Common Name(s): Paraffinum liquidum,white mineral oil,baby oil
CAS Number: 8042-47-5
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides the most effective occlusive barrier reducing tewl to near zero for intensive skin protection.
Why It's Used: The most effective occlusive moisturizer available โ dermatologist-approved, exceptionally well-studied safety profile, and vastly more effective at tewl reduction than any natural oil at equivalent concentration.
How It Works: Inert hydrocarbon forms an impermeable occlusive film on skin surface, physically preventing tewl by blocking water vapor escape. zero skin absorption (too large molecules). chemically inert โ does not interact with skin biology. softens skin through surface lubrication.
Typically Found In: Baby products,intensive moisturizers,dry skin treatments,ointments
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ purified petroleum occlusive
Secondary Functions: Maximum tewl reduction,skin barrier protection,eczema management
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%โ100%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ petroleum-derived (not animal)
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Highly refined pharmaceutical-grade (paraffinum liquidum) required for cosmetics โ very different from crude petroleum. cosmetic grade mineral oil has excellent purity and safety profile.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic (highly refined); controversial but clinical evidence does not support comedogenicity at refined grades
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Clinical studies consistently demonstrate mineral oil provides greater tewl reduction than equivalent concentrations of natural plant oils. this superiority stems from its complete lack of skin absorption (natural oils partially penetrate) โ 100% of applied mineral oil remains as an occlusive surface film, while natural oils partially enter the stratum corneum and provide less complete surface occlusion.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,lodรฉn mineral oil review,cir safety assessment,ewg skin deep