Meet the Experts
What Is Mineral Oil?
There are different configurations of mineral oil, each with a different use.
“Mineral oil is a protective agent,” Camp shares.
Liz DeSousa / Byrdie
Is Mineral Oil Safe for Hair?
Yes, mineral oil approved for topical or ingestive use is typically deemed safe, the experts share.
Typically, the mineral oil in your hair products is FDA-approved and marked as “food safe.”
Why Is Mineral Oil In Hair Products?
However, FDA-approved mineral oil has been so refined that almost all benefits are shed from the ingredient.
“This means that it really has no benefit to the hair other than reducing water loss.
It’s derived from non-renewable petrochemical starting materials, so it has a sustainability footprint.
[And it] can bedifficult to wash outof your hair, particularly if using non-sulfate shampoos.
This, over time, can cause the hair to become dry and brittle.”
“Olive oilandargan oilcan be used as alternatives to mineral oil,” Camp shares.
“Avocado, jojoba, and coconut oil are all great alternatives,” Chambers-Harris adds.
“They can reduce water lossandprovide nutritional benefits to the hair.”
No, studies confirm that mineral oil does not help at all with the loss of protein in hair.
Humans IWG on the E of CR to.Mineral Oils, Untreated or Mildly Treated.
International Agency for Research on Cancer; 2012.
Rele, Aarti S, and R B Mohile.
Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage.Journal of cosmetic sciencevol.
54,2 (2003): 175-92.
