Mineral Oil

Mineral Oil molecular structure

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Mineral Oil?

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USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 4 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Mineral Oil use with caution for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

Mineral oil is a common baby moisturizer and can protect skin, but for newborns and babies 0–6 months there are some reasons to be careful. Studies and regulatory reviews have noted possible buildup of some mineral-oil components in body tissues and some people can have allergic or breathing reactions.

What to Do

If you use mineral oil on a baby: choose a product labeled pharmaceutical-grade or white mineral oil, use a small amount only where needed, avoid putting it on cuts or raw skin, don’t use sprays or products that can be inhaled, don’t cover treated skin tightly for long periods, and stop use if you see a rash or changes in breathing. For general dry skin, consider using it sparingly or using alternative gentle moisturizers made for newborns.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin redness, rash, or any breathing trouble after use — these are signs to stop and see a clinician (based on reports of allergic and respiratory effects from the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics). Be aware that some regulatory reviews (Environment Canada) have flagged possible accumulation of certain mineral-oil hydrocarbons in tissues. Also note that some product-verification programs restrict or require extra evidence for the ingredient’s use in baby products.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Immune system: There is evidence that mineral oil can act as an allergen or harm the immune system. Health review groups and medical literature list it as a possible immune or allergic toxicant, and workplace guidance notes strong evidence for immune effects in people.
Asthma: Mineral oil has been identified as a human respiratory allergen/toxicant, which means it can make breathing problems or asthma worse for some people. Occupational health sources report strong links to respiratory effects.
Organ Risk: Regulatory health assessments classify mineral oil as expected to be toxic or harmful to organs with repeated exposure, and list it as a medium human health priority for non-reproductive organ effects.
Builds Up: Research studies found mineral oil hydrocarbons accumulating in animal and human tissues, showing this ingredient can build up in the body over time.
Absorbed: Because mineral oil hydrocarbons have been measured inside body tissues, they can be absorbed into the body from topical use and not stay only on the skin.
Long-Term Risk: Given its tendency to accumulate in tissues and classifications showing organ toxicity concern, there is a potential for long-term health effects with repeated exposure over time.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Mineral Oil

This ingredient may also be listed as:

paraffinum liquidum/mineral oil/huile mineraleparaffinum liquidummineral oillight mineral oillight liquid paraffinhuile minéralehuile mineraleParaffinum liquidumMINERAL OILbaby oilPARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM/MINERAL OIL/HUILE MINERALEPETROLEUM WHITE MINERAL OILMINERAL OIL HYDROCARBON SOLVENT (PETROLEUM); MINERAL OIL (SATURATED PARRAFIN OIL)PARAFFIN OILPARAFFINIC OILPETROLATUMPHYTOBLEND PARAFFINIC OILPETROLEUM HYDROCARBONSPETROLEUM OIL, PARAFFIN BASED (PREVIOUSLY CHEMICAL CODE 2045)MINERAL SEAL OILPARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Mineral Oil

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Mineral Oil or its alternative names.

Research Articles on Mineral Oil

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Mineral Oil safety and effects.

Common Questions About Mineral Oil

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Mineral Oil?

Use caution with Mineral Oil for 0-6 month old babies. Some safety concerns have been identified.

What are the immune system risks of Mineral Oil for newborns?

Could weaken or confuse immune system. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the asthma risks of Mineral Oil for newborns?

Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the organ risk risks of Mineral Oil for newborns?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the builds up risks of Mineral Oil for newborns?

Builds up in the body over time with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the absorbed risks of Mineral Oil for newborns?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the long-term risk risks of Mineral Oil for newborns?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Mineral Oil?

Mineral Oil is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can infants start using products with Mineral Oil?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 0-6 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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