White mineral oils are used in many different industries, from automotive, industrial manufacturing, to food production. The oil is refined from crude oil and comes out as clear, lightweight, and odorless. Its unique qualities have made it suitable for the production of skincare products and cosmetics.
The use of mineral oil has been going on for more than a century. However, there are misconceptions about their efficacy and safety, mainly because they are derived from crude oil. In this article, we examine some of the myths surrounding products from white mineral oil suppliers.
Myth: White Mineral Oil is Unsafe for your Skin
There are many food and skincare products made from white mineral oil. Besides the fact that it is clear and odorless, cosmetic companies also use it for its ability to maintain moisture. Vaseline is made from distilled crude, only that its natural state is waxy, and therefore, solid.
While motor oils undergo distillation to remove impurities, the food-grade oils undergo further stages in purification. The FDA has stringent regulations on the purity of the products from white mineral oil suppliers. The refinement of white mineral oil is so thorough that they are safe for the production of medication.
Myth: White Mineral Oils are Carcinogenic
The misconception comes from the fact that mineral oil is derived from crude. While some petroleum products may contain carcinogens, the oil used for skin care products must be highly refined. Scientific research on its effect on humans has found it to be neither toxic nor carcinogenic.
One reason why they are safer than other alternatives is that food grade oils have long hydrocarbons. That means they can hardly be absorbed by the skin, or by the body in case of ingestion.
It is also the reason these agents from white mineral oil suppliers are popular with cosmetics manufacturers. The long chain of hydrocarbons can retain their properties, even after exposure to the sun. So when you apply lotion or Vaseline, they won’t breakdown or irritate when you are outdoors in the light and heat.
Myth: Plants Based Products Are Better and Safer
There is a misconception, particularly in the cosmetic industry, that natural sources of raw materials are always safer. The myth is compounded by the fact that many personal care products have man-made and toxic ingredients.
The fact is that many plant-based ingredients can be much more unsafe than food grade white oils. For instance, research shows that the compound 3-MCPD (3-Chloropropane-1,2-diol) is common in refined plant extracts and vegetable fats.
3-MCPD is toxic and carcinogenic despite the fact that it is found in natural plant sources. Yet quality food grade white oil does not contain the toxic compound. The compound, generally, has a low oral bio availability. But 3-MCPD can be released in significant amounts to the body through hydrolysis. Those findings have been raising concern over the real risk of some of the vegetable and plant sources for cosmetic and food product ingredients.
Additionally, some natural or plant-based products do not adhere to standards and regulations. There are cosmetics that are made from natural ingredients, but they contain contaminants. The contaminants may be as a result of using poor packaging, or a flawed manufacturing process.
Unrefined petroleum contains a variety of compounds, and several of them are toxic and carcinogenic. However, the products from white mineral oil suppliers have to undergo several processes. Compounds are removed in several stages until there are no toxins. The resulting product is safe for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications.
In Conclusion
There are many misconceptions about food-grade white mineral oils, especially when used for cosmetics. Since they are products made out of petroleum, the perception is that they are toxic and carcinogenic. However, science shows that the oil, which has to undergo several stages of distillation, can be safer than plant extract varieties. Additionally, the industry is highly regulated and held to high standards of safety. It is also affordable, lightweight, and safe, making it suitable for skin and medical applications.
