Is mineral oil safe for human skincare?

Mineral Oil Safety for Skincare

Mineral oil is safe and effective for human skincare applications, with a long history of use and excellent skin tolerance. 1

Safety Profile of Mineral Oil in Skincare

Mineral oil has been used for decades in skin and lip care cosmetic products due to its:

• Excellent skin tolerance
• High protecting and cleansing performance
• Broad viscosity options
• Non-allergenic properties (unlike vegetable oils)
• Stability and resistance to oxidation or rancidity 2

Evidence of Safety

The American Academy of Dermatology specifically recommends mineral oil as one of the most effective and least allergenic moisturizers for skincare 1. Multiple studies have confirmed that:

• Mineral oils do not penetrate human skin and are not systemically bioavailable in the body 2
• No significant changes in the skin or effects on internal organs have been reported from topical application 2
• There is no evidence of adverse health effects from long-term use 3

Clinical Applications

Mineral oil is recommended in several clinical scenarios:

1. As a moisturizer: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends fragrance-free moisturizers with petrolatum or mineral oil as the most effective and least allergenic options 1

2. For ear care: Mineral oil is recognized as an effective oil-based cerumenolytic agent for ear wax removal 4

3. For dry skin conditions: Mineral oil provides a surface lipid film that retards evaporative water loss from the epidermis, making it particularly effective after bathing 1

Important Considerations

While mineral oil is generally safe, there are some specific considerations:

• Avoid use under latex or rubber medical gloves: Petrolatum and mineral oils can compromise glove integrity 1

• Quality matters: In Europe, mineral oils are only permitted in cosmetics if they comply with purity specifications regarding polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and meet safety requirements in the European pharmacopoeia 2

• Occlusive properties: Mineral oil's occlusive nature makes it beneficial for dry skin but potentially problematic for acne-prone individuals 1

Conclusion on Safety

Multiple toxicological reviews have found no evidence of hazards from topical exposure to white mineral oils at any dose across multiple species 3. The safety profile is supported by:

• Negligible epidermal penetration of topically applied mineral oils
• Long history of uneventful human use in both drug and non-drug topically applied products
• Absence of carcinogenic effects in animals dermally exposed to highly refined mineral oils 5

Mineral oil remains one of the safest and most effective moisturizing ingredients available for skincare applications, with particular benefits for those with sensitive skin or allergies to plant-based oils.