The Basics On Mineral Oil
What is Mineral Oil?
Clear, odorless oil derived from petroleum.
What are other names for Mineral Oil?
DEOBASE, HEAVY MINERAL OIL, LIGHT MINERAL OIL, LIQUID PARAFFIN, LIQUID PETROLATUM, MINERAL OIL, MINERAL OIL HYDROCARBON SOLVENT (PETROLEUM); MINERAL OIL (SATURATED PARRAFIN OIL), PARAFFIN OIL, PARAFFIN OILS, PARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM, PETROLEUM WHITE MINERAL OIL, PROLATUM OIL, and WHITE MINERAL OIL, PETROLEUM
What is Mineral Oil used for?
The mineral oil as used in cosmetics and personal skin care products is a highly purified oil material obtained from refining petroleum. It is refined sufficiently to meet specifications appropriate for its use in pharmaceuticals, foods and personal care products. On cosmetic labels, it is often named as petrolatum, heavy mineral oil, light mineral oil, liquid paraffin, mineral oil mist, paraffin oil, paraffinum liquidum, petrolatum liquid, petroleum oil, white mineral oil, and white oil1. The use of petrolatum dates back to its discovery in 1872 by Robert A. Chesebrough2. The cosmetic use of mineral oil followed shortly thereafter, incorporated in such agents since the 1880s, remains one of the most frequently used oils in skincare products.
How Mineral Oil is classified
Emollients
Recommendations for using Mineral Oil during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Limited data suggests no known risk
Mineral Oil During Pregnancy
What we know about using Mineral Oil while pregnant or breastfeeding
Limited information available. Small amounts of mineral oil can be found in breastmilk, apparently from absorption of hydrocarbons from cosmetics over long periods of time, but this does not appear to impact breastfed infants. Only water-miscible cream products should be applied to the breast.
N/A
General safety info about Mineral Oil from CIR
No report found.
Use this, not that!
Products where you might find Mineral Oil
REN Clean Skincare Vita Mineral Omega 3 Optimum; Glo Skin Beauty Oil-Free Camouflage Concealer; Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Mineral Illuminating Body Tint; Glo Skin Beauty Oil-Free Camouflage Concealer; REN Clean Skincare Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30; Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil; Olaplex no 7 bonding oil; Dae prickly pear hair oil; Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Sleeping Night oil
List of References
General sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
1. Rawlings A, Lombard K. A review on the extensive skin benefits of mineral oil. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2012;34(6):511-518. [PubMed] 2. Baumann LS. Mineral Oil. In: Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Ingredients. McGraw-Hill Education; 2015:34. 3. Lodén M. Role of topical emollients and moisturizers in the treatment of dry skin barrier disorders. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2003;4(11):771-788. [PubMed] 4. Feingold K, Elias P. Role of lipids in the formation and maintenance of the cutaneous permeability barrier. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2014;1841(3):280-294. [PubMed] 5. Blanken R, van V, Tupker R, Coenraads P. Effect of mineral oil and linoleic-acid-containing emulsions on the skin vapour loss of sodium-lauryl-sulphate-induced irritant skin reactions. Contact Dermatitis. 1989;20(2):93-97. [PubMed] 6. Agero A, Verallo-Rowell V. A randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis. Dermatitis. 2004;15(3):109-116. [PubMed]
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
