It is a colorless, transparent, oily liquid that is odorless and tasteless.
Dry Skin
People choose mineral oil because of its potent moisturizing and skin-softening effects.
Many skin products contain mineral oils because they’re such effective moisturizers.
Illustration by Jessica Olah for Verywell Health
This is why they work best after a bath or shower when the skin is damp.
The feet are some of the driest parts of our bodies.
Try covering your feet with socks to help lock in more moisture and prevent your sheets from becoming greasy.
Mineral oil isnoncomedogenic, meaning it doesnt clog pores.
Mineral oil doesn’t penetrate the deeper layers of your skin and is considered non-allergenic.
Constipation
Mineral oil is a lubricant and a laxative.
Taking mineral oil orally or using it as an enema can help ease acuteconstipation.
Instead, mineral oilworks as a laxativeto induce a bowel movement.
Mineral oil is most effective for eczema when you apply it to wet skin.
Ear Wax Removal
You cansafely remove ear waxbuildup with mineral oil.
you could put several drops of mineral oil inside the ear canal with a dropper.
Rubbing a small amount of mineral oil on your baby’s head cantreat cradle cap.
Always shampoo your baby’s hair after applying mineral oil because oil buildup makes cradle cap worse.
If you are using mineral oil for adultdandruff, use the same steps to dislodge your flakes.
Keep in mind that mineral oil can build up and leave a film on the hair, though.
Possible Side Effects and Precautions
Mineral oil is generally considered safe.
But there are some reactions to watch for with other uses.
Dosage and Preparation
The following mineral oil dosages are recommended by the Prescribers' Digital Reference manual.
The same is true for mineral oil.
Children are more likely to inhale mineral oil because of their young age, increasing the risk of pneumonia.
What to Look For When Buying Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is sold in pharmacies and online.
Look for mineral oils produced by reputable brands that are free of fragrances and other additives.
Any mineral oil intended for oral consumption should be labeled “food-grade.”
It’s often used to soften and remove ear wax and is generally safe to use.
Let your healthcare provider know, though, if you are using mineral oil for health purposes.
It’s not for everyone; pregnant people, for example, should avoid mineral oil.
And it can lead to unintended consequences like bowel damage when used too long for constipation.
Be sure the product and dosage you use won’t cause complications or drug interactions.
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