Mineral oil
Mineral oil is a byproduct of petroleum distillation, typically transparent and colorless or pale yellow. It is a common ingredient in many products, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications.
Uses[edit | edit source]
Cosmetics[edit | edit source]
Mineral oil is often used in cosmetics due to its moisturizing properties. It forms a barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and keeping the skin hydrated.
Pharmaceuticals[edit | edit source]
In pharmaceuticals, mineral oil is used as a laxative. It works by keeping water in the stool, making it softer and easier to pass.
Industrial Applications[edit | edit source]
Mineral oil is also used in various industrial applications. It is used as a lubricant in machinery and tools, and as a coolant in electrical systems.
Health Effects[edit | edit source]
While generally considered safe for topical use, there are some concerns about the potential health effects of mineral oil. Some studies suggest that prolonged exposure may lead to skin problems, while others suggest a potential link to certain types of cancer. However, more research is needed to fully understand these risks.
See Also[edit | edit source]
| Mineral oil Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
