Petroleum Jelly (photo: Kiyok)

It’s often a good idea to avoid using products made with mineral oil on your face, particularly if you’re prone to breakouts. It’s considered “comedogenic,” meaning it’s likely to clog pores and lead to blackheads and whiteheads, says  Alicia Moody, one of the lead aestheticians at eco-chic International Orange in San Francisco.

You may find it challenging to avoid though, because it’s found in many beauty products due to it being an inexpensive ingredient. Instead look for more skin-friendly and eco-friendly products that contain plant oils, like jojoba and olive.

How to Spot Mineral Oil in a Product
Mineral oil is a synthetic, petrol by-product. When not listed as mineral oil on packaging, you can detect it by it's aliases, "petrolatum," "petroleum jelly," "isoparraffin," and "parraffinum liquidum," Alicia says. It’s commonly found in creams for dry skin and surprisingly, is also sometimes found in skin care products for oily skin.

When It’s Okay to Use Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is found is many household items, like baby oil, Vaseline, and Aquaphor. Alicia says it’s not always a complete don’t. When using Vaseline for example, it's often to protect a compromised skin barrier from outside pollution and irritation. She says it's so thick that nothing can penetrate it. Usually this pertains more to the body than the face though. The body can handle the application of thick formulas without getting clogged pores, unlike the face.

More Alternatives
If you find that you need something to heal raw skin on the face, Alicia recommends opting instead for a cream, salve, or balm made with a beeswax, shea butter, or even a castor oil base. “At least that way, you're getting something useful from the base formula,” she says. “All these ingredients are nutrient-dense and truly nourish the skin."

If you enjoyed this article, you might also enjoy these:

• Skin Care 101: Skin care tips for San Franciscans (more tips from Alicia Moody)
• Profile of a Pro: International Orange Aesthetician Alicia Moody
• International Orange in San Francisco is a luxurious, eco-friendly oasis in the city