Mineral Oil
Occlusive · INCI: Mineral Oil
Reviewed by Elysiana Aguilar, master esthetician
How we read it
Not a pore-clogger. Considered safe for acne-prone skin.
Is Mineral Oil comedogenic?
No. Mineral Oil isn't considered pore-clogging, and we read it as safe to use on acne-prone skin. That doesn't make it right for everyone, but congestion isn't the thing to watch for with it.
Why we read it this way
Mineral oil is a clear, scentless liquid refined from petroleum, used as an occlusive that sits on the surface of the skin and slows water loss. It is very stable and does not go rancid the way plant oils can. We read it as not pore-clogging.
The nuance
Mineral oil is widely said to clog pores, and that is where our call differs. The grade used in cosmetics is highly purified, unlike cruder industrial oils, and a greasy feel is not a clogged pore. Labels also list it as Paraffinum Liquidum.
Where it shows up
Baby oil, cold creams, cleansing balms and makeup removers, plus body lotions, ointments and lip products where an inexpensive, stable occlusive is called for.
Names we read the same way
- Paraffinum Liquidum
Related ingredients
One ingredient rarely tells the whole story. The acne ingredient checker reads everything in a product at once, and there is more on what comedogenic means. Also in the guides: What causes acne.