There has been a lot of controversies associated with mineral oil (petrolatum, paraffinum liquidum) in the past years as it was (and still is) believed that mineral oil is comedogenic. Other health concerns regarding the use of miner oil in cosmetics were reported in different online sources over de years associating the ingredient with cancer, premature aging, acne and over-dried skin.

One of the first articles that stated that all the buzz around mineral oil is merely the result of a conflict of interests of different green companies were The Beauty Brains. In their detailed article The top 5 myths about mineral oil they offer a reasonable point of view and logic arguments to support the “innocence” of mineral oil. The article had such an impact that echoes of it can still be found on other blogs until the present date.

A more recent  study conducted by Pharma Cosmetix Research in 2005 and reported in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed that while industrial grade mineral oil may be comedogenic the highly refined and purified mineral oil found in cosmetics and skincare does not clog pores. The main foundings of the study were featured in reliable online sources like Science Daily and Cosmetics Design Europe and the conclusion is that Mineral Oil DOESN”T CAUSE PIMPLES.

With that being said, the big question rises, how about oily skin? Oily skin is generally more prone to breakouts and acne thus can mineral oil aggravate the situation for oily skinners? The answer is no. Unless you suffer from severe type of acne, in this case you should follow the advice of your dermatologist, you can use products that contain mineral oil without having to worry if they will cause you pimples.

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