Maybe we spend too much time comparing “us versus them”, but when it comes to what products you put on your body, face and hair, what you don’t know can hurt you.  Did you know that mineral oils and other petroleum distillates are prominent in most products produced by typical manufacturers?  And, the oils you buy for tanning, deep hydrating, massage and in your bath are almost always mineral oil based?

Following are some reasons to be very cautious when it comes to those products:

1. CAN'T BE METABOLIZED

 A 2011 study published in the Journal of Women's Health reported, "There is strong evidence that mineral oil hydrocarbons are the greatest contaminant of the human body.

The researchers removed fat specimens from 142 women who were undergoing C-sections, and collected milk samples from them post-delivery. They found that both the fat and the milk were contaminated with mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons. The authors concluded, "The increase in MOSH [mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons] concentration in human fat tissue with age suggests an accumulation over time. Cosmetics might be a relevant source of the contamination."

 Dr Ray Peat affirmed the study saying, “certain components of mineral oil (which is in many cosmetics) are toxic, and any that does get into the system does not metabolize." 

2. MIGHT BE CARCINOGENIC

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), 80 percent of all beauty products with Mineral Oil or Petroleum have impurities that are linked to cancer and other health concerns. The EWG report goes on to say, "These trace contaminants in petroleum-based ingredients often readily penetrate the skin according to government and industry studies, and their presence in products is not restricted by government safety standards — they are legal at any level."

And here's why that's a problem. The scariest of these possible contaminants is called 1,4 dioxin, an impurity found in 22 percent of all petroleum-based cosmetics that is a possible human carcinogen and known animal carcinogen.

3. DON'T LET YOUR SKIN BREATHE

Petroleum and mineral oil are "occlusive" agent, meaning they seal off the skin from air, water or anything else getting in (or out). Wherever they're applied, they form an invisible film on the surface that blocks the pores and the skin's natural respiration process. Blocked pores means trapped dirt and oil leading to blackheads, pimples, and whiteheads.

The occlusive nature of petroleum and mineral oil can create a warm, moist environment for yeast and fungus to grow. A 2000 study in Pediatrics found that extremely low birth weight infants treated with petroleum jelly were more likely to develop systemic candidiasis.

And you should never put petroleum or mineral oil-based products on a sunburn. Because they form a seal, they'll lock in the heat into your skin, making the burn worse, not better.

4. WON'T NOURISH YOUR SKIN

Again, petroleum and mineral oil are occlusive, meaning they form a barrier on your skin.

These agents don't allow moisture to be absorbed from the atmosphere, like other emollients can, and they will restrict absorption of the other beneficial ingredients that are in your skincare products. And there's just nothing in petroleum or mineral oil that's going to nourish your skin from the inside out. These are cheap filler materials and that's why they're so prominent in beauty products.

5. LINKED TO EXCESSIVE ESTROGEN

Estrogen dominance is a common condition. Those affected by that have a high ratio of estrogen, with little to no progesterone to balance its effects in the body. Chemicals that are present in our environment, called xenoestrogens, are one of the biggest culprits and their action may be much more potent than the natural form.

Petroleum-based products are classified as xenoestrogens.  A series of 2011 studies in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry found that they can indeed produce estrogenic effects, "The present study indicates that oils contain compounds with possible endocrine-disrupting potential, some of them acting via the hormone receptors."

These products and their contaminants build up in the body, so it stands to reason that long-term exposure might exacerbate hormonal imbalances.

Absolutely Natural NEVER uses mineral oil or other petroleum distillates in our products.  Instead we search the world for the best nature has to offer.  Our tanning oils, massage oils, beauty oils and muscle relief oils are natural and full of nutrients.

Oils like Borage and Cranberry Seed which are excellent anti-inflammatories.  Deeply hydrating oils such as Camellia and Evening Primrose.  Anti-oxidants like Green Tea, Red Raspberry and Grapeseed which are also collagen boosters. Hemp Seed which can help treat eczema, acne, psoriasis and dry skin.

Rose Hips which is Ultra Rich in Vitamin C and Sunflower which helps relive skin irritations.  Jojoba and Squalane are nutrient rich and can help replace moisture to the skin.

We have more comprehensive breakdowns on our website, but the bottom line is simple… every oil we have in our many formulas is carefully selected for specific purposes and always results in a product that has non-paralleled quality.

Best regards,

Charley