Mineral Oil
Also known as: paraffinum liquidum, liquid paraffin, liquid petrolatum, white mineral oil
A colorless, odorless oil derived from petroleum distillation. Used extensively in cosmetics and skincare as an emollient and solvent. Like petrolatum, cosmetic-grade mineral oil may contain impurities if insufficiently refined.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid
Risk by Usage Frequency
How risk changes depending on how often you use products containing Mineral Oil.
Minimal concern with cosmetic-grade product used sparingly.
Daily use on lips means regular low-level ingestion; plant oils are preferred.
High cumulative exposure; strongly recommend switching to natural emollients.
Health Risks
Untreated or mildly treated mineral oils are classified as Group 1 carcinogens by IARC.
IARC Monographs Volume 100F
Can clog pores and contribute to comedonal acne, especially on acne-prone skin types.
Oral exposure through lip products raises concerns about bioaccumulation in the body.
Journal of Women's Health, 2011 — mineral oil hydrocarbons found in human tissue
Global Regulatory Status
How mineral oil is regulated in cosmetics and personal care products around the world.
18% of countries with data ban or restrict this ingredient
Details
Permitted only when full refining history is known; untreated/mildly treated oils prohibited under Annex II entry 306.
Details
Same as EU; untreated or mildly treated mineral oils prohibited.
Why Brands Use Mineral Oil
Inexpensive emollient that gives products a silky texture and prevents moisture loss from the skin.
12
products in our database
6
brands use it
3
product categories
Better alternatives exist. Brands choose mineral oil because it's cheap and effective, but safer options like squalane, jojoba oil, argan oil deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Mineral Oil in Product Categories
Click a category to see every product containing mineral oil in that category, with full ingredient breakdowns.
Products Containing Mineral Oil
These popular products list mineral oil in their ingredient labels. Tap any card to see the full ingredient breakdown and safety analysis.
The Worst Offender vs Numbrrrz
Here's how the lowest-scoring product containing mineral oil compares to Numbrrrz.
Blistex Medicated Lip Ointment
Blistex
Numbrrrz
Organic Lip Balm
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Safe Alternatives
What Numbrrrz Uses Instead
Numbrrrz replaces mineral oil with organic coconut oil and organic jojoba oil for lightweight, non-comedogenic hydration — no petroleum derivatives needed.
FAQ
Is mineral oil in cosmetics the same as industrial mineral oil?
Can mineral oil cause breakouts?
Is mineral oil toxic to ingest from lip products?
What are other names for mineral oil on labels?
Is mineral oil banned anywhere?
Does Numbrrrz lip balm contain mineral oil?
What can I use instead of mineral oil?
See How These Brands Compare to Numbrrrz
Brands that use mineral oil in their products — see how they stack up.
