INCI name

MINERAL OIL

Mineral oil (paraffin oil)

Skin conditioning – emollient Hair conditioning Fragrance Skin protecting Solvent Perfuming Skin conditioning – occlusivereviewed

A refined petroleum-derived oil used as an emollient.

What it is

Mineral oil is a liquid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. CosIng lists it as emollient, occlusive, hair conditioning, skin protecting, solvent, fragrance and perfuming.

Where it is used

Found in body lotions, creams, baby oils, cleansing oils, makeup removers, ointments and hair care.

Limits of interpretation

The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.

Cosmetic mineral oil is highly refined; the label does not show the grade used.

Functions

Skin conditioning – emollient: Acting as lubricants on the skin surface providing the skin with a soft and smooth appearance.
Hair conditioning: Enhancing the appearance and feel of hair. Leaving the hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and/or imparting volume, lightness, gloss, texture, etc.
Fragrance: Imparting an odour or taste. Creating a perceivable pleasant smell and/or masking a bad smell.
Skin protecting: Helping to avoid harmful effects to the skin from external factors.
Solvent: Dissolving other components of cosmetics. Solvents are usually liquids (aqueous and nonaqueous).
Perfuming: Used for perfume and aromatic raw materials.
Skin conditioning – occlusive: Retarding the evaporation of water from the skin surface. Occlusives are generally lipids which tend to remain on the skin surface and thus increase the water content of skin.

EU regulation

EU · Annex II, entry 778Distillates (petroleum), hydrotreated heavy paraffinic, if they contain > 3 % w/w DMSO extract

As of: 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2009/1223

Products with this ingredient (60)

Check a full ingredient list