Ingredient
Paraffinum Liquidum
Mineral oil
A petroleum-derived oil used as an emollient and occlusive. Cosmetic grades are highly refined and differ from industrial-grade material.
What it is there to do
Emollient
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells.
Occlusive
Forms a barrier that slows water loss from the surface.
Where this comes up
The notes BeautySignal puts beside this ingredient when it is on a label.
- Contains mineral oils
This product contains a petroleum-derived oil or wax. Cosmetic grades are refined to a standard set for that use.
Why we mention it
A common preference, frequently confused with industrial-grade material. The distinction is worth stating plainly.
What we don't know
- Where it comes from — plant, mineral, synthetic — isn't recorded.
- No published rule in our reference names it. That is about the rules, not safety.
- How much of it is used in any particular product. We hold no concentrations at all.
Also written as
- Mineral Oil
- Paraffin Oil
This is information about an ingredient, not medical advice, and not a judgement about any product that contains it. Back to the reference.