Mineral oil in skincare
A refined oil used as a cosmetic fat base.
What is mineral oil?
A refined oil used as a cosmetic fat base. On the ingredient list, you can find the name Paraffinum Liquidum. The dictionary uses both the common name and the INCI name, so you can compare the explanation with the packaging.
What does mineral oil do for skin and the product?
Softens and helps limit moisture loss.
Moisture-retaining ingredients form a film on the surface that limits water loss. This differs from binding water with ingredients such as glycerin. The film's properties depend on the formulation.
Cosmetic mineral oil is refined for its intended purpose. Origin alone says nothing about product quality.
How to read the ingredient list
Look at the product's purpose and overall composition. Position on the list does not tell you the exact concentration used or how your skin will react. One substance can serve several purposes in the same product.
Questions about mineral oil
What does mineral oil do in skincare?
Softens and helps limit moisture loss.
What should I know about mineral oil?
Cosmetic mineral oil is refined for its intended purpose. Origin alone says nothing about product quality.
Related ingredients
About sources and ingredient names
The European Commission's CosIng database is a reference for cosmetic ingredient names and functions. An entry does not constitute approval of all uses or evidence of a particular product effect.
DermNet: functions of moisturising care · DermNet: cosmetic formulations