Is mineral oil bad for skin?

Benefits of Mineral Oil:

Effective Moisture Retention: Research suggests that mineral oil serves as an efficient occlusive agent, creating a protective barrier on the skin. This barrier helps reduce trans epidermal water loss, keeping the skin adequately hydrated.

Skin Barrier Enhancement: The occlusive nature of mineral oil contributes to reinforcing the skin's natural barrier, shielding it from environmental stressors. This protective quality can be especially beneficial in extreme weather conditions.

Potential Risks and Misconceptions:

Comedogenic Concerns: One commonly voiced concern is the potential comedogenicity of mineral oil, leading to fears of clogged pores and acne. However, studies indicate that highly refined mineral oil is non-comedogenic and may not be associated with pore blockage.

Absence of Nutritional Benefits: Critics argue that mineral oil lacks the nutritional benefits offered by plant-based alternatives. While it may not directly nourish the skin, its role in maintaining moisture can indirectly support skin health.

Sourcing and Quality Matters: The quality and refinement of mineral oil can significantly impact its performance. Research emphasizes the importance of using high-quality, pharmaceutical-grade mineral oil to minimize potential drawbacks.

The Nuanced Perspective:

 Recognizing that skincare needs vary from person to person, the efficacy of mineral oil may differ based on individual skin types, conditions, and preferences.
 With the growing popularity of clean skincare, there is a burgeoning market offering alternatives to mineral oil. This is one of the reasons why the Papaya Plush Cleansing balm has been formulated without mineral oil, while still providing all the benefits associated with it. 

If you're someone who has an oily skin type, and are prone to breakouts, you're probably better off looking for products that avoid mineral oil altogether. Especially since there are so many wonderful alternatives available