Mineral Oil
Ingredient Info
Mineral oil is a lightweight, colorless oil derived from petroleum that works as an occlusive moisturizer. It forms a protective barrier on the skin's surface to seal in hydration and prevent water loss, making it particularly useful for dry or sensitive skin.
Benefits
- Helps retain skin moisture by creating a protective barrier
- Generally well-tolerated and suitable for sensitive skin
- Shows effectiveness in improving appearance of keratosis pilaris when used topically
- Non-absorbent, so it stays on the skin surface longer than many other oils
Potential concerns
- May feel heavy or greasy on oily or acne-prone skin
- Can potentially clog pores in susceptible individuals
- Some people prefer plant-based alternatives for environmental or personal preference reasons
- If used on breast area while nursing, infants may ingest high levels through skin contact—water-based creams are safer for this use
Science: Peer-reviewed research confirms mineral oil's effectiveness as a topical treatment for skin conditions like keratosis pilaris. Mineral oil has an excellent safety profile for topical use; it is poorly absorbed through the skin and poses minimal risk to breastfed infants when used appropriately on non-breast areas.
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