Are Mineral Oils Safe for Your Skin? A Comprehensive Guide

Mineral Oils in Skin Care

Mineral oils are petroleum-based saturated fats primarily used in skin care products for their hydrophobic properties that keep water from passing through the mineral oil.

They are extremely effective in preventing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), so are often found in occlusive moisturizers meant for use on the face.

They are effective emollients and occlusive ingredients.

Mineral oil has become less popular in the 21st century as people grow increasingly conscious of their carbon footprints.

If you do choose to use products with mineral oils in them, there are a number of great options depending on your Baumann Skin Type.

What is mineral oil?

Mineral oils form a coat on the skin’s surfaces that prevents permeation of water through the skin’s epidermis.

Mineral oils found in skin care products are composed of saturated fatty acids.

They are derived from petroleum, like petrolatum and paraffin.

They are called mineral oils and not “petroleum oils” because medical terminology was not always standardized; the name mineral oil was likely born as a marketing tool.

Because of vagueness of the phrase “mineral oils,” many other names are used to describe individual mineral oil products or the group of ingredients as a whole.

Some common ways to see mineral oil products referred are (1):

Heavy mineral oil

Light mineral oil

Liquid paraffin

Liquid petrolatum

Mineral oil mist

Paraffin oil

Petrolatum liquid

Petrolatum oil

Petroleum jelly

White mineral oil

White oil

Take the Quiz

Is mineral oil used in skin care?

Mineral oils have been used for decades in skin care because they are cheap, effective, colorless, odorless, and easy to formulate in skin care products.

Petroleum- based ingredients, such as petrolatum and paraffin, are considered by some to be too inelegant for use skin care products because they are thick and greasy to the touch.

are mineral oils safe for face

Can you use mineral oil on your face?

Whether mineral oils are safe for your face depends on the grade of the oil. Mineral oils graded for use in cosmetics are not comedogenic and can be used on the face.

If your skin is acne-prone, mineral oils might not be recommended for your face, because although mineral oil is not comedogenic, it can hold sebum, dirt, silicones, and sunscreen in the hair follicles leading to comedones.

You can use mineral oil on your face if you need a good, affordable, hydrating moisturizing ingredient, but there are many other natural oil options.

Find out if mineral oil containing products fit in your custom Baumann Skin Type regimen.

Is mineral oil good for your skin?

Mineral oils have been used for hundreds of years due to their significant occlusive and moisturizing properties.

Petrolatum, one of the most common mineral oils in skin care, is 170 times more effective at stopping water loss from the skin than olive oil is (4).

Keeping hydration in the skin is a very important part of any dry skin care regimen, so mineral oils can be extremely valuable ingredients in skin care.

If mineral oils are right for your skin type, they combine well with retinoids, aiding in the absorption of ingredients like retinol through occlusion.

One study found that an emulsion containing mineral oil prevented evaporative water loss more effectively than multiple common linoleic acid based emulsions. (19)

petrolatum

Which are the most common mineral oils?

The two most common mineral oils used in skin care are

Paraffin

Petrolatum

Dangers of mineral oil

Since mineral oils are derived from petroleum, many people are concerned it poses risks in skin care, particularly as a carcinogen; this is just a myth. (23)

The only universal drawback of using mineral oil products is that petroleum is not a sustainable resource and has a large carbon footprint.

The biggest danger of using mineral oils in skin care is that they might not fit into your custom skin care regimen!

Is mineral oil comedogenic?

Cosmetic grade mineral oils are absolutely not comedogenic. However, their occlusive properties can hold comedogenic substances like sebum on the face leading to clogged pores.

This is why you should wash your face before applying a mineral oil product in the am and wash the face thoroughly at night.

Industrial grade mineral oils are comedogenic on the skin,

Certain industrial grade mineral oils are listed as comedogenic ingredients to fulfill regulation requirements, but are not actually used in skin care products.

A 2005 study suggests that even though industrial grade mineral oil may be comedogenic, cosmetic grade mineral oils are positively non-comedogenic (18).

do mineral oils cause cancer

Do mineral oils cause cancer?

Mineral oils do not cause cancer on the skin, not even on thin, sensitive skin areas like the lips.

No definitive links with cancer have been found in uses of cosmetic or food-grade mineral oils.

One study shows that even when mineral oils were consumed orally at 2000 times the accepted daily levels, rats were no more or less likely to develop cancerous tumors than a control group. (3)

With all that being said, it is somewhat possible mineral oil based products may concentrate beams of light, the same way a mirror might, onto the skin beneath.

Hypothetically, this could expose skin to more potent UV rays than normal, which could potentially lead to sun damage and skin cancer, however no studies support this concern.

The bottom line on mineral oil and lip cancer: If you choose to wear a mineral oil containing lip balm in the sun, apply a lip sunscreen on top to protect your lips.

Are mineral oils safe for use in skin care?

Cosmetic grade mineral oils are completely safe for use in skin care.

The EWG rating for petrolatum, one of the two most common mineral oils in skin care, is listed as “1-4, depending on usage.”

That rating means it is considered completely safe in some forms, and fairly unsafe in other forms. The difference is whether it is a cosmetic or industrial grade mineral oil.

Only use skin care products with cosmetic grade mineral oil. Stick with reputable skin care brands!

coconut oil vs mineral oil

Coconut oil vs mineral oil

Both coconut oil and mineral oil can be comedogenic or not depending on how they processed.

While both are used as occlusive ingredients in moisturizers, coconut oil contains unsaturated fatty acids which help the oil absorb into the skin while mineral oils have saturated fatty acids that stay on the skin’s surface.

Coconut oil is mostly composed of saturated fats, but contains a small concentration of unsaturated fatty acids which allow it to somewhat permeate phospholipid bilayers.

Both oils to prevent trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) helping skin hold onto water and stay hydrated.

Mineral and coconut oil in hair care

One study finds that in terms of hair care products coconut oil is vastly superior to mineral oils or even sunflower oil. (2)

The fatty acids in coconut oil bind more easily and effectively with proteins in hair, while mineral oils show practically zero affinity for hair proteins by comparison.

Some studies have suggested that mineral oils are terrible for protecting the hair and skin from UV damage, they can intensify the suns rays which can result in worse damage (like a mirror).

Coconut oil reduces loss of proteins in hair much more significantly than mineral oil, which hardly helped with protein loss at all.

Coconut oil has high concentrations of lauric fatty acids, which bond easily with and hydrate hair proteins.

Mineral oil is a saturated fat and does not easily bond with proteins.

When considering hair care products, keep in mind the differences between mineral and coconut oils. You may not need to hydrate your hair, which means in some cases coconut oil might not be a better choice than mineral oils. What is best for you depends on your personal hair care concerns.

mineral oil for dry skin types

Mineral oil for dry skin conditions

Moisturizers that contain mineral oils can be great for dry skin as parts of a comprehensive dry skin care routine.

If you have eczema, using a moisturizer with mineral oils can aid anti-inflammatory or antioxidant ingredients absorption into skin.

Mineral oils serve a similar function in products designed to treat psoriasis.

Occlusives like mineral oils are versatile in dry skin care regimens, and work well with any other in care products that benefit from occlusion (also known as skin slugging).

Mineral oil for acne

As an occlusive category of oils, use with acne is not ideal.

Putting certain oils on the face with acne can lead to worse acne depending on your skin type.

Any major changes in acne skin care regimens should be approved by your dermatologist, because mineral oil affects the efficacy of acne medications.

There are plenty of products considered safe for use with acne, shop by your Baumann Skin Type to find the best ones for you!

Take the Quiz

mineral oil products

Which types of skin care products contain mineral oils?

Mineral oils are used in many types of skin care products for their various beneficial properties.

They are found in many moisturizers because they are good occlusive ingredients, used in treatments like “skin slugging.”

Sunscreens should not be formulated from mineral oils.

Holding exfoliants and other hygienic ingredients against the skin makes them great ingredients in cleansers.

Lip balms use mineral oils to hold moisture on the lips and aid in the absorption of ingredients like humectants which make your lips feel moist.

Many skin care products containing mineral oils need to be washed off after applying; the timing depends on your custom skin care regimen.

To find out what kinds of mineral oil products might work for your skin care regimen, be sure to shop by your Baumann Skin Type!

Here are some of the best skin care products containing mineral oils:

Thanks for checking out this blog on mineral oils. To make sure mineral oils are right for your skin, and to get a full regimen recommended to you for free, take our skin type quiz by clicking the button below!

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected