Mineral oil is a common ingredient in many products but recently it’s been getting a bad rep. Some people see it as a miracle ingredient that can solve all of their problems, while others say it’s almost useless at it’s best and harmful at its worst. So which one is it? Today we’re going to explore those questions and tell you all there is to know about mineral oil and what it can be used for.
Mineral Oil Uses
Mineral oil has many uses. It’s often used to treat skin conditions, earwax buildup, it’s often used when caring for babies, it’s a known cure for constipation. Mineral oil is often used as an ingredient in skincare, hair products, cosmetics. There’s even such a thing as food-grade mineral oil, but it’s not used in cooking, instead, it’s used to coat machines and utensils used in food preparation.
What Is Mineral Oil
So we know mineral oil is found in many things but what is it? What is mineral oil made of? It’s a clear and odourless oily substance that is actually a by-product of the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline. It sounds strange and a bit scary but it’s actually very similar but not quite the same as petroleum jelly.
Mineral Oil For Skin
Mineral oil is often used in skin care products and many people wonder is mineral oil bad for your skin. The answer is pretty tricky. It’s definitely safe for skin. After all, baby oil is made from mineral oil. So let’s just put it this way, if it’s safe for babies, it’s safe for you. However, mineral oil has only one function, it forms a layer on the skin and protects anything from getting out or in. So it can work as a protective layer that will prevent your skin from drying out its dry climate, and it can be used on top of moisturizer to lock the moisture in. But if you have oily skin, it will trap the oils in your pores, preventing them from getting out and that can cause some breakouts.
Mineral Oil For Hair
Mineral oil is often seen in detangling and smoothing hair products. It won’t moisturize your hair per se, but it can coat the strand and make it look smooth, shiny and therefore give the appearance of healthy moisturized hair. However, that will only work until you wash it off. If you have dry frizzy hair it won’t fix your problem from within, it’s a topical solution. Mineral oil is also sometimes used to treat dandruff. You’re supposed to massage it into your scalp and leave it on for an hour, then wash it off with shampoo. It’s supposed to calm down the irritated and dry skin on your scalp and prevent further flaking.
Mineral Oil For Ears
Mineral oil can be used for your ears too, specifically to get rid of excess earwax or remove earwax blockage. A drop or two of mineral oil into the ear canal can help to soften the wax buildup which can then be washed out with water.
Mineral Oil For Feet
If you live in a dry or cold climate you know that our feet suffer from such weather conditions. The skin becomes dry, the heels of our feet can crack and peel. Mineral oil is often used as a way to soften the rough skin on your feet and help to heal dry cracked heels. All you have to do is apply it to your feet and put socks on before you go to bed.
