Mineral Oil Dangers- Your Skin Cream May Not Be Safe
69Mineral oil (baby oil) is a common petroleum derivative (refined crude oil petrochemicals containing neurotoxins which damage the nervous system) The same stuff you put in your car engine! Mineral oil has absolutely no nutritional value. It is a known carcinogen (cancer causing agent) and yet the cosmetic industry still uses them in lip gloss, lotions, creams, oitments and shampoos.
An unbiased study released by the Cancer Prevention Coalition in June 2002, contained the following: "Cancer and health experts just concluded reviews that indicate mainstream cosmetics and personal hygiene products including lotions, soaps and shampoos, pose the highest risk exposures to the general public. This risk is higher than smoking."
From the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), March of 2001: "In a study of environmental toxins found in the blood and urine, there were surprisingly high amounts of toxic chemicals found in everyday products like perfume, soaps and cosmetics in the people tested."
John Hopkins University named mineral oil in cosmetics and moisturizers as the number two cause of aging. The first being direct exposure to the sun.The result is premature aging and increased health risks. Ninety eight percent of skin care products sold in the United States contain mineral oil and other petrochemicals.
You may not be able to find mineral oil on your label because it has hundreds of different names. This refined petroleum product forms a film on the surface of your skin that can not be absorbed. (sort like wrapping your face with Saran wrap everyday.) It blocks the pores and the skin's natural respiration. Mineral oil may also cause allergic reactions and dryness. It traps dirt and bacteria and blocks the absorption of vitamins/minerals/botanicals that may be in a product.
Many products on the market day are formulated to moisturize the skin. Unfortunately, most of these products contain mineral oil which not only inhibits these moisturizers but dehydrates the skin. Mineral oil also slows the rate of cell reproduction, which damages collagen, elastin and connective tissues which leads to fine lines and wrinkles.
Do a comparison test: Take two glasses, fill one with baby oil (mineral oil) and the other with water. Put a cracker in each of the glasses and let them sit for a few minutes and see what happens. You will find that the cracker in water completely absorbs the water. The cracker in mineral oil does not. It creates a very hard barrier on the surface of the cracker. Mineral oil and other harmful ingredients are found in 98% of all cosmetics in North America. It is popular with manufacturers because it is inexpensive and makes skin smoother and softer to the touch and more attractive to the eye. Unfortunately, the price you pay is accelerated aging of the skin.
The long term damage caused by mineral oil makes it an undesirable ingredient in any skin care product. Fortunately, there are a few high quality anti-aging skin treatment systems available today which contains only pure, safe and beneficial ingredients. These systems are capable of showing visible results of diminishing facial lines and wrinkles within in 24 hours. It is proven to nourish the skin and slow the aging process. One skin treatment line Arbonne RE9 advanced outshines it's closest competition. To learn more read the article Arbonne RE9 Advanced Review
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Again, I totally agree. I think that a lot of folks don't see the skin as a major avenue for absorption. Read labels without mercy
Good hub, Steve.
Thanks for your comment Cheryl. I will edit the hub so it makes more sense.
The way I look at it, make-ups and facial products that need to be rubbed on skin make for wrinkling. The skin cells get used to being enlarged while rubbing thus they adapt to the size or shape it frequently undergoes.
Thanks for your comment rbnstr08. Mineral oil does cause premature aging and wrinkling. However, there are products on the market that restore elaticisity to the skin and diminish wrinkles.
Cheryl, I didn't answer your other question about candies with petroleum products. You are right, they are not good for your health. Thanks again for your comments.
Thanks, stevemark122000. Excellent Hub!
Geez, Steve; You're a health-hub writing fool! Impossible to keep up, but I do lookover all your stuff, even if I don't always comment. Most of the topics I already know about, but this was disturbing. One likes to think that something called "mineral oil" wouldn't be toxic. I think I used it once, years and years ago, as a tanning oil - something I'd heard about somewhere - some stupid trend, I think.
Thanks for the info.
Very informative hub, I'm off to check my make-up etc because I don't know if there are regulations in the UK. Great hub!
Thanks for your comment Constant Walker. I know what you mean. I watch out for your new hubs, but it's difficult to find time to comment with so many good writers with new hubs coming out.
Thanks for your comment MummyAnn. You are probably in much better shape in the UK. Europeon standards for skin care are much higher than the U.S. There are over 1000 banned substances which probably include mineral oil. In the U.S. only 7 substances have been banned.
Steve, another informative hub worth noting. I never knew of the dangers posed by mineral oil. Kind of makes you wonder how manufacturers can call a petroleum product baby oil when it can apparently do harm. Good stuff.
Thanks for your comment Rob! We live in a society full of poisons considered to be within tolerable levels.
Great info Steve,
And to think reputable companies still distribute this stuff as Baby Oil.
It is hard to figure out the good from the bad in all health related products, those for use on and in the body.
Oh my goodness, would you believe that I was sitting here rubbing MINERAL OIL onto my hands as I read this hub!!!!! guess I'll be switchiing to olive oil.
Thank SO much for this info.
Thanks for your comment Alice. Looks like your found this hub just at the right time.
Your article have me wondering is it the oil that is dangerous or the toxin found in them
Doesn't the producers purify the oils. What do your suggest is best to keep the skin moist. I am usiing baby oil at present.
Thanks for your comment Juliet! Unfortunately baby oil is pure mineral oil. The reason why mineral oil is harmful to the skin is because it creates a barrier that prevents toxins from coming out and nutrients going in. It's sort of like putting saran wrap on your face and leaving it all day.
The kind of products you want to look for are those that contain key ingredients such as different types of natural acids(such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids), vitamins, minerals and peptides. The right combination will combat aging allowing you to keep your youthful appearance for years to come. If you are not able to find this type of product and you want some recommendations, email me through the HubPages link on the right above and I will reply with some recommendations.
I'm an actress and recently began using cold cream to remove heavy makeup. I then use a mineral-oil-free cleanser afterwards. My skin has never felt better, and I have no breakouts or redness like I used to. Is it ok to use cold cream for this purpose as long as I'm not leaving it on my skin?
Thanks for your comment CaroleAnne. The problem with mineral oil in cold creams is once you put it on your skin you may not be getting it all off once it reacts with your skin. There are much healthier methods of makeup removal available.
If mineral oil is a neurotoxin, how much effect does it have on the nervous system and do u know this by scienitific fact?
If its true and it kills neurons does inhaling cause it to go into your body? Also how does it damage my brain? I'm really obbessed about keeping my brain safe. Thanks.
Sheesh, and I once fed my constipated little girl mineral oil to get her moving. I was warned that it interferes with absorption but I figured the benefits of relieving her suffering would outweigh the drawbacks of not absorbing any nutrients for a few hours. It would be nice to have some of the aliases "mineral oil" goes by in products, as well as specific recommendations for products that don't contain it. I've often wondered if the cosmetics and skin care industry isn't a big hoax to get people "hooked" on their products.
Wow, I had no idea. I use baby oil everyday in the shower because my skin gets very dry especially in the winter. I didn't know I was laso using it in my cosmetics too.
Hello Steve, I've been using mineral oil alot due to my horribly stinging skin and I'm scared if it will hurt my brain, I'm obsessed about this. If it hurts my brain, is it permanent and strong or is it ok? And if you know can u tell me why my skin stings like hell when I sweat? It feels like thousands of needles piecing into my skin!
Thanks for your comment Martin! I recommend you stop using mineral oil and see a dermatologist about your skin condition.
I have some barrels that had mineral oil in them. My problem is : I want to use the barrels to burn trash in so my question is if I cut the top lids off is mineral oil an explosive product?
Wow, I suspected something like this, but never took the time to investigate. Thanks for the useful info! As always, great article.
I only thing that causes wrinkles is smoking ciigarettes. lol
steve - I've been using cold cream for years (main ingredient - mineral oil) and my skin is wonderful as a result. I've heard that mineral oil is not good but I can't seem to find any info on it. Yours is actually the first that says outright that it is a carcinogen. Can you give me some sources? I've also been researching making my own cold cream with another type of oil but I haven't done it yet. Thanks for the info - good hub!
Steve, Baby Oil is mineral oil correct? Baby Oil has lots of wonderful uses, cleans vinyl, hair conditioner mixed with water, skin softener. What does not cause cancer? Anything in excess will contribute stress, being number one cause right? I believe so.
Anyway I love mineral oil for my skin as a geat makeup remover, A great tanning oil, (for the fry babies) too much not good I know. It removes lawn mower grease and oil from hands when rubbed together with soap and warm water. Keeps pests from bird feeder.(oil the pole) then watch a circus. Cuticle softener, softens calouses (soak in it with h20). It is .great for the bath, (slippery) Works like a charm. Baby Bottom Skin. I wonder the purpopse of marketing it in the first place ( Must have been for the babys bottoms). It is obvious we do not drnik the stuff so why does nutrition value (none) really matter? With Blessings, LOL
Thanks for your comment skye3day!
Mineral oil is liquid petroleum. It is like wrapping your face in plastic wrap. Putting something on your skin that prevents it from exfoliating toxins and absorbing nutrients should concern you. It is so clogging to the pores that athletes can not use it before intense physical acttivity because they could overheat and die.
Steve, so what oil doesnt clog the pores?
Also Steve, what are the alternative oils to mineral oil that are beneficial to the skin?
Thanks for the link Steve but it didn't answer my question much. It did mention ingredients to look out for in products that will be beneficial to skin. My question was however about oils and the skin. Which oils do u know of that are good for the skin? You state this about mineral oils: "It blocks the pores and the skin's natural respiration. Mineral oil may also cause allergic reactions and dryness. It traps dirt and bacteria and blocks the absorption of vitamins/minerals/botanicals that may be in a product.". I am curious to know which oils wouldn't also form a film on the face and block pores, trap dirt and such as the mineral oil does.
I am a nursing student who recently did a clinical rotation at a long term care facility. I worked with a 89 year old woman who had the most gorgeous skin I have ever seen on a woman that age. I jokingly asked her if she had any beauty secrets for me and she replied “well, I use cold cream and have been using it my whole life” I thought I would give it a try. I am 23 and have very fair, sensitive skin that loves to break out. I have literally tried everything. From proactive, which dried out my skin so horribly that it bled, to a gentle cleanser that just broke me out. After using cold cream for about two weeks, I have the best skin of my life. It is soft, smooth, and perfectly clear. I am amazed and have started recommending it to friends and family. The reason I say all this is that mineral oil is the main ingredient in cold cream, (the most common brand is Pond’s). So I can personally say that it does not cause acne, dry the skin and as a 89 year old woman with nearly wrinkle free skin proves, does not cause premature aging. I am beginning belive that the simple old fashioned approach works like a dream, and will continue to use it as my new everyday skin care routine. I am sorry to say that I disagree with your claims Steve. You have not provided your readers with any reputable sources, nor have you cited them. Its funny to me that after claiming that it causes cancer
(Continued from above)
you give a link to "natural skin care products." Not only are these costly, they often do not work any better than other products. Since when is a cosmetic grade petroleum product (which is found in nature)unnatural? Hmmm... Ladies, do yourself a favor and don't be fooled into spending hundreds even thousands on natural beauty products and don't believe the lies that the natural beauty industry is selling. Stick with time tested cost efficent methods! Mineral oil will not rob your skin of moisture, but acts as a barrier that locks it in. If you think about it, oil binds to oil, so it works great at breaking down makeup and other skin impurities. All in all, stick to the skin care method that works for you, and don't fall for all the lies that either side will feed you...its your body...do your research and decide for yourself!
Thanks for your comment Lindsey!
I suggest you read the article again. The references are there. Basing the health of your skin on the result one individual had with cold cream is not scientific. She is the exception not the norm. Most people that have used skin care products with mineral oil long term have experienced premature aging. This is confirmed through scientific research that has been conducted at John Hopkins University. I quote them in this article "John Hopkins University named mineral oil in cosmetics and moisturizers as the number two cause of aging."
Yes, I understand your quote, but do you have an actual citation from the medical or scholarly journal you retrieved this information from? I have seen countless websites that state this, but no actual accredited information from a trusted source or statement from John Hopkins University themselves. Please don't consider this as a debate, I just would like some proven facts.
Lindsey, the quote comes from material published at John Hopkins University.
WOW - I just learnt so much on here - this is a great hub - I typed into search can mineral oil affect your eyesight and this is where I came to. The thing is this, I have used baby oil (mineral oil) to remove my mascara for some thirty years, for someone age 55 yrs I have few if any wrinkles around my eyes but the thing is this, I now have lots of large calcium deposits under my upper eyelids that are now affecting my sight so I was curious to find out if there is a link to the mineral oil. I now require surgery to remove the deposits. Anyway, maybe you can direct me to info on this if there is any somewhere. Cheers.
There are many other oils that will nourish your skin in a healther way with out the diverse side effects such as almond, appricot or jajoba oil and these are just a few.
My family has been using baby oil (mineral oil) for a very long time. My grandmother is 72 and looks like she is in her mid to late 50's. My mother is 44 and everyone who doesn't know us thinks that we are sisters. I am almost 25 and EVERYONE that i meet thinks that I'm am still in high school because I look like I'm 16. For the record, the mineral oil used in cosmetics is very refind as to remove the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which in fact is found in landfills, petroleum, etc and COULD cause health risks if in a large enough amount. Steve, I would like to see the actual link from Johns Hopkins because I searched through all of their publications from THEIR website and could not find anything that alludes to the statement that you have on here. In fact, I found where they actually promote mineral oil as a laxative. I will always use baby oil as a moisturizor as it is the ONLY thing that works for me. I would suggest to everyone who reads these kind of blogs to go and do the research for yourself. Just dont take the writers word for it and look for the citations!
Our pediatrician recently prescribed a tsp twice a day of mineral oil to add to my sons food to help cure his constipation. I'm assuming it's even worst to ingest it than it is to apply it to your skin!! Any thoughts?
Arbonne products are all natural, and have no mineral oil. They're GREAT! look 'em up!
This is a great article stevemark122000. I work w/ Arbonne and the main reason why I work with this company is because we teach people every day about the horrible effects of chemicals - especially mineral oil - in most of the products they use. It's ashame the FDA does not regulate much of the cosmetic industry because of their "financial factors". They'd rather have us age and have hormonal side effects from such disgusting ingredients than suck it up and do the right thing and actually regulate the industry.
Thanks for your comment Lauren! Arbonne is a great choice for skin care products.
I have read all the comments posted so far, and the majority of them refer to mineral oil and its topical uses. Of the few references to internal use, I am yet to read facts about mineral oil consumption. Yes, I see it can be used for constipation, as one commenter added that her son's doctor recommended it. However, Steve, you give no information on adverse reactions to consumption. Please share what you know so that I may weigh its contents.
pls is it dangerous to use liquid bra for breast firming and shaping
can you advise me a research paper/result that confirms "This refined petroleum product forms a film on the surface of your skin that can not be absorbed. (sort like wrapping your face with Saran wrap everyday.) It blocks the pores and the skin's natural respiration"
i appreciate your information
Gayle, the best research on the harmful effects of mineral has been conducted by John Hopkins University.
@christina, lindsey and gayle,the cracker demonstration should be enough for you. also, you act like this is the only article about the dangers of mineral oil. there are THOUSANDS of articles online about how toxic mineral oil is for the human body!
ive heard for years how harmful mineral oil is and how when you put it on your skin, its like a plastic coating and any good ingredients in the product cant penetrate the skin and i actually do belive that BUT i have a question. cold cream, which has been a beauty staple of women for generations, hasn't harmed anybody, has it? as a matter of fact, i just recently started hearing how mineral oil ages people, but every older woman that ive known thats used cold cream (of which the main ingredient is mineral oil) looks years YOUNGER! not only have i seen the results myself, but ive heard literally hundreds of stories about women that used cold cream all their lives and are virtually wrinkle-free. look at the reviews on amazon for pond's or jergens cold cream from woman in their 70's and 80's who swear by it! even the singer kylie minogue said that it was her secret to looking young and it was passed down to her from her mom. it just puzzles me that something that supposedly ages you seems to have had the opposite effect on thousands of women (probably even more) because cold cream has been around FOREVER! ive thought about this alot and if anyone can give me an answer to my question, i would appreciate it. (btw, im not trying to argue like it seems a few people here are-im just mystified by this)
Thanks Denise, this is a good question!
When older women are wearing cream containing mineral oil they look great because it gives a soft, smooth appearance. You need to see what they really look like when they are not wearing it. I've seen this and it is scary. Not only is it very hard on the skin and carcinogenic it does not nourish the skin with the nutrients it needs. (Prevents absorption and detoxification) Therefore, it is impossible for it to keep the skin young looking in later years.
Hi Steve, i have a thin layer of covering on my face from using a kind of petroleum oil on skin, do you know the best way to get this plastic crinkled layer off my face?
Hi Emma, the best way I know of is with an effective natural exfoliating scrub which is available through Amazon:
I have extremely dry, cracked hands every winter. Can you recommend a product that is petroleum and mineral oil free? I've try several natural moisturizers that do not work. Thank you.
Hi Lizzie,
FC5 Body Moisture works great. It doesn't have any mineral oil or petroleum based products.
CherylTheWriter 3 years ago
stevemark 122000, in your comparison test instructions, you don't mention anything about a cracker--only in the results. So I'm confused. Help?
I've also heard that candles made from petroleum products can be health risks. Would this be true on the same bases?
Thanks for another excellent warning Hub.