Skin Care

What Exactly Is Mineral Oil and Why Is It So Controversial?

Good, bad or somewhere in between?

by Heather Cichowski | COMMENT

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What Are the Benefits of Mineral Oil? Mineral oil is a very emollient and occlusive (sits on top of skin) moisturizer, says Tara Foley, founder and CEO of Follain. Its molecules are quite large, which is why it sits on the surface of the skin. The benefit of this is that it helps to trap moisture and form a barrier on the surface of the skin. These attributes allow it to function as a protectant.

Mineral oil is stable, smooth, effective and inexpensive, which is why it has been a common ingredient in beauty products for "many, many years," Grossman says. Besides conventional baby oils, it frequently appears in heavier lotions, creams, body lotions and even makeup removers. It can be found in a range of brands, from drugstore to luxury products. Aquaphor Healing Ointment, $17, Vaseline Jelly Original, $3.49, and Johnson's Baby Oil, $4.99, are some of the most well-known options.

The EWG gives mineral oil a score of one to three, depending upon its usage. It has a low risk of contributing to cancer and a moderate risk of non-reproductive organ system toxicity.

Image via Target

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