Mineral Oil

Mineral Oil molecular structure

5+ year old childrenSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this kid-friendly to use Mineral Oil?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Mineral Oil is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children when used in topical products. Kids may have different tolerance levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For children and school-age kids (5 years and up), mineral oil used on the skin is usually safe and is often used in lotions and moisturizers. Most kids tolerate it well.

What to Do

Before regular use, test a small amount on the inside of your child’s forearm and wait 24 hours to check for a rash. Use a small amount, avoid applying to open cuts or sores, and do not use spray or mist products (to avoid breathing it in). Stop use and see a doctor if your child develops a rash, persistent redness, swelling, coughing, or breathing problems.

⚠️Warnings

Some studies found that certain mineral oil hydrocarbons can accumulate in body tissues (research from 2015 and 2017). Environment Canada has identified possible concerns for organ system effects for some forms. There is also evidence of possible immune or respiratory reactions reported by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics. Some product verification programs require extra proof before allowing this ingredient in verified products. Because of these reports, be cautious: patch test, avoid long-term heavy use over large areas, and avoid sprays or inhalation.

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 kid-friendly to use Mineral Oil?

Yes, Mineral Oil is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children based on current research.

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

Could weaken or confuse immune system.

What are the asthma risks of Mineral Oil for children?

Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids.

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

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.

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

Builds up in the body over time with repeated use.

What are the absorbed risks of Mineral Oil for children?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream.

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

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.

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 kids start using products with Mineral Oil?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 5+ year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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