I don’t know any other Australian product that has more of a cult following than the famous red tubed Luca’s PawPaw ointment. Unfortunately at the end of the day it is basically a repackaged, more expensive version of Vaseline.
Luca’s PawPaw contains more petroleum jelly than an actual pawpaw. Funnily enough it's clearly stated on the front of the tube - “contains fermented papaw 39 mg/g”, there is 1000 mg in a gram, which means it is 96% petroleum jelly and 4% pawpaw.
Petroleum jelly (petrolatum, mineral oil, liquid paraffin or paraffin oil) is a by-product of the oil industry, coming from crude oil that has been refined and heavily processed. It is the cheapest way to make a moisturizer that feels amazing on the skin but is actually not that good for you. Petroleum jelly creates a physical barrier against the skin, meaning moisture can’t get in or out. It only reduces moisture loss which is why it feels like it is moisturizing. It can clog the pores, slowing the skins’ ability to eliminate toxins.
There are several all- natural alternatives out there that don’t contain any petroleum:
1. Brauer Paw Paw Ointment
2. Suvana Organic Paw Paw & Honey Balm
3. Natural Alternative Paw Paw Ointment
1. Brauer Paw Paw Ointment
2. Suvana Organic Paw Paw & Honey Balm
3. Natural Alternative Paw Paw Ointment