Mineral oil: Cancer risk, benefits, and how to use Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe Is mineral oil bad for your skin Medically reviewed by Clare Wightman MS, PAC, Dermatology, Medical Research — By Jenna Fletcher on April 20, 2022Mineral oil is not bad for the skin. It is a heavily processed petroleum product that is present in a variety of skin care products. It can help to soothe and moisturize the skin and can also help to heal minor wounds. Mineral oil is an odorless, clear liquid derived from petroleum. The liquid is a highly purified and processed petroleum product. By the time it is used in consumer products, it is an inert and stable compound. In other words, it is safe for use around foods, in cosmetics, and in other personal care products. This article will discuss whether mineral oil is safe and beneficial for the skin. Is it bad for the skin Share on PinterestPhoto editing by Steve Kelly; Javier Zayas Photography/Getty ImagesAccording to a 2019 overview, people have used mineral oil in cosmetic products for decades, and it has a long history of being safe to use. The concentration of mineral oils in cosmetics can range from 1–99%, and they are present in:skin creamsointmentslotionssunscreenslip care productshair gelsbath oils The mineral oils in cosmetics are typically stable and well tolerated when applied to the skin. However, if a person develops any reaction, they should stop using the product and contact their doctor if symptoms persist. The amount of mineral oils used in lip care products is not high enough to cause concern if ingested. They usually contain less than 10% of the acceptable daily intake value. Does mineral oil cause cancer When highly refined, mineral oils do not cause any adverse effects. However, if the petroleum is not highly refined, it may include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogenic. This means it may increase the risk of cancer. A 2019 article notes that in Europe, companies are only allowed to use mineral oils in cosmetics if they comply with specific purity regulations regarding PAHs. These regulations and safety requirements ensure that the mineral oils go through the refining process to remove any substances that may cause cancer and reduce the presence of PAHs. Products containing these mineral oils do not penetrate the skin, and as a result, do not cause adverse changes to the skin or have any effect on the internal organs. However, according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, the mineral oils used in the United States are not as refined as they are in Europe. As a result, people should avoid buying products that contain mineral oil unless the label states that it is fully refined as white petrolatum or white mineral oil. White mineral oil is highly purified and meets specifications to ensure that it is safe to use in over-the-counter products. Does it have benefits for the skin The 2019 article notes that when applied to the skin, mineral oil has protective and lubricating properties. It can help to soften, cleanse, and moisturize the skin. Mineral oil is an example of an occlusive moisturizer. These form a barrier on the skin, which helps prevent water evaporation and reduces water loss through the skin by 99%. Petroleum jelly, or Vaseline, is a common product made of a blend of mineral oils and waxes. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), petroleum jelly can help to:Relieve dry skin: A person can apply petroleum jelly to the skin, including the lips and eyelids, to moisturize and protect the skin.Prevent chafing: A person can apply petroleum jelly to areas of the skin that rub together, such as the thighs or feet.Treat diaper rash: A person can apply petroleum jelly to the rash each time they change the diaper. This should help the rash resolve after 3–4 days.Help heal injured skin: Petroleum jelly can help keep small wounds moist, such as scratches, scrapes, and cuts. This can aid in healing.Rehydrate the nails: To help reduce brittle and chipped nails, a person can apply petroleum jelly to their nails and cuticles. How to use it effectively Many commercially available skin protectants contain mineral oil. A person might find it easier to use a product that contains mineral oil instead of using pure mineral oil. When using a product that contains mineral oil, people should ensure that they follow the instructions on the packaging. Before using pure mineral oil, a person should talk with a dermatologist to ensure that it is safe for them to do so. When using pure mineral oil, a person should look for products sold in their local pharmacy. A person can apply a small amount of mineral oil to the skin as they would any other skin care product. Where to find quality mineral oil A person can find pure mineral oil or products containing mineral oils and waxes at a local pharmacy and online. When buying products containing mineral oil, the labels may include the following terms, which are mineral oil-based ingredients:paraffinparaffinum liquidumisoparaffinsynthetic waxmicrocystalline waxhydrogenated microcrystaline waxpetrolatumceresinozokeritecera microcrystalline Frequently asked questions The following sections help provide answers to commonly asked questions about mineral oil. Does mineral oil cause premature aging Evidence suggests mineral oil helps promote overall skin health, including providing moisture. Moisturizing the skin can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging. Does mineral oil dry out the skin Mineral oil does not dry out the skin. A person can use mineral oil to help moisturize their skin safely. Studies have shown that it can help provide additional protection from losing moisture, making it a better moisturizer compared with some other choices. Does mineral oil cause acne According to the AAD, a person should avoid applying petroleum jelly on the face if they are prone to acne. This is because it can lead to breakouts. It can also lead to perioral dermatitis, which is a rash around the mouth. This is not acne, though it can present with small acne-like bumps. Summary Mineral oil is a safe ingredient present in many cosmetic products. It can help soothe and protect the skin and act as a moisturizer. It is also nonallergenic, and should not cause any adverse effects on the skin. To find products containing mineral oil, a person can look online or in their local drugstore. Last medically reviewed on April 20, 2022Dermatology 8 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.5 ways to use petroleum jelly for skin care. (n.d.). https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/petroleum-jellyChuberre, B., et al. (2019). Mineral oils and waxes in cosmetics: An overview mainly based on the current European regulations and the safety profile of these compounds. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jdv.15946Harwood, A., et al. (2021). Moisturizers. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545171/Mineral oil. (n.d.). https://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredients/mineral-oil/Petrolatum, petroleum jelly. (n.d.). https://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/petrolatum/Pirow, R., et al. (2019). Mineral oil in food, cosmetic products, and in products regulated by other legislations. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408444.2019.1694862Rawlings, A. V., . (2012). A review on the extensive skin benefits of mineral oil. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2012.00752.xWrinkle remedies. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/wrinkle-remediesFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Clare Wightman MS, PAC, Dermatology, Medical Research — By Jenna Fletcher on April 20, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageUses and benefits of lactic acid in skin care Lactic acid is a common ingredient in cosmetics to help exfoliate the skin. Learn more about the benefits of lactic acid for the skin and how to use…READ MOREWhat to know about ferulic acidMedically reviewed by Jennie Olopaade, PharmD, RPH What is ferulic acid? Learn more about this compound's role in skin care and potential benefits and side effects.READ MORESodium hyaluronate in skin care: What to know Sodium hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid, a popular cosmetic ingredient known for its ability to hydrate and plump the skin. Learn more here.READ MOREWitch hazel for acne: How it works and how to use it Witch hazel can help reduce the appearance of acne. Learn more here.READ MORE