Mineral Oil: Comedogenic Rating & Safety Profile
Also known as: Paraffinum Liquidum · Liquid Paraffin
A highly purified petroleum-derived oil. Despite popular myths, cosmetic-grade mineral oil is one of the safest, most non-comedogenic occlusives available.
Quick facts about Mineral Oil
Safe
0 = won't clog pores · 5 = highly pore-clogging
Safe
0 = inert · 5 = often irritating
Occlusives
Generally considered safe
Typically yes
Paraffinum Liquidum, Liquid Paraffin
Quick verdict
Mineral Oil is a occlusive with a safe comedogenic profile (0/5) and safe irritancy (0/5). A highly purified petroleum-derived oil. Despite popular myths, cosmetic-grade mineral oil is one of the safest, most non-comedogenic occlusives available.
What is Mineral Oil?
Mineral oil — also called paraffinum liquidum or liquid paraffin — is a highly purified, colourless and odourless liquid hydrocarbon refined from petroleum. Cosmetic and pharmaceutical-grade mineral oil meets strict purity standards (USP and Ph. Eur.) that remove all polycyclic aromatic compounds. The result is one of the most chemically inert, hypoallergenic and well-studied moisturising ingredients in dermatology. It is the standard barrier oil used in neonatal intensive care units worldwide.
Comedogenic Rating: What 0/5 Means for Your Skin
Cosmetic-grade mineral oil is rated 0–2/5 comedogenic. The molecules are too large to enter follicles, so genuine pore-clogging is rare. The frequent claim that mineral oil 'suffocates' or 'clogs' skin comes from confusion with industrial-grade petroleum products that are never used in cosmetics. Multiple controlled studies have shown cosmetic mineral oil to be safe even on acne-prone skin.
Benefits for skin
- Non-comedogenic — molecules too large to enter pores
- Excellent barrier protection
- Inert — no allergic reactions
- Used in NICUs for infant skin
Potential side effects & who should avoid it
Allergy is essentially unknown. The biggest 'side effect' is reputational — decades of clean-beauty marketing have demonised mineral oil despite the scientific consensus on its safety. There are no documented dermatological concerns at cosmetic concentrations.
Best for
- All skin types
- Dry
- Sensitive
- Eczema-prone
- Babies
Avoid if
No widely reported groups need to avoid this ingredient. Patch-test if you have a history of sensitivities.
How to use Mineral Oil safely
Use freely as a body moisturiser, makeup remover or final 'slugging' step at night. Layer over hydrating serums to lock in water. No interaction risk with any active ingredient.
Commonly found in
Mineral oil is in baby oils, body lotions, cleansing balms, slugging products, lip balms and many medical barrier creams. It is the primary ingredient in many over-the-counter eczema treatments.
Found Mineral Oil in your skincare?
Paste the full ingredient list into our INCI Analyser to see how this ingredient interacts with everything else in the formula.
Frequently asked questions
Other occlusives to know
Want the full picture on pore-clogging ingredients? Read our complete guide to comedogenic ingredients for the dermatology research behind the 0–5 scale and the full list of high-risk ingredients to avoid.
Written by ScanSkinAI Team · Last updated May 2026
This information is for educational purposes only. Always patch-test new products and consult a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns.