Behind the Label: The Truth About Mineral Oil & Petroleum in Skincare
Posted By Marco Champion on
When you think of skincare, you probably imagine nourishing botanicals, silky textures, and ingredients that work with your skin. But lurking in many lotions, balms, and creams is a pair of cheap, highly refined byproducts of the oil industry — mineral oil and petroleum jelly.
At first glance, they might seem harmless. They’re smooth, odorless, and create that “locked-in” moisture feeling. In fact, they’ve been staples in skincare for decades. But here’s what you may not know — and why Cure will never use them in our formulas.
What Are Mineral Oil & Petroleum?
- Mineral oil is a clear, odorless liquid derived from petroleum (crude oil) during the refining process.
- Petroleum jelly (a.k.a. petrolatum) is a semi-solid byproduct from the same process.
Both are occlusives, meaning they sit on the skin’s surface to form a barrier and prevent water loss.
Why They’re Used in Beauty Products
These ingredients are dirt cheap, stable, and give an instant “soft” feeling to the skin. That’s why they appear in everything from baby lotions to high-end moisturizers.
The Concerns You Should Know About
While cosmetic-grade mineral oil and petroleum are refined to remove harmful impurities, there are still reasons to think twice:
-
Barrier, Not Nourishment
They seal in moisture — but they don’t actually hydrate or feed your skin. No vitamins, antioxidants, or healing properties here. -
Pore Clogging Potential
While not universally comedogenic, the occlusive layer can trap sweat, bacteria, and dirt against the skin, leading to breakouts for some. -
Environmental Impact
These ingredients are derived from non-renewable fossil fuels. Their production contributes to pollution and environmental harm. -
Hidden Contaminants
In some cases (especially with lower-quality refining), trace impurities like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) — which are linked to cancer — may remain.
The Cure Difference
At Cure, we believe your skin deserves more than just a “coating.” Our formulas use organic, plant-based oils and butters that actively nourish the skin with vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants. Ingredients like jojoba oil, shea butter, and calendula extract offer true hydration, repair, and protection — without the petrochemicals.
How to Spot Them on a Label
If you see any of these terms, you’re looking at mineral oil or petroleum:
- Mineral Oil
- Paraffinum Liquidum
- Petrolatum
- Petroleum Jelly
- White Petrolatum