Mineral oil is an odorless, colorless substance made from petroleum. The product is related to petroleum jelly. The substance is mass produced and has many uses. You can generally find mineral oil at a drugstore.
Don’t risk your health or the health of your family by using mineral oil products. Switch to safer, natural alternatives.
Mineral Oil in Products
Mineral oil is found in many different types of products. Its uses can be cosmetic, industrial or even for animals. Some of the most common products that contain mineral oil are:
- Baby lotion
- Cosmetics
- Ointments
- Facial creams
- Electrical transformers
- High voltage switchgear
- Hydraulic fluid
- Sewing machine lubricant
- Wood preservative
- Parasite prevention in animals
Some forms of mineral oil are said to be safe for consumption and some are not. The FSA (Food Standards Agency) has reported that mineral oil in food packaging does not pose a risk to humans.
Other types of mineral oil are known carcinogens. These should be avoided altogether. Putting petroleum products on your skin or in your body comes with risk. The oils can clog pores, making skin congested.
Mineral oils in baby products can cause baby’s skin to become dry and irritated. The ingredient is commonly found in baby shampoos, soaps, and lotions. Remember that what we put on our skin ultimately ends up in the body.
Natural Alternatives to Mineral Oil
You should be able to eat or consume everything you put on your body. That means that all ingredients in your beauty and skin products should be edible. Mineral oil in many forms is not edible.
Replace Mineral Oil with natural oils that are derived from foods. Some healthy oils that can serve as alternatives to mineral oil include:
- Olive Oil
- Almond Oil
- Wheat Germ Oil
- Grape Seed Oil
- Sunflower Oil
- Rose Hip Seed Oil
- Apricot Kernel Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Coconut Oil
These oils are great substitutes for mineral oil in hair and skin products.
Natural oils can also be ingested. They are of great help to the liver and colon. Ingesting the oils on a regular basis can help you maintain the health of these organs.
Read the ingredients when you purchase products. Know what you are putting in or on your body. Find natural alternatives to mineral oil. Many health food and grocery stores carry natural, mineral oil-free products today.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
