Rumors can spread faster than truth. And this is what happened with mineral oil. But the truth can never be hidden! Many people and natural cosmetic companies have labeled mineral oil as a harmful or toxic ingredient.
However, there is not a single scientific evidence that supports their claim. So, all is futile; mineral oil is the safest yet most effective ingredient in skincare products.
What is Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is a colorless, odorless, and flavorless oil derived from purified and refined petroleum. Petroleum is a naturally occurring product.
In skin care, only cosmetic-grade mineral oil can be used. The mineral oil used in cosmetics has to go through a different process, including distillation which removes all toxins and impurities. The final CGMO is pure and refined and can safely be used on any skin type.
Why is mineral oil a popular skincare ingredient?
Mineral oil is a very popular skincare ingredient because of its exceptional qualities that no other ingredient possesses. Some of the qualities of mineral oil are:
- It is inert, which means other compounds in the formulation do not react with it.
- Mineral oil is highly occlusive, which prevents water loss, thus profoundly moisturizing the skin.
- Mineral oil rarely causes irritation and allergies
6 Mineral Oil Myths
So, let’s together bust these myths that have tarnished the reputation of mineral oil.
Here are the top 5 myths that are associated with mineral oil
Mineral oil is comedogenic.
Mineral oil forms a protective layer on the skin because its molecules are too large to penetrate. This layer serves as a protective layer against dirt and microbes and prevents water loss. Mineral oil is non-comedogenic means it doesn’t clog pores.
Mineral oil is toxic and can cause cancer.
Well, this myth comes from the idea that mineral oil is derived from petroleum. Pure petroleum contains harmful materials, including carcinogenic materials. That is why people also believe mineral oil is toxic and contains cancer-causing material. However, this is not true; Mineral oil used in pharmaceutical and skin care industries is highly refined and purified. But this is no evidence of such claims because mineral oil purity is regulated by big names such as the US FDA and other agencies.
It’s bad for sensitive and Dry skin.
Mineral oil is the safest ingredient for sensitive skin; it rarely causes allergies. The reason behind mineral oil’s popularity in the skincare industry is its property of not causing any reaction on the skin.
Hydration is synonymous with mineral oil. However, many skincare industries claim that mineral oil dries out skin and causes premature aging. This is another senseless claim; mineral oil forms a protective layer between the skin and the external environment, thus locking moisture into the skin.
Reputable companies don’t use mineral oil in the formulations.
Mineral oil is still a popular ingredient in the skincare industry. The reasons behind it are safety profile and compatibility with other ingredients. A second important factor that makes mineral oil an irreplaceable ingredient is cost-effectiveness. It is very stable and can increase the shelf life of products as opposed to natural oils, which are often unstable.
Mineral oil prevents the absorption of collagen.
Another senseless myth with no scientific evidence. Collagen in your moisturizers has big molecules, which means it doesn’t penetrate your skin. So, mineral oil has no link with the absorption of collagen.
Mineral oil causes acne.
As discussed, mineral oil is non-comedogenic. It neither clogs your pores nor exacerbates acne. Most people using mineral oil experience no problems.
The bottom line
There is no scientific evidence available that proves any of the discussed myths. Mineral oil is safe, effective, and cheap, which makes it the perfect moisturizing ingredient for skincare. So, don’t fall into a trap! There is not a single reason present to stay away from mineral oil.
