Mineral oil is an odorless, clear liquid derived from petroleum. The liquid is a highly purified and processed petroleum product. It is an inert and stable compound when used in consumer products.

Mineral oil is a colorless, oily, almost tasteless, water-insoluble liquid. It is found in cosmetics, carrier oils, and lubricant laxatives. Its uses include moisturizing the skin; treating dandruff, cradle cap, cracked feet, mild eczema, and other skin problems; removing earwax; and relieving constipation.

When highly refined, mineral oils do not cause any adverse effects. However, if the petroleum is not highly refined, it may include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogenic. This means it may increase the risk of cancer. A 2019 articleTrusted Source, notes that in Europe, companies are only allowed to use mineral oils in cosmetics if they comply with specific purity regulations regarding PAHs. These regulations and safety requirements ensure that the mineral oils undergo refining to remove any substances that may cause cancer and reduce the presence of PAHs. Products containing these mineral oils do not penetrate the skin and, as a result, do not cause adverse changes to the skin or have any effect on the internal organs.

However, according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, the mineral oils used in the United States are not as refined as they are in Europe. As a result, people should avoid buying products that contain mineral oil unless the label states that it is fully refined as white petrolatum or white mineral oil. White mineral oil is highly purified and meets specifications to ensure it is safe for over-the-counter products.