| QUESTIONS | ANSWERS |
|---|---|
| What is this chemical? | Mineral oil or liquid petroleum is a transparent, colorless oil that is a by-product in the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline and other petroleum based products from crude oil.
It is not a waste product of the petroleum industry, but requires the special processing (hydrogenation) and purification of end products of crude oil production. |
| What is its purpose? | Mineral oil works as a barrier between the skin and the air. It acts as an occlusive agent which prevents water from naturally leaving your body through your skin.
Cosmetic products are highly refined and have to meet stringent purity requirements defined by the US FDA and international standards. |
| Where is it found? |
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HEALTH CONCERNS Is this chemical a carcinogen? Some petroleum oil derivatives may contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), some of which are known to be carcinogens.People who work with such mineral oils have to take precautions to avoid skin contact. However, the mineral oil used in food and cosmetics, known as medicinal white oil, is highly refined with extremely low PAH levels. There’s no evidence of cancer being caused by white mineral oil.
Cosmetic products are highly refined and has to meet stringent purity requirements defined by the US FDA and international standards. Long term use of oral Mineral Oil to relieve constipation can lead to accidental aspiration of Mineral Oil into the lung which is known to cause an inflammatory reaction.
In recent years, the oral use of mineral oil for longer than 2 weeks has not been advocated because of the possibility of interference with the absorption of vitamins and the danger of pulmonary aspiration. The oil coats the mucosa of the small intestines and reduces the adsorption of vitamins, especially the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).
Are there controversial issues? Mineral Oil has not been banned in Europe or the European Union. The use of Mineral Oil for industrial use has not been banned in Europe. Mineral Oil, as long as the full refining history is known, may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union.
Does not prevent the skin from absorbing collagen from collagen moisturizers.
Both Mineral Oil and collagen’s molecular structure are too large to be absorbed through the skin; therefore, it has no effect on whether collagen is absorbed.
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