Tell me about Mineral Oil, I read mixed reviews online.

Jan 25, 2015

Logan C.

Well all I know is that if I put it on my face it breaks me out. Doesn't irritate any other part of my body though. Sorry if that's not much help

Jan 25, 2015

Kitty K.

This is a great article on Mineral Oil;
http://www.paulaschoice.com/expert-advice/acne/_/Is-Mineral-Oil-Bad-For-Skin


What Is Mineral Oil?

Mineral oil is clear, odorless oil derived from petroleum that is widely used in cosmetics because it rarely causes allergic reactions and it can’t become solid and clog pores. Studies have found mineral oil and petrolatum (a semi-solid form of mineral oil more commonly known as Vaseline) can assist in wound healing, and are among the most effective moisturizing ingredients available.

Though its association with petroleum has caused people to say mineral oil is bad for or ages skin, the truth is that petroleum itself is a natural ingredient that comes from the earth, and that once it becomes cosmetics- or pharmaceutical-grade mineral oil, it bears no resemblance to petroleum itself. Mineral oil used in cosmetics is highly purified and completely safe.

Environmental Concerns

Some people argue against the use of mineral oil, citing concerns that process it takes to extract it is damaging to the environment, and that it is a non-renewable resource. First, mineral oil is not a resource. It’s a byproduct of the petroleum industry. No one is drilling for oil to use for moisturizers. Mineral oil is extracted and purified from the petroleum refining process that occurs within other industries.

This is actually no different from how coconut oil (or other plant oils) is extracted, purified and processed into cosmetics. Thus, if you’re concerned with mineral oil as a “non-renewable” ingredient, you shouldn’t be. In fact, if this is your main concern it’s more helpful to stop driving your vehicle, heating your home, cooking with gas, traveling by airplane, using anything packaged in plastic (or typing on a keyboard) etc., all of which are primary reasons petroleum is refined. Obviously we’re not going to stop doing all of those things, nor would it be practical, but you get our point!

Is Mineral Oil Contaminated?

Mineral oil is approved for use in cosmetics (and a wide variety of other medical applications) globally, and in skin-care products is certified as either USP (United States Pharmacopeia) or BP (British Pharmacopeia). It does not contain impurities that harm skin in any way, nor does it contain any carcinogens (cosmetics-grade mineral oil is free of the compounds present in industrial petroleum).

Speaking of impurities, you may be surprised to learn that plants are subject to contaminants as well. Plants come out of the ground, with insects, worms, mold, fungus, bacteria, and other contaminates that must be purified (or removed) off before they can be put into a cosmetic, just like mineral oil. In fact, if you saw how most plants look (or smell) before they undergo this purification, we bet you’d never want to use another natural product again!

Can Mineral Oil Clog Pores?

Despite its greasy feel, mineral oil can’t clog pores as it cannot penetrate skin—its molecular size is simply too big to get into the pore lining where clogs happen! Instead—and this is good news—mineral oil remains on the surface of skin, where it does the most good—although those with oily skin may not like how products with a high amount of mineral oil feels or looks on their skin.

The Bottom Line

The claims that mineral oil is unsafe to use are unfounded and are perpetuated by cosmetics companies and people who use information about non-purified, industrial-grade mineral oil (which isn’t used in skin care) as a scare tactic. The truth is that the mineral oil you find in skin- care products is perfectly safe, and even better – very good for your skin, especially if it’s dry or sensitive!

Sources for the information above: International Journal of Cosmetic Science, December 2012, pages 511–518; Medycyna Pracy, Volume 62, 2011, pages 435–443; Journal of Dermatologic Science, May 2008, pages 135–142; International Journal of Cosmetic Science, October 2007, pages 385–390; European Journal of Opthalmology, March-April 2007, pages 151–159; International Wound Journal, September 2006, pages 181–187; Ostomy Wound Management, December 2005, pages 30–42; Dermatitis, September 2004, pages 109–116; Cosmetics & Toiletries, February 1998, pages 33–40; and Food and Chemical Toxicology, February 1996, pages 213–225).

Jan 26, 2015

Kitty K.

& as far as being pore-clogging, I would take Paula's Beguon's info on that area with a grain of salt. She tends to completely dismiss the idea of anything being comedogenic ( yet contradicts herself with it as well. ) As far as info goes, while mineral oil doesn't actually penetrate into the pore and clog it... it's basically covers the outside which is where it becomes a disaster for oily & acne prone skin as the skin's natural sebum becomes trapped and creates break outs.

Jan 26, 2015

Eva H.

I agree with Kitty K. Claims about mineral oil being carcinogenic and toxic are false. For the most part, it's not harmful for many people. But it can "suffocate" the outer layer of skin and contribute to problems for people with sensitive/acne prone skin.

Seeing that it's a body product, it might be fine to use. Mineral oil is commonly used in many body moisturizers. My opinion though is that there are higher-quality ingredients that are better at moisturizing skin at a deeper level.

Jan 26, 2015

Beth F.

Thanks for your experience and insight on this ladies! Thanks for the article Kitty & the detailed response.. I'll read more Into it later tonight

Jan 26, 2015

Shelley W.

On the body, for me, is causes me zero grief. But if placed anywhere on my face...all bets are off. Whether its in cosmetics or skincare my facial skin gets upset.

Jan 26, 2015

Jen C.

Mineral oil is good for the body in some ways. It does a great job protecting skin. However it works so well as a barrier, that it doesn't let anything enter or leave the skin. I don't recommend it for oily skin because it could block the skin from releasing sebum, potentially causing acne. But for dry skin it could help the skin retain moisture if you use a moisturizer first. Plus a cap full of mineral oil in a hot bath can help give you soft skin.

Jan 26, 2015

Beth F.

Thanks ladies, I definitely won't be putting the lotion anywhere near my face. I read reviews that the product was great & smelled good... But as soon as I read the ingredients I wasn't sure if mineral oil does anything positive for the skin or if it was just a weird cheap filler