Paraffinum Liquidum
Reviewed by Emma · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Mineral Oil, Liquid Paraffin
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
Paraffinum Liquidum products at Skintique
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What Is Paraffinum Liquidum?
Mineral oil is a clear, odorless oil derived from petroleum that is widely used in cosmetics. Despite mineral oil’s association with petroleum and the hype that it’s bad for or ages skin, keep in mind that petroleum is a natural ingredient derived from the earth. Once it’s purified to become mineral oil USP (cosmetics- and pharmaceutical-grade mineral oil), it has no resemblance to the original petroleum and isn’t a source of contaminants.
Cosmetics-grade mineral oil and petrolatum are considered the safest, most non-sensitizing moisturizing ingredients ever found. Mineral oil and petrolatum are known to be efficacious in skin replenishing and are also among the most effective, established moisturizing ingredients available. The mineral oil in skincare products is certified as either USP (United States Pharmacopeia) or BP (British Pharmacopeia). It’s completely safe, soothing, non-sensitizing, and perfectly beneficial for skin.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Toxicology Letters, October 2017, pages 70-78 [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28789996/]
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International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2012, issue 6, pages 511-518 [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2012.00752.x]
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International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007, issue 5, pages 385-390 [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2007.00396.x]
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European Journal of Ophthalmology, 2007, issue 2, pages 151-159 [https://hub.tmu.edu.tw/en/publications/a-comparison-of-the-effect-of-carbomer-cellulose-and-mineral-oil-/]
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Food and Chemical Toxicology, February 1996, issue 2, pages 213-215 [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8606037/]
From the Clinic
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Octyldodecanol
Oleth-10
Non-irritating fatty alcohol that functions as a texture enhancer and cleansing agent | Widely used as an emulsifier in water + oil cosmetics
Onsen-Sui
Mineral-rich thermal water that supports skin hydration and barrier function
PEG-400
A solvent and stabiliser that helps deliver other actives and maintain product texture
PEG …
A solvent that helps dissolve and stabilise other skincare actives
PEG …
A synthetic glycol-based polymer | Functions as a solvent in skin care products
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