Mineral oil is a by product of the refining process which produces petrol from crude oil. It’s classed as a petrochemical, so it’s absolutely not a natural product. Mineral oil is derived from fossil fuels, so it’s non-renewable, and this means its extensive use will eventually have adverse environmental implications for the future.
Mineral oil is inexpensive, colourless and odourless as well as being an effective moisturiser, which is why it’s so popular as a filler in many skin care products. It can be found in most major brands in the UK, as well as an incredible 98% of all skin care products in America. Even expensive, so-called premium products list mineral oil high in the ingredients. The mineral oil used in personal care products is admittedly highly refined, but opinion is divided on whether it is a safe ingredient.
Some experts believe that mineral oil is carcinogenic as a result of the processes it goes through. The World Health Organisation classes untreated or slightly treated mineral oil as a Class 1 carcinogen, so they definitely believe it is cancer causing. Refined mineral oil used in skin care products is designated as a Class 3 carcinogen, and although it is not thought to cause cancer in humans, there is insufficient information and research to place it in the safer Class 4 category. This classification places a question mark over the safety of mineral oil.
Mineral oil acts as a barrier on the skin to prevent environmental damage from the sun and air pollutants , and highly refined oil is not thought to block the skin’s pores. However, something that produces an effective barrier on the skin will prevent things getting out of the body, as well as preventing things getting in. In other words, mineral oil can interfere with the body’s natural cooling mechanism, which expels sweat as well as some of the unwanted toxins in the system.
There is also the worry that mineral oil will block the skin’s natural absorption of moisture. Some experts suggest that the barrier effect of mineral oil could even inhibit the natural renewal of cells, since this depends on the absorption of moisture and oxygen from the atmosphere. The interference with cell renewal could lead to premature aging, which defeats the object of using expensive skin creams. And remember that environmental moisture is essential for the effective functioning of the body’s natural defence mechanisms.
Why do so many major skin care and cosmetic manufacturers persist in using mineral oil, when there are natural and sustainable alternatives available like coconut oil, argan oil and avocado oil. Cost and convenience obviously come into it, but surely the health and welfare of customers should be paramount? Natural skin care companies tend to use only the safest and best natural ingredients in their products. You will never see mineral oil listed in the ingredients panels of natural skin care products.