Mineral oils are a controversial ingredient in the cosmetics industry. Questions arise time and again: What exactly are the various names behind them, such as paraffin, petroleum jelly, and the like? How do mineral oils affect the skin? And, above all, why are more and more people consciously choosing not to use them—including us!
Like gasoline or diesel, mineral oils for the cosmetics industry are extracted from crude oil. This may sound somewhat suspicious. However, before use in cosmetics, the mineral oil is carefully purified to retain only certain hydrocarbons suitable for use in skin care products.
But first, let's start with the various names mineral oils use in cosmetics. From mineral oil to petroleum jelly to paraffinum liquidum—we'll unravel the linguistic confusion. As is common practice in cosmetics, ingredients are listed with their INCI* names. Therefore, you may encounter mineral oils under the following names:
- Mineral Oil
- vaseline
- Petrolatum
- Paraffinum Liquidum
- Paraffinum Subliquidum
- Microcrystalline cerium
- Microcrystalline Wax
- Ozokerite
- Ceresin
The path from mineral oil to cosmetics is a long and unknown one (Photo by Sam Jotham Sutharson via Burst)
How mineral oils work in cosmetics
Mineral oils in cosmetics can have various effects on the skin. While they offer some benefits, these should be viewed with caution.
Cosmetic manufacturers value mineral oils for their low-cost production, ease of processing, and long shelf life. When applied to the skin, mineral oils form a film over it, forming a protective barrier. This reduces water loss and protects the skin from drying out. Mineral oils also provide instant softness and suppleness to the skin because they are non-allergenic and have no deeper effects. But there's a downside!
Downside: Mineral oils clog pores
Precisely because mineral oil forms a film over the skin, it prevents it from breathing. The result: Pores become clogged. As the skin is "suffocated," its natural regeneration processes slow down, and the vitamins and ingredients contained in the product cannot penetrate the skin. In addition, a feeling of "dependence" develops, as the skin remains tense and stressed beneath the mineral oil layer—you may be familiar with this from lip gloss or other lip care products.
That is why we have decided to use vegetable oils instead of mineral oils
For these reasons, many people, including us, have consciously decided to avoid mineral oils in cosmetics. My goal with SHEA YEAH is to provide you with gentle, long-lasting care, which is why we rely on natural alternatives such as cold-pressed plant oils. Plant oils and butters provide your skin with profound support, allowing it to breathe and providing it with valuable nutrients. By avoiding mineral oils, we can offer you holistic skincare that addresses your skin's individual needs.
Further benefits of vegetable oils
Plant oils and butters bear a remarkable resemblance to the triglycerides in our skin structure, allowing them to penetrate deep into the skin. This allows for optimal absorption of active ingredients and vitamins, which can then unfold their full effect and specifically support your skin's needs. Furthermore, plant oils such as almond oil or jojoba oil contain their own vitamins, which further contribute to the nourishment and care of your skin.
Vegetable oils and butter have a positive influence on skin health (photo by shopify partners via burst)
Conclusion
Generally, mineral oils in skincare serve to lock in moisture and smooth the skin's surface. Shea butter and various plant oils can also achieve this effect. While mineral oils aren't harmful in themselves,** they impair the skin's ability to breathe. The soft skin that results from using products containing mineral oils is also short-lived and has its drawbacks.
For these reasons, and to achieve a balanced complexion and long-term positive effects, I recommend using plant-based products without mineral oils. Plant oils and butters have the ability to provide profound support to your skin, as their active ingredients can penetrate deep into the skin. They also allow the skin to breathe, which is crucial for its health and vitality.
I hope I was able to give you a brief overview of the importance of mineral oils.
See you soon,
Sandra
Natural cosmetician & founder SHEA YEAH
* INCI stands for “International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients” and means “ International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients”.
**as long as it is not MOAH mineral oil.
Feature photo by Andrew Rashotte via Burst
