Mineral oils are one of the ingredients of beauty products — they are popular, but arouse extreme emotions. They have as many supporters as opponents. What is the role of mineral oils in cosmetics? What properties do they have and how do they work? Are mineral oils safe for the skin? Who are they recommended for?
Mineral oils – what is it? Properties
Mineral oils are a group of substances of which the most popular are paraffin and petrolatum. All of these substances have a similar effect and are obtained in a similar way – they are derived from crude oil. The oil has to be thoroughly cleaned beforehand – this is regulated by law.
Mineral oils are colourless, odourless and tasteless. They have been used for a long time so they have been thoroughly tested – we know a lot about these substances.
How do mineral oils work?
Mineral oils are classified as substances known as emollients. They belong to this group because of their strong lubricating properties. After being applied to the skin, they leave a thin protective layer which protects the skin from harmful external factors and prevents it from drying out. These substances are very stable and at the same time cheap, which is why they are widely used in cosmetics. They can be found in creams, body lotions, make-up removal products, child care products and preparations for problematic skin (allergic, atopic, dermatitis).
Are mineral oils safe for the skin?
Opponents of mineral oils claim that those substances harm the skin, because they irritate it, cause allergic reactions and tend to block pores. The opponents also add that mineral oils cause a build-up in the liver, kidneys and lymph nodes, which can lead to serious diseases in the long run. However, such claims were not confirmed.
Mineral oils cannot affect the skin respiration because the gas exchange that takes place is relatively small and irrelevant to the skin itself and the whole body. In addition, those substances have a completely different structure than the human skin, so they are not able to get into it. When applied to the skin, they act on the surface, which means they do not affect deep skin layers. For this reason, they do not cause allergic reactions or irritations, let alone accumulate in any internal organs.
Mineral oils – for whom?
Mineral oils, when used in their pure form, can affect the protective function of the skin. Petrolatum and paraffin leave a layer on the skin that effectively prevents water loss. If mineral oils are used frequently, they can cause severe skin dryness. For this reason, mineral oils are not recommended for every skin type. They should not be used for oily skin, because paraffin can cause blackheads, which can additionally increase the acne and accelerate the bacterial growth.
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