Mineral Oil
Purified cosmetic-grade liquid hydrocarbon oil. Works as a mild occlusive, reduces moisture loss and tolerates the skin as well as petrolatum.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Cosmetic mineral oil undergoes deep purification and behaves nothing like technical-grade stock. Large CIR and SCCS reviews confirm a good tolerance profile.
How to read tiers A–F
- BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Dry, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum) is a highly refined mixture of liquid hydrocarbons from petroleum. In cosmetic and pharmaceutical grade – free of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which may be carcinogenic. Mechanism. An occlusive – forms a thin inert film on the skin, reduces transepidermal water loss by 40–50% (vs petrolatum). Does not penetrate the epidermis due to large molecular size. Does not disrupt the skin barrier. Where applied. Face and body creams, baby oils (Johnson's Baby Oil), lip balms, makeup removers, pharmaceuticals including laxatives. In Spain in CeraVe, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast, in gynecology for mucosal preparation. Evidence base. The Rawlings 2012 systematic review showed mineral oil's efficacy as an occlusive in atopic dermatitis and xerosis. AAD 2024 recommends mineral oil as part of emollient therapy in atopy. In 5% of acne patients it may trigger comedones (Sethi 2017), but in the general population comedogenicity is 0–1 of 5. Safety. CIR/SCCS confirmed safety for topical use. Cosmetic and pharmaceutical grades undergo strict purification – PAH content below 1 ppm. Does not accumulate in skin, systemic absorption below 5%. MOSH/MOAH controversy. In 2015 the EU discussed migration of mineral oils from packaging into food. In cosmetics only highly refined grades (USP, Ph. Eur. quality) without aromatic fractions are used. SCCS Opinion SCCS/1573/16 confirmed safety in cosmetics. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. One of the most validated ingredients for any pregnancy stage, any skin area including face and breast. Used for nipple cracks during lactation. Particularly suitable for. Atopic dermatitis, xerosis, barrier recovery after aggressive therapy, fungal acne-safe formulas (Malassezia does not use hydrocarbons as substrate). Does not combine with retinol on acne-prone skin – risk of comedones.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mineral Oil safe during pregnancy?
Mineral Oil is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Mineral Oil for?
Mineral Oil suits: dry, sensitive.
What is Mineral Oil and what does it do in cosmetics?
Purified cosmetic-grade liquid hydrocarbon oil.
Is Mineral Oil comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Mineral Oil?
The INCI name is Paraffinum Liquidum. It may also appear as: Mineral Oil, Paraffin Oil, Liquid Paraffin.
See Mineral Oil in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
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