Mineral oil is a well-used ingredient that you might find listed on the back of your skin and hair care products. You might even have heard about it from your favorite beauty blogger or beauty YouTuber. 

While the name might be a bit ambiguous, this cosmetic element comes from a very surprising source, which we’ll touch on below. 

So, what does the oil do? Does it have any benefits or side effects for your skin and hair care routine?

What Is This Oil Exactly?

Mineral oil is a clear, odorless oil created as a by-product when manufacturing gasoline! You read that right, it comes from the same process as your car fuel… 

This gasoline by-product is used in many skin and hair care products because it is incredibly moisturizing and relatively affordable to manufacture. 

There are quite a few health concerns about using the oil regularly because of its source. However, when in cosmetics, the oil goes through an intense refinement and purification process, making it safe for us to use.

What Products Can You Find It In & Why?

This is a lightweight oil with excellent moisturizing properties, making it a great option for cosmetic products. 

Commonly, you can find it in baby lotions, make-up, moisturizers, creams, hair care, and skincare products. 

The oil is also fantastic for cleansing and removing make-up, so it is a popular ingredient in cleansers and make-up removal wipes. 

Sometimes, manufacturers use it to improve the texture and feel of cosmetic products.

The Good and Not So Great Effects Of Using It

These are the benefits and potential negatives of using it in your skin and hair care routines.

The Benefits

Moisturizes Dry Skin

The oil is incredibly moisturizing and creates a barrier that locks in moisture when used on the skin. This also protects the skin from elements that could cause irritation, redness, and rashes.

Conditions Hair and Treats Dandruff

One of the common benefits of using the oil in hair is to combat dandruff. The cause of dandruff is dry, flaky skin on the scalp, which can lead to scalp irritations. 

The oil can soften and loosen the flakes and lock in moisture. Because of this, you can often find the oil in conditioners and hair masks.

Softens Dry Feet

If you battle with dry, cracked feet, using this oil may help smooth and soften the skin. The best way to treat feet with it is to add the oil to hot water and soak your feet in the mixture.

Soothes Skin Irritations and Minor Burns

Mineral oil is an emollient, so you can use it to promote healing on minor burns and soothe skin irritations and rashes. It can also minimize scarring by keeping the skin smooth and moist. 

Potential Side Effects

As you may have expected when you read the word ‘gasoline,’ this cosmetic element has potential side effects. 

The most common side effect you could experience is an allergic reaction. Reactions to the oil are rare but not impossible. This includes redness, itching, general skin irritations, and swelling. 

If you’re using the oil in your hair care routine, you could also experience scalp irritation and itching. You could also have eye irritations if you end up getting the oil in your eyes. 

Excessive use of the oil can cause acne in some cases, but this is also rare. 

If you experience any of these side effects, we suggest you stop using the oil immediately. If you haven’t used it yet, it’s best to test the oil on a small part of your arm or scalp. Wait for 24 hours after applying it on your arm just in case you experience any side effects. 

Despite these possible- and rare- negatives, mineral oil is proven safe for cosmetic use!

Key Takeaways

Mineral oil is a great and cost-effective ingredient used in cosmetic products. Its affordability and moisturizing effects make it a popular choice in skin and hair care products.

The negative side effects of using the oil, like skin irritations and rashes, are rare and not much to worry about. 

Test this amazing element out. It could be just the thing you need for moisturized, silky skin and hair.