If you’ve ever grabbed a tub of petroleum jelly before a long run, walk, or ride, you’re not alone. It’s cheap, it’s everywhere, and it works… for a while. But, if you’ve ever finished a long day on your feet with a greasy mess in your shorts or dreading that post race shower because of chafing and hot spots, then you know the feeling of petroleum jelly not quite cutting it.
What Petroleum-Based Balms Actually Do –
Petroleum jelly is a byproduct of oil refining. In the mid 1800s, oil workers learned it was abundant and effective in treating wounds. Since, people have used it as an occlusive barrier. An occlusive barrier seals the skin completely and acts as a mechanical skin barrier that sits on the outside of the skin. Petroleum based products have been used for centuries and do have their benefits.
That occlusive seal reduces friction for the short term. For a quick 5k, casual bike ride, or short hike, it works well. Especially in moderate weather conditions where conditions are good and intense sweat is not an issue.
The main problem lies in longer efforts, especially those longer than 2 hours. As your effort increases and sweat starts flowing, it starts to erode that protective barrier. That barrier that was protecting you at mile 3 is now gone at mile 13, right when you need it the most.
What Natural Ingredients Do Instead –
Natural anti chafe balms work with your skin rather than sealing it off. It assists your skin to make a great team for long efforts.
Coconut oil and cocoa butter create a slick, non-suffocating barrier that actually moisturizes your skin as you move. Beeswax makes that slick barrier effective and long lasting. It holds the oil and butter in place to keep your skin moisturized and chafe free over long runs, backpacking trips, or long days walking around the city.
Rain, sweat, creek crossings? Natural oils, butters, and waxes hold up when conditions get tough.
Essentially, long efforts need something more protective and natural balms provide exactly that - work with your skin, not against it.
Who Should Make the Switch -
- You’ve had petroleum-based products break down mid-race.
- You find yourself reapplying lube often.
- You experience skin irritation, chafing, or hot spots.
- You have sensitive skin that reacts poorly to synthetic products.
- You’re doing full day or multi-day events where skin irritation can end your adventure.
- You just simply prefer to know exactly what you are putting on your body.
The Real World Difference –
Squirrel’s Nut Butter has been tested in conditions that would break most products. Athletes have proven the effectiveness of SNB on multi-day desert races, 100 mile runs in the rain, and FKTs on the Appalachian Trail. Athletes who understand that chafing, blisters, and skin irritation can end their race don’t choose natural because it sounds good on a label. They choose it because it holds up when the miles get long and the conditions get tough.
The Bottom Line –
Petroleum jelly and petroleum-based products have been used for centuries. They can be effective depending on your activity. However, if you are serious about putting in long miles on your feet or hours on the bike, don’t let skin irritation be what holds you back. Control what you can control – running is hard enough!
Four ingredients. Long Lasting Protection Proven by athletes. Made for Every Body.
