What Are Mineral Oils and Why Are They in Skincare?

Mineral oils are colorless, odorless oils derived from petroleum. They are widely used in skincare and cosmetics due to their excellent occlusive and emollient properties, which help lock in moisture and soften the skin.

You’ll find mineral oils in:

• Moisturizers
• Creams and ointments
• Makeup removers
• Lip balms
• Baby oils

They’re affordable, stable, and effective—but their petroleum origin raises eyebrows in the clean beauty world. According to a 2019 review published in PubMed, mineral oils are chemically purified and considered safe, yet their cosmetic use remains controversial.

Are Mineral Oils Really Harmful?

Critics argue that mineral oils are 'unnatural,' overly occlusive, or potentially contaminated, but these claims don’t hold up to regulatory scrutiny.

A safety review on ResearchGate explains that cosmetic-grade mineral oils and waxes are highly purified and regulated under EU guidelines, with no link to health risks in personal care formulations.

Why the Debate Won’t Die

Although science supports mineral oil’s safety, public skepticism lingers often due to its association with petroleum and “toxic” marketing myths.

The truth? Mineral oil is non-comedogenic and chemically inert. But if your skin is oily, acne-prone, or you're layering heavy occlusives in a humid climate, it may still feel too heavy.

Where Mineral Oils Hide in Your Routine

You won’t always see “mineral oil” on the label. Watch for ingredients like:

• Paraffinum liquidum
• Petrolatum
• Cera microcristallina
• Ozokerite
• Synthetic wax

These may be listed near the end of the INCI list or buried within base or emollient blends.

How SkinBuddy Helps You Spot and Avoid Mineral Oils

• In your Skin Profile, select “Avoid Mineral Oils.”
• When scanning any skincare or makeup product, SkinBuddy will highlight every mineral oil derivative, even if it's deeply hidden.
• Use “Discover Ideal Match” to see only mineral oil-free products tailored to your skin type if you choose to avoid mineral oils in your skin profile.

Try SkinBuddy to find out what works for your skin, and what doesn’t.

Scan your skincare, avoid pore-clogging or irritating ingredients, and discover smarter product matches. Open the web app or download the mobile app to get started.

Open SkinBuddy Web App

or

Check if your skincare suits your skin type, sensitivity, or acne-prone needs at skinbuddy.app and discover better options that match your routine and goals. SkinBuddy makes it easy, fast, and science-backed.

Scan to get started:

Web App (mobile only)

App Store & Google Play

FAQs About Mineral Oils in Skincare

1. Are mineral oils dangerous?

   No. Cosmetic-grade mineral oils are refined and considered safe by EU and U.S. health authorities.

2. Can mineral oils clog pores?

   Not directly. They’re non-comedogenic, but layering them improperly may trap other occlusive materials.

3. Are there better alternatives?

   Some users prefer plant oils or ceramides for a more “natural” feel or sustainability reasons.

4. Are mineral oils bad for the environment?

   Their petroleum origin does raise sustainability concerns for eco-conscious users.

Final Thoughts

Mineral oils are dermatologist-approved and regulation-backed, but that doesn’t mean they’re right for everyone. If you prefer to avoid them, SkinBuddy helps you do it effortlessly.

👉 Download the SkinBuddy app today and discover the safest, most suitable skincare for your unique needs.