Why More Parents Are Switching to Petroleum-Free Baby Care

Aquaphor has become a staple in many homes: picked up after a pediatrician appointment or passed along as a “must-have” in mom groups for everything from diaper rash to chapped cheeks. But for more and more parents, the questions start creeping in: What’s actually in this? Why is it so greasy? Is this really the best I can do for my baby’s skin?

As awareness grows around the use of synthetic and petroleum-based ingredients in everyday products, many families are choosing to switch to something gentler: something that nourishes and protects without relying on fossil fuel derivatives. The result? A growing shift toward clean, aquaphor alternatives that actually supports sensitive skin.

What’s the Problem with Petroleum Jelly?

Petroleum jelly is the base of products like Aquaphor and Vaseline. It works by creating a seal on the skin that traps moisture inside. But that seal doesn’t let the skin breathe, and it doesn’t actually nourish or support healing. Here’s why more parents are moving away from it:

• It’s an occlusive, meaning it locks in not just moisture but also heat, sweat, and bacteria.

• It contains no nutrients, it doesn’t moisturize or support the skin barrier.

• It’s a refined petroleum byproduct, which raises concerns for families trying to avoid synthetic, fossil fuel–derived ingredients.

• There are potential environmental and contamination concerns, especially for baby products.

Bottom line: petroleum jelly might be a quick fix, but it’s not always the right fix.

Why Bubbsi Takes a Different Approach

At Bubbsi, we wanted something that wasn’t just “not bad”, we wanted something great for baby skin. That’s why we built our products around cold-pressed organic coconut oil, a tried-and-true ingredient that’s safe, nourishing, and effective from day one.

Here’s why coconut oil is a year-round hero:

• Moisturizing: Rich in fatty acids that deeply hydrate and protect the skin barrier

• Soothing: Naturally anti-inflammatory, perfect for calming diaper rash, baby acne, and dry patches

• Healing: Lauric acid helps support skin repair while protecting against irritation

• Safe: Gentle enough for newborns and naturally antimicrobial—with none of the heavy residue

Our Coconut Oil Balm is 100% naturally derived, vegan, EU-compliant, free from common allergens, and scented with a naturally derived fragrance. It’s everything your baby’s skin needs, and nothing it doesn’t.

Aquaphor vs. Bubbsi: What’s the Difference?

When to Make the Switch

If you’re constantly reapplying a greasy balm that seems to just sit on top of your baby’s skin without truly helping, it might be time to reconsider what you're using. A petroleum-based ointment can feel like it’s doing the job, but if your little one’s skin is still dry, irritated, or flaring up, it’s probably not giving their skin what it really needs. 

Switching to a petroleum-free alternative makes sense if you’re looking for something that not only soothes, but also nourishes and protects. Whether you're managing baby eczema, baby acne, or everyday dryness, a balm made with naturally derived ingredients can hydrate deeply without clogging pores or leaving behind a sticky residue. Clean, coconut-rich products like Bubbsi’s Oil Balm are designed to work with your baby’s skin, offering breathable moisture and barrier support, without the greasy feel or synthetic ingredients.

Petroleum-Free Just Makes Sense

Choosing a petroleum-free alternative isn’t just about avoiding something, it’s about choosing real nourishment, safer ingredients, and a product that’s made to work with your baby’s skin, not just sit on top of it. That’s why Bubbsi was born. Because your baby deserves skincare that actually cares.