Mineral Oils and Petroleum Distillates

Maybe we spend too much time comparing “us versus them”, but when it comes to the products you put on your body, face, and hair, understanding ingredients is important. Many conventional personal care products use mineral oil or other petroleum-derived ingredients. Mineral oil can be found in a variety of products including tanning oils, massage oils, and some moisturizers.

Following are some reasons many consumers choose to be cautious when it comes to those products.

1. Accumulation in the body

A 2011 study published in the Journal of Women’s Health examined the presence of mineral oil hydrocarbons in human tissue samples. Researchers analyzed fat specimens from women undergoing C-sections and collected milk samples post-delivery. The study found measurable levels of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) in both fat and milk samples, suggesting that these compounds can accumulate in the body over time. The authors noted that cosmetics may represent one potential source of exposure.

Some researchers and commentators have raised concerns about how certain mineral oil components behave in the body once absorbed.

2. Potential contaminants

Concerns have also been raised about impurities that may occur in poorly refined petroleum-based ingredients. According to reports discussed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), trace contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons may be present in some petroleum-derived ingredients if they are not properly refined.

Modern cosmetic regulations require cosmetic-grade mineral oil to be highly refined and purified, but the discussion about contaminants has contributed to ongoing debate about petroleum-derived ingredients in personal care products.

3. Occlusive properties

Petroleum and mineral oil are considered occlusive agents, meaning they form a barrier on the skin’s surface that helps prevent moisture loss. While this property can help seal in hydration, some people prefer ingredients that both protect the skin barrier and allow for greater breathability.

Because occlusive ingredients form a film on the skin, they may not provide the same range of nutrients that plant-based oils naturally contain.

4. Limited nutrient content

Mineral oil primarily acts as a protective barrier on the skin. Unlike many botanical oils, it does not contain naturally occurring vitamins, antioxidants, or essential fatty acids that can help support the appearance of healthy skin.

For this reason, many natural skincare brands choose to formulate with plant-based oils that offer both emollient properties and additional skin conditioning nutrients.

5. Ongoing research on endocrine activity

Scientists continue to study the potential biological activity of certain environmental chemicals. Some research has examined whether specific compounds in oils and environmental contaminants may interact with hormone receptors. These topics remain an area of ongoing scientific investigation.

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.

Our Approach

Absolutely Natural has never used mineral oil or other petroleum distillates in our formulations. Instead, we look to plant-derived oils that provide naturally occurring nutrients for the skin.

Examples include:

• Borage and Cranberry Seed oils, valued for their soothing and skin conditioning properties
• Camellia and Evening Primrose oils, known for helping support deep hydration
• Green Tea, Red Raspberry, and Grapeseed oils, rich in antioxidants
• Hemp Seed oil, often used in skincare formulations designed for dry or sensitive skin
• Rose Hip oil, naturally rich in vitamin C and essential fatty acids
• Sunflower oil, known for its lightweight moisturizing properties
• Jojoba and Squalane, which help support the skin’s natural moisture balance

We have more comprehensive ingredient breakdowns on our website, but the bottom line is simple. Every oil used in our formulations is carefully selected to help support healthy looking skin while maintaining the high standards we believe our customers deserve.

Best regards,

Charley