Mineral oil is a byproduct of the oil industry, and is a common cosmetic ingredient. However, it is also one of the substances in cosmetics that is the subject of much discussion. It would be bad for skin and hair, worsen skin problems and could even lead to health problems. However, is this true?

What is mineral oil

Mineral oil is a collective name for the products derived from petroleum. Contrary to what many people think, these substances are completely natural. Mineral oil has an occlusive effect, which means that it closes the skin. A layer is formed over the skin and hair.

Different types of mineral oil

The two most commonly used mineral oils in the cosmetic industry are paraffin and petrolatum (also known as petrolatum or petroleum jelly). These two oils also have various derivative products, which are also used in the cosmetic industry.

Effect on skin and hair

The occlusive effect of mineral oil has the effect that the moisture present cannot evaporate; this promotes skin hydration. In addition, this layer protects against harmful external influences. However, apart from this occlusive capacity, mineral oil has no effective function. It does not contain any substances that have a beneficial effect on the skin and hair, and is also not absorbed by the skin.Furthermore, the advantages of mineral oils are that they are harmless to the skin and do not cause irritation. Mineral oil is a popular product within the medical industry because it strengthens the barrier function of the skin, without the risk of allergic reactions and irritations.Opponents of mineral oils claim that these occlusive effects are detrimental, because dirt can no longer escape and active ingredients can no longer be absorbed. This could worsen skin problems such as acne, or the skin could dry out over time. These effects can indeed occur with extensive and frequent use of pure mineral oil. It must be said that the skin mechanism can fully recover within about two weeks.However, it is also true that most cosmetic products do not consist solely of mineral oil: the addition of other substances means that they do not have a completely occlusive effect, so that the exchange of substances remains possible. Applying a thick layer of Vaseline to your face every day is therefore not a good idea, but using creams and other cosmetic products with mineral oil as an ingredient does not necessarily have to cause problems.In conclusion, we can say that long-term use of pure mineral oil is generally not recommended, but that the use of products containing mineral oil is not immediately bad; they can actually have a very good effect. It is of course also personal how someone reacts to mineral oil. If you want to avoid mineral oils, you can turn to plant-based alternatives such as beeswax, olive, almond or coconut oil.