Mineral Oil in Skincare: What It Is, Its Uses, and Health Concerns

What Is Mineral Oil and Where Does It Come From?

Mineral oil is a clear, odorless oil derived from petroleum, which is a byproduct of the process used to produce gasoline from crude oil. It’s a highly refined substance, meaning that it undergoes extensive purification to remove impurities before being used in cosmetics and skincare products.

Mineral oil is also known by other names, including:

• Paraffinum Liquidum

• White Mineral Oil

• Petrolatum (in its semi-solid form, also known as petroleum jelly)

Although its petroleum origin may raise concerns for some, it’s important to note that the mineral oil used in cosmetics is very different from the unrefined crude oil used in industrial applications. Cosmetic-grade mineral oil is purified to meet safety standards set by regulatory agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

What Is Mineral Oil’s Role in Skincare?

Mineral oil plays a major role in skincare products, particularly in low-cost formulations, due to its emollient properties. As an emollient, mineral oil helps to lock moisture into the skin by creating a barrier on its surface. This barrier prevents water from evaporating, keeping the skin hydrated and soft.

Here are some of the key benefits of using mineral oil in skincare:

1. Moisture Retention

One of mineral oil’s most significant benefits is its ability to prevent moisture loss. It forms a protective layer on the skin that helps seal in moisture, making it a popular ingredient in products designed for dry or dehydrated skin.

2. Inexpensive and Widely Available

Mineral oil is cost-effective, making it a popular choice for mass-market skincare brands. Its affordability allows companies to produce effective moisturizing products at a lower price point, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers.

3. Non-Comedogenic

Contrary to popular belief, cosmetic-grade mineral oil is non-comedogenic, which means it doesn’t clog pores. This makes it suitable for a variety of skin types, including those prone to acne.

4. Long Shelf Life

Mineral oil is highly stable, which gives it a long shelf life. Unlike some natural oils that can go rancid quickly, mineral oil remains effective for extended periods without needing preservatives.

The Drawbacks and Controversies Surrounding Mineral Oil

Despite its widespread use, mineral oil has been a source of controversy due to its petroleum origin and potential safety concerns. Let’s take a look at some of the downsides of using mineral oil in skincare:

1. Lack of Nutrients

While mineral oil is effective at locking in moisture, it doesn’t provide any additional nutrients or benefits to the skin. It acts as a barrier but doesn’t actively nourish or repair the skin like natural oils such as jojoba, argan, or rosehip oil, which contain vitamins and antioxidants.

2. Occlusive Properties

While the occlusive nature of mineral oil is excellent for preventing moisture loss, it can also prevent the skin from “breathing” and hinder the natural process of skin regeneration. For some people, particularly those with oily or combination skin, this heavy barrier may feel greasy or uncomfortable.

3. Environmental Concerns

Because mineral oil is derived from petroleum, its use raises environmental concerns. The extraction and refinement of petroleum contribute to pollution and the depletion of fossil fuel resources. For environmentally conscious consumers, this aspect may make mineral oil less appealing.

4. Potential Contaminants

The primary concern with mineral oil comes from the risk of contamination with harmful substances, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). However, it’s important to note that cosmetic-grade mineral oil undergoes a rigorous refining process to ensure it is free from these contaminants. Despite this, some consumers remain wary of using a product derived from petroleum.

Safety Concerns: Is Mineral Oil Bad for Your Health?

There’s a lot of debate surrounding the potential health risks of mineral oil, but here’s a breakdown of what the science says:

1. Cancer Risk

One of the biggest concerns about mineral oil is its potential link to cancer due to the presence of PAHs. However, it’s important to differentiate between unrefined and refined mineral oil. Unrefined mineral oil, used in industrial applications, is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). However, cosmetic-grade refined mineral oil has been purified to remove carcinogenic contaminants and is considered safe for topical use by regulatory bodies like the FDA and EMA.

2. Skin Irritation

Mineral oil is generally considered non-irritating, making it suitable for sensitive skin. However, some individuals with highly reactive skin may still experience irritation, particularly if they have sensitivities to petroleum-based products.

3. Long-Term Effects

There’s no clear evidence that long-term use of cosmetic-grade mineral oil poses significant health risks. However, given its occlusive nature, it may not be suitable for everyone. Those with acne-prone or oily skin may prefer lighter, non-occlusive alternatives.

Should You Use Mineral Oil in Your Skincare Routine?

Whether or not you should use mineral oil in your skincare routine depends on your individual skin type, preferences, and values. Here’s a summary of the pros and cons to help you decide:

The Good:

• Excellent for dry skin due to its moisture-locking properties.

• Affordable and widely available in many low-cost skincare products.

• Non-comedogenic and safe for sensitive skin when using cosmetic-grade formulations.

The Bad:

• Derived from petroleum, raising environmental concerns.

• Provides no additional nutritional benefits to the skin.

• Occlusive nature may feel too heavy or greasy for some skin types.