Mineral oil is a tasteless, odorless oil that doesn’t soak into the skin. It’s considered safe and effective for moisturizing and is sometimes used as a laxative. It can also help soothe irritated skin caused by conditions such as dermatitis and eczema.
Mineral oil has many practical uses. It’s mainly used to keep the skin moisturized and reduce irritation. It can also help with dandruff, constipation, and removing earwax.
Moisturizer
Mineral oil is a common ingredient in skin care products, such as lipsticks and moisturizers. It also works well on its own as a soothing, protective skin oil. Some research suggests it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it shouldn’t clog your pores. However, this depends on your skin type and may cause clogged pores for people with acne or sensitive skin.
Mineral oil helps lock in moisture by preventing water from escaping the outer layer of your skin, which helps your skin feel softer and helps treat dryness. This is why it’s included in lotions, creams, and cleansers.
Baby Oil
Baby oil is essentially mineral oil with added fragrance. Baby oil may be used to:
- Relieve inflammation from diaper rash.
- Loosen and remove wax from your ears
- Soothe and soften your skin if using it as a bath oil
Laxative
Mineral oil can work as a laxative for relieving constipation. Ready-to-use, pre-filled mineral oil enemas are available over the counter. An enema uses a tube filled with liquid that a person inserts into the rectum (the end of the large intestine) to help make bowel movements smoother.
A doctor can also prescribe mineral oil as an oral (taken by mouth) treatment for constipation. Make sure to store and use it as directed to avoid side effects. Side effects can range from mild symptoms like anal itching and stomach cramps to more serious complications.
Eczema Treatment
Mineral oil locks in moisture and helps protect the skin, making it a good at-home treatment option for eczema, a skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. Because of its thicker consistency, it can also soften and loosen the dead skin cell buildup from flare-ups.
Mineral oil can help lift and trap dirt, excess sebum, and dead skin without penetrating deeply below the surface because it’s lipophilic, meaning it attracts and binds with other substances. These trapped substances can then be rinsed away, leaving the skin cleansed without stripping moisture.
Unlike many vegetable oils, mineral oil won’t go bad. This makes it less likely to trigger allergic reactions and generally a well-tolerated, effective option for sensitive or damaged skin.
Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes dry or greasy, flaky dandruff or dead skin build-up, most often on the scalp. It can also sometimes be red and itchy. Treatment options usually involve antifungal and anti-inflammatory medications.
Mineral oil, which is less expensive and more commonly available, may provide temporary relief for this condition because it can help soften and loosen the scales. However, more research is needed to determine its effectiveness compared to prescribed treatments.
Mineral oil is easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Here are some options to try, including recommended doses:
- Apply small amounts (two to three drops per day) of light mineral oil or baby oil to clean the inside of your ears.
- For a skin moisturizer or to ease skin irritations, apply a thin layer to the skin as needed. People with acne or sensitive skin should be cautious when trying this, since there’s a chance it could cause worsening skin conditions.
- When taken as a prescribed constipation treatment, the recommended dosage is 45 milliliters (mL) once daily. You can split this dosage if you prefer not to take it all at once.
- If taking it rectally to treat constipation, the recommended dosage is 118 mL.
Mineral oil is generally safe and well-tolerated if taken as directed and properly stored. However, it can have possible side effects, including:
- Respiratory infections: Sometimes, mineral oil can enter the airways when consumed too quickly. The airways are the passages that bring air to the lungs. This makes it potentially harmful for children and people with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s Disease or swallowing difficulties, as it can raise the risk of getting pneumonia.
- Side effects if overused: Avoid exceeding dosage recommendations. Potential side effects from oral or rectal mineral oil laxatives include anal itching, anal discharge, cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and nutrient imbalances. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use the oral laxative.
- Medication interactions: Mineral oils can affect how other stool softeners, medications, or supplements work. Always talk with your doctor if considering a mineral oil laxative.
- Allergic reactions: While uncommon, mineral oil may cause an allergic reaction in
- some people.
Since mineral oil is generally safe to use, you can simply choose from a brand you trust. However, depending on your needs, consider keeping these tips in mind:
- Topical (applied to the skin) mineral oils intended for topically are readily available over the counter or online.
- If you’re selecting a mineral oil for oral use to relieve constipation, be sure to follow the dosage and timing instructions on the label. Like prescription oral mineral oil, oral laxatives without a prescription should be labeled food grade.
- Baby oils are mineral oils with added fragrance and are generally considered safe and gentle to use on the skin. However, if you’re sensitive to scents, consider trying one that’s fragrance-free.
Mineral oil is odorless, tasteless, and colorless. It can be used for moisturizing, cleansing, and soothing irritated skin and as a laxative in enemas or suppositories.
When consuming mineral oil, make sure it’s food grade and only take it as directed. Potential side effects include anal irritation and stomach upset. Although mineral oil is safe to use, people with certain conditions or difficulty swallowing, people who are pregnant, and very young children should avoid consuming mineral oil, as it can cause more serious side effects.
