All about mineral oils in cosmetics

2023 Author: Alfred Shackley | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 13:14

Skin rashes are, unfortunately, a very common problem. They can appear for various reasons - malnutrition, hormonal imbalance, disruption of the work of some organs and systems. You can cope with the problem with the help of modern cosmetics.

In recent years, more and more women and girls prefer to use natural cosmetics, which are created from natural ingredients, to eliminate acne. It should be noted that today many manufacturers use mineral oils as part of cosmetics.

What is Mineral Oil?

Mineral oil is a colorless, odorless, oily substance made from petroleum feedstocks.

As you know, oil is the ancient remains of flora and fauna - plankton, algae - that deep inside the earth's crust were exposed to high temperatures and pressure.

After extraction, petroleum oil is thoroughly processed and refined, after which it is used for technical purposes.

Oils used in cosmetics undergo a multifaceted purification from various harmful impurities they contain. As a result, the product does not contain any harmful and toxic substances. However, it is also devoid of vitamins and other nutritional components.

The benefits of mineral oils for skin and hair

The fact is that petroleum oil does not penetrate the skin and hair, but only creates a thin film on their surface, which protects tissues from dehydration and negative environmental influences. The fineness of the film depends on the degree and mechanism of refining the oil product.

This product has been used in cosmetics for over a century! It is added to the composition of creams, masks, decorative cosmetics, cleansers. Refined oil, also called "white", is also used to soften and moisturize the skin, give it elasticity and tone.

Hydrocarbons, of which mineral oils are composed, combine well with other components of cosmetics, enhancing their effect - due to the oil content, the active ingredients are distributed over the skin surface and are absorbed.

Varieties of mineral oils in cosmetology

Depending on the degree and mechanism of purification, mineral oils used in cosmetics can be divided into three groups. Each of them affects the skin in its own way and is used in cosmetology for different purposes.

Petrolatum

This substance is a greasy mass without color with a subtle, faint odor. The consistency of this type of mineral oil depends on the temperature - at low temperatures it is a solid mass, but when applied to the skin, it heats up and covers it with a thin film.

Petroleum jelly is a mixture of hard paraffins and mineral oil.

Due to its composition, petroleum jelly has the following effect on the skin:

• softens rough areas, moisturizes;
• smoothes fine mimic wrinkles;
• accelerates tanning;
• eliminates irritation after depilation, tattooing, in case of allergic reactions;
• protects against environmental influences (wind, cold);
• helps to eliminate peeling and scarring after acne;
• restores epidermal cells after cosmetic procedures (for example, peeling).

Vaseline is a part of many cosmetics - ointments, creams, masks, skin cleansers, decorative cosmetics (foundation, lipstick, eye shadow, etc.), and is also produced as a standalone product.

In order to eliminate dry skin on the elbows, feet and lips, petroleum jelly should be applied to it several times a day and after a week the problem will disappear.

You can also use petroleum jelly in home cosmetics to make scrubs: mix a small amount of petroleum jelly with brown sugar or sea salt and treat problem skin, and then wash it off with water.

For a delicate makeup removal, just apply a little petroleum jelly on a napkin and remove the remnants of makeup from your face.

Vaseline has no side effects - it is even used to care for babies. The only contraindication is individual drug intolerance.

Paraffin

This substance is white in color and resembles wax in appearance. It differs from other processed petroleum products in that it has the highest degree of purification. Just like paraffin, it is not absorbed into the skin, but only creates a protective barrier for it.

Paraffin in certain doses is added to protective and anti-aging skin creams, anti-cellulite creams, and in its pure form is used to prepare masks that can be done both independently and in a beauty salon.

Paraffin masks create the effect of a steam bath: under them the skin warms up, the pores open and cleanse, from them toxins, toxins and radionuclides are released under the influence of high temperature. Also, under paraffin masks, the skin is naturally moisturized.

To enhance the effect, paraffin is combined with various creams, essential oils, depending on what problem needs to be eliminated.

A contraindication to the use of paraffin products in cosmetics is individual intolerance and the presence of inflamed acne on the skin.

Ceresin

Mineral wax (or ceresin) is a highly processed and refined petroleum product.

It is used as an auxiliary component that imparts viscosity to the product and enhances the emollient effect. Ceresin does not allow the cosmetic product to break down into liquid and fat fractions, and, like other petroleum oils, creates a thin film, preventing dehydration and providing protection from external factors.

Mineral waxes are included in cleansers, healing and protective creams. In combination with petroleum jelly or animal fat, ceresin is useful in the care of rough, cracked skin, and helps to cope with diaper rash and pressure sores.

Pure mineral wax is not used in cosmetics. Contraindication to the use of products containing ceresin is considered to be hypersensitivity to the components.

Mineral oils are often used in cosmetics - they can be found in almost all skin care products. Contrary to popular belief, they do not clog pores and do not harm our dermis, and therefore the use of products with these substances is absolutely safe.