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Here are the facts.

Oils can range drastically amongst themselves, as they each have different origins and, therefore, different properties.

close up of mineral oil moisturizer texture

Stocksy

Some can be incredibly moisturizing and therefore have a plumping effect, while others are antiseptic and helptreat acne.

There are many great oils on the market, but mineral oils have recently gotten a bad rap.

So, that begs to question of whether or not it’s bad for your skin.

Their insights, below.

Mineral oil is used in rich, moisturizing formulas.

Still, this is why it’s often a no-no in ‘clean’ formulas.

Key Ingredients

Petroleum jelly is composed of natural mineral oils and waxes.

It helps seal in moisture, soothe cuts, and accelerate the skin healing process.

It’s a powerful moisture sealant and skin-softener.

However, mineral oil has potential to clog pores.

The big sticking point here is the pore-clogging question.

Oftentimes, mineral oil is featured as an ingredient in combination with other ingredients within a product.

It’s ideal for dry and sensitive skin types.

Mineral oil products aren’t recommended for acne-prone skin.

They have large molecules and naturally occlusive properties similar to mineral oil, but without being derived from petrolatum.

Sethi A, Kaur T, Malhotra SK, Gambhir ML.Moisturizers: the slippery road.Indian J Dermatol.

2016;61(3):279-287. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.182427

National Archives and Records Administration.Code of federal regulations.

Updated February 2, 2022.