emollient
Mineral Oil
Fearmongered, actually fine·Strong evidence·INCI: Paraffinum Liquidum
A highly refined, purified oil that forms a light protective layer to slow water loss from skin. Cosmetic-grade mineral oil goes through purification steps that remove the contaminants associated with crude petroleum, and CIR has found it safe as used.
The myth vs the evidence
Myth: mineral oil is "petroleum" and therefore toxic or pore-clogging. Evidence: cosmetic and pharmaceutical-grade mineral oil is highly refined and purified to remove polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, unlike crude petroleum. CIR reviewed it as safe as used, and clinical studies have not shown it to be comedogenic in typical cosmetic formulations.
Products with Mineral Oil
References
Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.