Ingredient glossary
Mineral Oil
On your shelf ✓What Mineral Oil does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Paraffinum Liquidum
In short: Mineral Oil delivers barrier support and softening, suits dry skin best, and the evidence behind it is strong.
- What it does
- Barrier support, softening
- Best for
- Dry skin
- Evidence
- Strong
The Glow take
One of the ingredients I trust most.
When your goal is repairing a stressed moisture barrier, Mineral Oil delivers, and the research properly backs it up. It tends to suit dry skin best.
— Maya
What it does
- barrier support
- softening
strong evidenceDermatology literature supports cosmetic-grade mineral oil as non-comedogenic and effective for barrier repair despite its negative reputation.
On a label: usually effective at 5-30%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- very dry
- compromised barrier
Approach with care
- oily
- acne prone if heavy
- Irritation riskLow
How it fits each skin type
- DrySuits
- CombinationNeutral
- OilyTake care
- SensitiveNeutral
Often chosen for compromised barrier. Take extra care if any of these apply to you: acne prone (in heavy layers).
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
- humectants
- ceramides
Mineral Oil, answered
Is Mineral Oil safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Mineral Oil is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with anything, if you are unsure it is worth a quick word with your doctor or midwife.
Who should avoid Mineral Oil?
Approach Mineral Oil with care if any of these apply to you: oily and acne prone (in heavy layers).
What concentration of Mineral Oil actually works?
Mineral Oil tends to do its job in the 5 to 30% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.
Does it clog pores?
Cosmetic-grade rates non-comedogenic, despite its reputation.
- This rating comes from old lab tests on the isolated ingredient, not the finished product.
- The full formula, how much is used, and your own skin all matter more than one number.
- If you are acne-prone it is worth noticing, not a reason to avoid it on sight.
Checking a whole product? Paste its list into the pore-clogging checker →
Commonly confused with
- PetrolatumSame inert, non-reactive source. Petrolatum is the thick jelly that seals; mineral oil is the pourable liquid version.
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