Mineral Oil

[akelly]

I have heard contradicting opinions regarding mineral oil used in skin care products. What is your opinion?

[drtodorov]

We had a discusion on mineral oil, earlier. See http://www.smartskincare.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=404&highlight=mineral+oil

[vanyel5]

if i may add...check out these two excerpts from paulaschoice.com

mineral oil. Clear, odorless oil derived from petroleum that is widely used in cosmetics because it rarely causes allergic reactions and can't become a solid and clog pores. Despite mineral oil's association with petroleum and the hype that it is bad for skin, keep in mind that petroleum is a natural ingredient derived from the earth and that once it becomes mineral oil, it has no resemblance to the original petroleum. Cosmetics-grade mineral oil and petrolatum are considered the safest, most nonirritating moisturizing ingredients ever found (Sources: Cosmetics & Toiletries, January 2001, page 79; and Cosmetic Dermatology, September 2000, pages 44–46). Yes, they can keep air off the skin to some extent, but that's what a good antioxidant is supposed to do; they don't suffocate skin! Moreover, mineral oil and petrolatum are known to be efficacious in wound healing, and are also considered to be among the most effective moisturizing ingredients available (Source: Cosmetics & Toiletries, February 1998, pages 33–40)
and this link....
http://paulaschoice.com/learn/article.asp?PAGETYPE=ART&REFER=SKIN&ID=47

a big point she makes but i can't find specifically is that these are different from plant based oils like olive, sunflower, etc..as mineral oil is not used as an ingredient to penetrate skin but to act as a barrier to reduce dehydration of the skin by a dry environment

[preforganics30]

clogged my pores and made me break out