What is Mineral Oil?
Mineral Oil (INCI name: Paraffinum Liquidum) falls into the occlusive category — an occlusive that seals moisture into the skin. Cosmetic-grade mineral oil is inert and rated 0-1. Because it contains no fatty acids, it is one of the few occlusives considered safe for fungal acne.
You may see it on labels as Mineral Oil, Paraffinum Liquidum, Liquid Paraffin, Parrafin, so it can hide under more than one name in an ingredient list.
Where Mineral Oil shows up
As an occlusive that seals moisture into the skin, Mineral Oil typically appears in ointments, heavy night creams, and lip products. Separately from clogging, its irritancy is rated 0/5 — low, so it's unlikely to sting or sensitise on its own.
Is Mineral Oil bad for acne-prone skin?
Because it barely registers on the comedogenic scale, Mineral Oil is generally a safe pick for breakout-prone skin and is often recommended as a gentler alternative to heavier ingredients.