3s have been linked to skin calming and hydration benefits). We also see a sunflower-based Vegelatum, leveraging sunflower oil that naturally contains vitamin E (a known antioxidant and skin nutrient). For formulators looking for a richer feel, a castor oil-based Vegelatum is available – castor oil’s rich moisturising properties make it great for lip care and balms. There’s even a Vegelatum Aloe Vera, combining aloe’s soothing, skin-loving reputation with the gel technology. Each variant offers a twist: formulators can choose based on the added skin benefits or marketing story they want. Want to boast extra vitamins or botanicals on your label? There’s likely a Vegelatum for that! This flexibility means you can match the function of petrolatum and simultaneously introduce new natural claims (like Omega-3, vitamin E, or aloe vera) to elevate your product’s appeal.
All Vegelatum gels share the core performance traits: high viscosity, excellent skin barrier support, and smooth texture, but these different oil bases give extra sensory and nutritional perks. And unlike using plain plant oils (which can go rancid quickly), Vegelatum’s proprietary gel matrix keeps them stable. For example, the flaxseed Vegelatum was tested to stay fresh about three times longer than regular flaxseed oil alone. Overall, Vegelatum ingredients have a shelf life of around 14 months, so chemists can formulate with confidence that the product will last.
Uses
One of the best parts about Vegelatum is its sheer versatility. It can star in just about any formulation where petrolatum once reigned.
Do you make lip balms or chapsticks? Vegelatum provides the same rich balm texture and sticking power on lips, but with a lighter after-feel.
Formulating a creamy body milk (fluid lotion)? Vegelatum can give it body and silkiness without a greasy residue. It’s ideal for ointments and salves (those waterless, thick remedies) by creating a soothing barrier on skin.
In baby care products like nappy creams, Vegelatum offers petrolatum-level gentleness and protection while keeping the formula all-natural.
Sunscreens and outdoor lotions can benefit too: Vegelatum’s water-resistant film helps lock in active ingredients and moisture, which is perfect for sun protection formulas.
And don’t forget makeup and cosmetics: from foundation to cream blush, Vegelatum can replace petrolatum or silicones to give a luxurious slip and binding without petro-chemicals.
In short, if a product needs thickness, moisture retention, and a smooth feel – Vegelatum can likely fit the bill.
Tips for Trying Vegelatum
For Formulators: Go ahead and swap petrolatum for Vegelatum one-to-one and see the results. In most cases you’ll get the same viscosity and stability you’re used to, with an improved skin-feel. It’s an easy drop-in replacement to make existing formulas more natural without re-inventing the wheel. Start with the same percentage you would use for petrolatum and adjust as needed – many have found it’s a hassle-free substitution.
For Marketers: Position Vegelatum as a “natural performance upgrade” for your product. You can highlight that your product is petrolatum-free and plant-based, yet works just as well (or better). It’s a great story for today’s consumers who want high performance and clean ingredients.
For R&D Teams: Explore the different Vegelatum variants to unlock new claims. Each version (Canola, Omega-3, Sunflower, Castor, Aloe) can lend something special. For example, the flaxseed/Omega-3 Vegelatum lets you tout Omega-3 fatty acids in the formula for skin wellness, while the sunflower version brings naturally derived vitamin E antioxidant benefits. Aloe vera gel version could support soothing claims. By choosing the variant strategically, you get the core functionality plus a bonus ingredient story – a clever way to develop unique product lines or improve an existing formula’s appeal.
Common Concerns
It’s natural to have questions about a new ingredient. Let’s tackle a few common concerns:
“Will a plant-based gel be as stable or long-lasting?” Yes – Vegelatum is designed to be stable and shelf-ready. The formulations include natural antioxidants (like rosemary extract) to keep them fresh. Tests show Vegelatum holds up over time; for instance, the Omega-3 version stayed stable far longer than plain flax oil alone. Plus, each Vegelatum product is given a robust shelf life (around a year and two months), so it’s not prone to quick spoilage. You can feel confident about its durability in your products.
“Is it cost-effective?” It can be. While any specialised ingredient might carry a higher unit price than commodity petrolatum, remember that Vegelatum can reduce your need for other costly ingredients. Brands trying to go natural often load up on pricey waxes and butters to mimic petrolatum’s thickness. Vegelatum lets you dial those back. In many cases, that means overall formula cost stays the same or even goes down. And there’s value in what it brings – one Vegelatum can do the job of a petrolatum and a handful of waxes, all while boosting your natural credibility.
“Will it complicate my formulation process?” Not at all. Vegelatum is made to be user-friendly. It can be heated and mixed like other oil-phase ingredients and works across a broad pH range, so you likely won’t need special equipment or steps. Whether you’re making an emulsion, a balm, or a lotion bar, you can work Vegelatum into it just as you would petrolatum. In short, it’s a drop-in solution – no headaches required.
——
So, there you have it…
Have you experimented with petrolatum alternatives, or are you considering phasing out petrolatum in some of your formulations? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Reply to this newsletter and let us know if you’ve tried plant-based options like Vegelatum, or share what challenges or hopes you have in making the switch to more natural ingredients.
If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
——
Thanks for reading, and see you next week.
Want to subscribe - click here.
——
Book a 15-minute introductory call to see if we would be right to work together.
