A liquid produced by the distillation of petroleum, mineral oil is odorless, tasteless and inexpensive. It is a common ingredient in baby lotions, cold creams, ointments and cosmetics. Its slippery quality helps products spread easily across the skin; however, the Environmental Working Group lists mineral oil as a potential hazard due to its link to skin irritation, allergic reaction and cancer.
Interferes with Skin's Respiration Process
Mineral oil coasts the skin with an impermeable layer that inhibits the skin's natural ability to breathe. Although product manufacturers claim that this helps locks moisture in the skin, opponents of mineral oil caution that this film interferes with the skin's ability to eliminate toxins through sweat. Mineral oil can also block pores and cause acne, potentially leading to long-term scarring. According to Mercola.com, this effect also prevents the absorption of any healthful ingredients in your moisturizers or skin treatment products.
Accelerates Drying
Because mineral oil pulls moisture away from the skin, it can contribute to dry skin and chapping, even though it is intended to alleviate these skin conditions. According to Positive Health Online, this effect also robs newly formed cells of moisture, which interferes with normal cell development, slowing down the cell renewal rate and contributing to premature aging of the skin. While the sun is the number one cause of skin damage and premature aging, skin care products with mineral oil aren't helpful and may contribute to the damage.
Causes Skin Rashes
According to Drugs.com, common side effects of mineral oil and petroleum jelly include mild itching, burning, stinging or dry skin. Severe side effects, in those who are allergic, may include rash, hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, mouth or tongue.
Linked to Cancer
According to the National Toxicology Program, unrefined or mildly refined mineral oil is a known carcinogen due to the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which naturally occur in coal and petroleum. PAHs have been linked to various cancers, including scrotal, gastrointestinal, sinonasal, bladder and lung cancer. (reference 5) Mineral oil used for cosmetic purposes is highly refined to remove PAHs, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that some over-the-counter products containing mineral oil display a warning label. Consumer advocacy groups such as the Environmental Working Group advise exercising caution when using products containing mineral oil until more conclusive research is available.
References
- Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database: Mineral Oil
- Positive Health Online: Mineral Oil Petroleum Derivative in Beauty Products
- Mercola.com: Traditional Tanning Oils Contain Harsh Chemicals and Potentially Dangerous Ingredients
- Drugs.com: Mineral Oil Side Effects
- National Toxicology Program: Substance Profiles: Mineral Oil
Member Comments
Gr8ragu July 3
This article is nonsense. When I was 16 years old, many decades ago, I touched the arm of a well-tones, well-muscled 18 year old that I liked. His skin was so soft I had to say something. He told me he had been putting baby oil (mineral oil) on his skin after a bath or a shower his entire life. His mother taught him to do that. After that, I did the same, and decades later my skin is soft, supple, fabulous and I've received comments as to how soft my skin is. It's fine, go do it, it feels great, no problems and that's that.