Mineral Oils, Are They Safe?

What is Mineral Oil?

Mineral oils are certain fractions from petroleum refining and may be traded under various designations such as paraffinum liquidum, paraffin, cera microcristallina, petrolatum (soft paraffin), mineral oil, paraffin wax, paraffin oil, ozokerite, or white (mineral) oil, depending on type (eg, liquid or solid) or field of application.^1–4 Highly refined mineral oils are practically tasteless and odourless even when warmed. [mfn]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5989051/[/mfn]- NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information

Check out what an article found on the National Cancer Institute website, Cancer.gov had to say about the use of Mineral Oils.

How are people exposed to mineral oils?

Occupational exposure to mineral oils may occur among workers in various industries, including the manufacture of automobiles, aeroplanes, steel products, screws, pipes, and transformers. Workers in brass and aluminium production, engine repair, copper mining, and newspaper and commercial printing may also be exposed to mineral oils. The general population may be exposed to mineral oils that occur naturally or are present as environmental contaminants.

Which cancers are associated with exposure to mineral oils?

Exposure to mineral oils is strongly associated with an increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer, particularly of the scrotum.

Use or Don’t Use – Your Choice

Now, we are not saying avoid Mineral Oil at all cost, but knowledge is power, just be conscious when you are choosing skincare products. Mineral oils, can clog your pores, they can also be easily contaminated with other dangerous chemicals, plus it doesn’t do your skin any good. There are great alternatives made out there, these are just some suggestions below and they can also be found on Amazon.

1. Green People – click here
2. Lavera Naturkosmetik – click here
3. Fysio- click here
4. Even BodyShop are conscious of how they use or don’t use these oils, check them out.