Ingredient
White Mineral Oil
What is White Mineral Oil?
White mineral oil is a highly refined, purified form of mineral oil, commonly derived from petroleum. It undergoes rigorous refining processes to remove impurities and color, resulting in a clear and colorless liquid.
It is primarily used in food and personal care products as a lubricant and moisture barrier, helping to prevent food from sticking and to preserve the freshness of products. While generally considered safe for use, some concerns exist over its potential to cause digestive issues when consumed in large quantities. The evidence on health impacts from typical food use is limited and often not definitive.
When you see white mineral oil on a label, it’s often added to food products for functional purposes like improving texture or shelf stability. It's also used in topical products for its moisturizing properties.
Commonly found in: candy, lubricants, moisturizers, coatings for fruit, baked goods
What to watch
- High consumption may lead to digestive disturbances, such as diarrhea.
- Possible accumulation of mineral oil in body tissues over time, though more research is needed.
Benefits
- Widely used for its ability to function as a moisture barrier and lubricant.
White mineral oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food and cosmetics.
Research is inconclusive on the long-term health effects of ingesting mineral oil, especially at lower levels of consumption.
White mineral oil is derived from petroleum, not animals, making it suitable for vegans.
Sources: Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 · Mineral Oil: Review of Safety and Use
Scout's take
Petroleum-derived coating oil.
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