Ingredient choices are increasingly shaped by both performance and consumer perception in the skincare and beauty industry. A growing number of brands are looking beyond traditional emollients like petrolatum and mineral oil, and turning instead to more natural, versatile alternatives.
One such ingredient gaining momentum is cocolatum, a coconut oil-derived material that serves as a plant-based alternative to petroleum jelly in modern formulations. Cocolatum refers to a class of ingredients derived from Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil and processed to offer the same occlusive and moisturizing effects as petrolatum. It comes, however, with a cleaner plant-based profile. Used in products like lip balms, creams, ointments, and butters, cocolatum provides the smooth glide, richness, and water-resistant qualities that formulators need while also meeting the growing demand for sustainable and transparent ingredients.
Examples of branded versions of cocolatum include Cocolatum 501 and Cocolatum 503, which are engineered for high purity and broad compatibility and offer stable textures to specific skincare applications. These innovations contribute to cocolatum’s emergence as a reliable core ingredient for modern formulations.
Why exactly are more skincare and beauty brands switching to cocolatum? Below are the key reasons driving this shift:
1) It Supports “Clean Beauty” and Sustainable Branding
Today’s consumers are both more informed and ingredient-conscious. Many actively avoid products with synthetic ingredients, particularly those that are derived from fossil fuels like petrolatum and mineral oil. Cocolatum, in contrast, is plant-based and biodegradable, making it an ideal fit for clean beauty positioning.
When a brand uses cocolatum in place of traditional petroleum-derived bases, it aligns itself with values like eco-responsibility and natural sourcing, which are factors that are increasingly influencing consumer choices. The shift to coconut-derived emollients helps strengthen a brand’s sustainability narrative, be it small-batch and artisanal or large-scale and mainstream.
2) It Delivers Comparable Occlusion Without the Greasiness
Petrolatum has long been valued for its ability to lock in moisture by forming a protective barrier over the skin. However, it’s also known for leaving a greasy residue that can be off-putting to users. Cocolatum provides similar barrier-forming benefits but with a lighter, smoother skin feel.
In products such as lip balms or overnight moisturizers, cocolatum helps reduce trans-epidermal water loss while still being pleasant to wear. For consumers who want hydration without the heaviness, especially in warm climates, this makes formulations that use cocolatum a more attractive option.
3) It Enhances Formulation Texture and Stability
Formulators often need base ingredients that are not just functional, but also stable, blendable, and easy to work with. Cocolatum performs well in this regard. Both Cocolatum 501 and 503, for instance, are designed to integrate smoothly into a wide range of oil- and butter-based systems. Their addition to formulations improves spreadability and texture uniformity.
These versions of cocolatum maintain consistency even at room temperature and help stabilize emulsions. As such, they can be quite useful in moisturizers and body balms. For formulators seeking dependable and versatile emollients, cocolatum offers more flexibility than raw coconut oil, which can separate or crystallize.
4) It Offers Broad Compatibility With Active Ingredients
Cocolatum works well with a variety of popular actives because it acts as a non-reactive base. It doesn’t interfere with pH-sensitive components or destabilize delicate compounds, making it a safe choice in multifunctional or treatment-focused products.
This is a key benefit when compared to some natural butters, such as shea butter, which can sometimes cause formulation challenges due to variability in quality or melting point. Cocolatum’s consistency and high purity give formulators more confidence in their product’s performance and shelf life.
5) It Responds to the Rise of Petrolatum-Free Claims
“Petroleum-free” or “petrolatum-free” labels are now common in skincare, particularly in baby care and vegan-friendly lines. Cocolatum gives brands a clear alternative that meets this demand without sacrificing the benefits associated with occlusive agents.
For example, products that rely on a protective base, such as nipple balms, diaper creams, or tattoo aftercare, often need petrolatum-like properties. Using cocolatum instead allows the product to retain its functionality while tapping into a growing market of label-conscious consumers.
6) It Enables Brand Differentiation in a Crowded Market
As more consumers seek transparency, ingredient storytelling is becoming a key driver of loyalty. Cocolatum’s natural origin, coconut oil base, and petroleum-free profile make it a standout feature that’s easy to communicate on packaging or digital platforms. Brands that use the ingredient can highlight its origin, function, and benefits in marketing materials and product education. This strategy, in turn, allows them to set themselves apart from competitors relying on more conventional ingredients.
7) Aligns With Ethical and Vegan Product Standards
Many formulations that use petrolatum or beeswax struggle to obtain vegan certification. Cocolatum, being plant-based and free of animal derivatives, supports cruelty-free and vegan product claims with ease. This is especially relevant for indie beauty brands and international labels that want to meet global certification standards.
An Ingredient That Meets Market Needs and Formulation Demands
As the skincare and beauty industry evolves, so too do the ingredients that define it. Cocolatum products like Cocolatum 501 and 503 offer businesses a solution that’s not only technically sound but also closely aligned with consumer values. It performs well in formulations, enhances texture, and supports a cleaner brand image without compromising on quality or efficacy.
This makes the ingredient an ideal alternative for brands seeking to create high-performance, ethically aligned products. The rise of cocolatum marks a shift toward more thoughtful formulation practices—ones that serve both the skin and the story behind the product.