Here’s a detailed breakdown of using 2 tablespoons of Vaseline, 2 tablespoons of baby oil, and 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel to make a DIY cream, including its effects, potential risks, how it behaves on the skin, and clarifications on ingredients like paraffin wax, water-oil mixing, and comedogenic effects.
🧴 DIY CREAM INGREDIENTS:
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2 tbsp Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly)
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2 tbsp Baby Oil (usually mineral oil + fragrance)
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2 tbsp Aloe Vera Gel (store-bought or natural)
⚗️ What Happens When You Mix These?
This cream is essentially an emollient + occlusive + humectant blend:
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Vaseline: An occlusive that seals moisture but contains paraffin (petroleum-derived) wax, which is highly comedogenic.
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Baby Oil: Mineral oil-based with fragrance. Light texture but still pore-clogging for some skin types.
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Aloe Vera Gel: Water-based, soothing, and hydrating, but doesn’t mix well with heavy oils unless emulsified properly.
🧪 Important Notes:
1. Paraffin Wax and Mineral Oil
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Found in Vaseline and baby oil.
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These are non-water-soluble, forming a thick layer on the skin.
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Can trap dirt, bacteria, and sweat underneath.
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High risk of clogging pores, especially for acne-prone or oily skin.
2. Water + Oil Mixture Without Emulsifier
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Aloe vera is water-based; baby oil and Vaseline are oil-based.
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Oil and water do not mix naturally. Without an emulsifier, they will separate over time.
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The result? Unstable cream with uneven texture.
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On your skin, this may feel greasy, cause irritation or breakouts due to poor absorption.
3. Clogged Pores (Comedogenicity)
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Vaseline (comedogenic rating: 0–1) can still trap impurities if applied over unclean skin.
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Baby oil (mineral oil) is highly occlusive, and fragrance may irritate sensitive skin.
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This combination blocks sebum flow, causing whiteheads, blackheads, and acne.
❗Potential Side Effects:
| Skin Type | Risk Level | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Oily/Acne-Prone | ❌ High | Clogged pores, acne flare-ups |
| Dry Skin | ✅ Medium | May feel hydrated, but too greasy |
| Sensitive Skin | ❌ High | Possible irritation from fragrance & heavy occlusion |
| Normal Skin | ⚠️ Medium | Can be tolerable but still risky if used in large amounts or daily use |
✅ When It Might Be Okay:
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For heels, elbows, or dry hands/feet as an overnight mask.
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Not recommended for face, especially if prone to breakouts.
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Could be used as a body butter for extremely dry areas, but not long-term.
❌ Why You Should Avoid It for Facial Use:
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No emulsifier means the cream won't absorb well.
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Occlusive layer traps sweat and bacteria, especially in humid weather.
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Fragrance + mineral oil + paraffin = recipe for breakouts.
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Can interfere with natural skin barrier function.
🔁 Alternative Safer Recipe for Face:
If you're looking for a non-comedogenic, soothing moisturizer, try this instead:
Ingredients:
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2 tbsp Aloe Vera Gel (natural or 99% store-bought)
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1 tsp Rosehip Oil or Jojoba Oil (non-comedogenic)
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Optional: 2-3 drops of Vitamin E oil
This blend is:
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Lightweight
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Hydrating
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Less likely to clog pores
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Better absorbed into the skin
Understand what is comedogenic or non-Comedogenic.
🛑 Summary – Why This Cream Can Be Harmful:
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❗ Heavy in petroleum and paraffin – traps dirt and oil
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❗ Lacks proper emulsification – unstable and greasy
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❗ Fragrance risk – can irritate skin
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❗ No active skincare benefit – just sealing, not healing
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❗ Water-oil mix is unstable – may spoil or separate
🔍 Final Verdict:
This cream is not recommended for facial skincare. While it can act as an occlusive barrier on severely dry skin (like hands or heels), it’s unsuitable for regular facial use, especially for people with sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin.