Our customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, from Monday to Sunday.
| Catalog Number | CI-HC-0081 |
| Product Name | Mineral Oil |
| CAS | 8042-47-5 |
| Description | Mineral oil is a clear and odorless liquid which is derived from petroleum. It has a wide range of applications in many industries including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food manufacturing. In cosmetics, mineral oil is commonly used as a moisturizer in lotions, creams, and other skincare products due to its ability to lock in moisture and protect the skin from environmental damage. It is also used as an ingredient in some hair care products to enhance shine and reduce frizz. In the pharmaceutical industry, mineral oil is used as a lubricant and laxative in various medications. It is also used in the food industry as a flavorless and colorless lubricant for food processing equipment. |
| Appearance | clear, odorless and colorless oil that is derived from petroleum |
| Application | 1. Skin care: Mineral oil is commonly used as a base ingredient in skincare products like lotions, creams, and balms due to its emollient properties. It helps to retain moisture on the skin, preventing dryness and softening the skin. 2. Medical use: Mineral oil is used in medicine as a laxative to help relieve constipation. It can also be used as a lubricant in medical procedures and is found in many over-the-counter remedies for earwax buildup. 3. Industrial lubricant: Mineral oil is used as a lubricant in a wide range of industrial applications, including machinery, motor oil, and other automotive fluids. 4. Food processing: Mineral oil is used in food processing as a lubricant, release agent, or anti-foaming agent. It is also sometimes used as a coating for fruits and vegetables to help them retain moisture and extend shelf life. 5. Veterinary use: Mineral oil is sometimes used in veterinary medicine as a treatment for hairballs in cats or as a lubricant for certain procedures. |
| Features And Benefits | 1. Provides a barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss 2. Non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores 3. Helps to soothe and protect dry, irritated skin 4. Improves the overall texture and softness of the skin 5. Can be used as a gentle makeup remover |
Mineral oil, also referred to as liquid paraffin, is a refined hydrocarbon obtained from petroleum and serves multiple industrial purposes, including use as a cutting fluid and a lubricating oil. Its application extends to forming a protective, shiny barrier on surfaces, which is why it is a common ingredient in inexpensive skincare products like baby oils, lotions, and creams. While its stability and ability to create an occlusive film are beneficial for moisture retention, mineral oil can impede normal skin respiration by blocking oxygen. Additionally, mineral oil is used in medical settings for alleviating constipation and removing ear wax.
Rawlings A V, et al. International journal of cosmetic science, 2012, 34(6), 511-518.
Because of its low cost and abundant supply, mineral oil has been widely used as a cosmetic ingredient. Mineral oil mainly exerts skin moisturizing effects through two mechanisms: occlusion and humectancy. Among them, occlusion will play a greater role.
Occlusion effect of mineral oil
· The occlusion effect of mineral oil is due to its ability to align molecules in a tight 'palisade' formation that prevents the passage of other molecules. This occlusivity is determined by the alkyl chain length and distribution, as well as the substantivity of the oil. Mineral oil, with predominantly straight-chain alkyl chains, is known for its occlusive properties. However, the variable chain length of heavy mineral oil can create 'holes' in the palisade fence, reducing its effectiveness.
· In addition, the substantivity of mineral oil allows for some lateral diffusion on top of the skin, but minimal penetration into the skin. This balance of substantivity and occlusivity makes mineral oil an effective moisturizer without being too heavy or greasy. Other cosmetic emollients may not have the optimal combination of substantivity and straight-chained molecules to achieve the same level of occlusion. Ultimately, the concentration of the occluding oil in a formulation also plays a significant role in determining its occlusive effect.
Chuberre B, et al. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2019, 33, 5-14.
Mineral oils and waxes are mixtures of saturated hydrocarbons composed primarily of linear, branched and cyclic structures with carbon chain lengths greater than C14. They have been used in skin and lip care cosmetics for decades. This work evaluates the safety of mineral hydrocarbons in food and cosmetic lip care products. Results indicate that highly refined mineral oils and waxes used in cosmetics can be considered safe for humans:
· Skin application: There were no identified health risks in humans related to systemic toxicity, dermatotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, autoimmune response, or disease through skin application. Additionally, no evidence of tumorigenicity or genotoxicity through the skin was found.
· Oral exposure: While repeated oral exposure to mineral oils may result in the accumulation of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) in human tissues, it was determined to pose little concern from a toxicological perspective. Mineral oils of pharmaceutical and food grades do not show any indications of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity, or autoimmunity.
· Lip care products: Even though lip care products may contribute to the total oral exposure and accumulation of MOSH in humans, those adhering to the recommendations of Cosmetics Europe - which include the use of highly refined mineral oils with minimal levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and low molecular hydrocarbons, along with daily ingestion below the established ADI value - are not expected to pose significant health risks.
What is mineral oil and how is it derived?
Mineral oil is a mixture of refined hydrocarbons that are derived from petroleum, also known as crude oil. It is often referred to as liquid paraffin, Paraffinum liquidum, or paraffin oil.
In what industries is mineral oil commonly used?
Mineral oil is commonly used in industrial applications as a cutting fluid and lubricating oil due to its stability and lubricative properties.
How does mineral oil affect the skin when used in skincare products?
Mineral oil adds a protective, shiny layer or occlusive film on the skin. It is highly stable and forms an oily film over the skin to lock in moisture, but it may hinder normal skin respiration by keeping oxygen out.
Are there any common consumer products that contain mineral oil?
Yes, mineral oil is often found in inexpensive consumer products such as baby oil, lotions, and creams.
Can mineral oil be used for medical purposes?
Mineral oil has been used for medical purposes such as alleviating constipation and removing ear wax.
If you have any questions, please contact us. You will get a satisfactory answer.
