Is Mineral Oil Bad for the Skin?

Introduction

We used to spot mineral oil in many of the skincare products. Mineral oil is a clear liquid with no color or odor. It is a product of heavily processed petroleum that undergoes refining, purifying, and processing. Therefore, it is a liquid by-product of refining crude oil in formulating gasoline and petroleum products. So, mineral oil can also be regarded as paraffin, white oil, liquid petroleum, or liquid paraffin. It is an over-the-counter product used primarily for in-home care for many skin ailments, from dry skin to the healing of minor wounds. However, the claim of whether mineral oil is good or bad for the skin persists.

Is Mineral Oil Bad for the Skin?

Mineral oil is one of the most common ingredients used in various skincare products. Our everyday moisturizers contain mineral oils like petroleum jelly and paraffin wax.

The important characteristic of mineral oil is it helps retain moisture and thus provides a soothing effect. When used in the right proportion, mineral oil is safe and beneficial for the skin. As evidenced by the study review of 2019, it states that people have been using mineral-oil-based products for centuries. Mineral oil has had a long history of being safe.

Though mineral oil has become a hot potato of late, becoming a controversial issue with public safety. The claims are being answered with the science behind mineral oil constituents. The claims and the myths are discussed below in accordance with the facts.

• Claim: Mineral oil can dry the skin out. It can induce premature aging.

Fact: Mineral oil acts as a barrier between the two important determinants of moisture, such as the skin and air. So, it is an occlusive agent that prevents water and moisture from leaving the skin. So it does not dry out the skin by any means.

• Claim: Mineral oil takes off the vitamins in the skin.

Fact: There is a myth that mineral oil can rob the vitamins since the vitamins are oil-based in nature. Nevertheless, the scientific evidence does not show this aspect, and mineral oil does not influence vitamin concentration in the skin.

• Claim: Mineral oil prevents collagen absorption in the moisturizer.

Fact: The collagen in the moisturizer is inadequate for it to penetrate the skin. Therefore, mineral oil does not affect collagen absorption.

• Claim: Mineral oil is not safe to use.

Fact: The mineral oil available in the markets is incorporated in various cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, obtained through the high process of refining and purifying. Regulatory bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other international agencies oversee the purity standards of mineral oil used in consumer products. Moreover, no studies have shown that cosmetics containing mineral oil are unsafe to use in medical and dermatological aspects.

• Claim: Mineral oil can cause acne problems.

Fact: Mineral oil does not cause acne, so most people will not develop acne with mineral oil. According to the journal study, it is evident that mineral oil from cosmetic products is known to be non-comedogenic, so it does not clog the pores leading to acne. On infrequent occasions, mineral oil can aggravate the underlying acne issue.

Is Mineral Oil Beneficial for the Skin?

Like silicones, mineral oil is readily available at-home remedy for many concerns. Mineral oil is widely available in most commercial products, having a variety of properties and health benefits. It is generally topically administered for the skin and orally taken for other stomach concerns.

The mineral oil is broadly infused in the following skincare wares.

• Lotions.

• Moisturizers.

• Face creams.

• Body creams.

• Eye creams.

• Hair gels.

• Liquid makeup removers and wipes.

• Lip care products.

• Petroleum jelly.

• Baby oils.

• Foundations.

• Sunscreens.

What Are the Benefits of Mineral Oil on the Skin?

• Dry Skin: Mineral oil is significantly effective on dry skin. It keeps the skin moisturized and smooth for several hours, producing a soothing effect. Therefore, it keeps the moisture from departing. This action helps one maintain healthy skin even in winter when the skin is more likely to dry. Addedly, it decreases transepidermal water loss, a loss of moisture through the water evaporation from the skin.

• Diaper Rash: Diaper rash is one of the severe concerns among babies, which tends to leave the skin inflamed, red, and sometimes painful. Mineral oil is known to provide significant relief of such inflammation from rashes. Hence, mineral oil is an effective home remedy for diaper rashes.

• Chafing: Chafing is known for the skin irritation that occurs due to rubbing skin against skin, cloth, or other elements. So, chafing is the red sore skin resulting from continuous irritation of certain materials for quite a long time. Underarms, groin, nipples, and thighs are highly vulnerable to chafing. Mineral oil in the form of petroleum jelly helps prevent chafing.

• Rehydration of Nails: Brittle and chipped nails cause profound concern these days. The brittle nail arises due to low moisture content, though the primary cause is zinc deficiency, iron deficiency, and thyroid problems. The application of petroleum jelly to the nails and cuticles aids in maintaining moisture.

• Healing: Any injury results in cuts, scratches, and scrapes. This lacks moisture leading to prolonged recovery. So, the wound can become larger with gradual means of repair and regeneration. Water is one of the ailments to address in the case of injury. As petroleum jelly helps retain moisture, one can apply it in the areas of the wound.

Conclusion

For topical use, mineral oil is considered safe and effective as it addresses the skin moisture issue. Moisture is an essential determinant of skin health, wound healing, aging, and other concerns. Mineral oil is safe rather than one effect such as susceptibility to UV rays penetration into the skin. The systemic and adverse side effects from the skin treatments do not occur as the mineral oil stays on the upper layer of the skin and does not penetrate the skin. No journals or articles have also stated that mineral oil harms the skin. Therefore, it is a myth that mineral oil is bad for the skin and should be used for its many benefits.