Is topical application of mineral oil detrimental to the skin?

From the Guidelines

Mineral oil is not detrimental to the skin and can be beneficial as a moisturizing ingredient in skincare products. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, published in 2020, recommends fragrance-free moisturizers with petrolatum or mineral oil as the most effective and least allergenic. Mineral oil creates a protective barrier on the skin's surface that locks in moisture and prevents water loss, making it particularly beneficial for dry skin conditions. It's non-comedogenic in its purified form and is unlikely to cause allergic reactions because of its simple chemical structure.

Key Points to Consider

• Mineral oil is considered safe and effective as a moisturizing ingredient in skincare products 1
• It creates a protective barrier on the skin's surface that locks in moisture and prevents water loss
• Mineral oil is non-comedogenic in its purified form and is unlikely to cause allergic reactions
• Cosmetic-grade mineral oil undergoes extensive purification to remove impurities and potential carcinogens
• Some people may prefer plant-based oils for environmental or personal reasons, but from a dermatological perspective, mineral oil remains a reliable and effective ingredient for skin hydration

Important Considerations for Specific Skin Types

• If you have specific skin concerns like acne or extremely sensitive skin, you might want to test products containing mineral oil on a small area first 1
• Mineral oil can be beneficial for dry skin conditions, but it's essential to choose a fragrance-free moisturizer to minimize the risk of irritation
• The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying a minimum amount of 2 fingertip units of moisturizer to each hand, evenly spreading a thin layer across the hand, between fingers, on cuticles, and on fingertips, and waiting 1 to 3 minutes before resuming activity 1

From the Research

Topical Application of Mineral Oil

• The topical application of mineral oil is not considered detrimental to the skin, as evidenced by studies that have shown minimal dermal penetration and no systemic bioavailability 2, 3, 4.
• Mineral oils and waxes used in cosmetic products have been found to be dermally adsorbed to the stratum corneum, with only a minor fraction reaching deeper skin layers 2.
• Repeated topical exposure to white mineral oils has not been found to produce liver granulomas, histiocytosis, or any local or systemic toxicity in animal studies 3.
• The use of mineral oils in cosmetics is regulated in Europe, with purity specifications and safety requirements in place to ensure the high quality of these products 4.

Safety Profile of Mineral Oils

• Mineral oils have a long history of safe use in cosmetic products, with clinical and epidemiological data confirming their excellent skin tolerance and lack of allergenic potential 4.
• The refining and purification process for mineral oils is designed to exclude substances with carcinogenic potential and minimize the presence of mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons 5, 4.
• Estimated doses of mineral oils ingested via lip care products are considered to be of no toxicological concern, contributing to less than 10% of the acceptable daily intake (ADI) value 4.
• Studies have found no significant changes in the skin and no effects on internal organ systems attributed to the topical application of refined mineral oils 3, 4.