Is Mineral Oil such a good thing?

Mineral oil sounds great because of how much we are told mineral makeup is amazing, but mineral oil actually is bad for the skin! Skincare expert Caroline HirMineral oil sounds great because of how much we are told mineral makeup is amazing, but mineral oil actually is bad for the skin! Skincare expert Caroline Hirons explains why it hinders your skincare in some of her interviews I've seen.

Here is what I know about mineral oil.

Mineral oil is actually a by product of petroleum. When this is extracted from the ground, it’s left to settle and a layer of scum forms on top. This can’t be used for plastics, or petrol, or in the food industry, so it’s sold off for cheap to the cosmetics industry. Have you ever noticed when using Vaseline, you have to keep applying and applying because your lips only stay moisturised for a short while? This is because mineral oil forms a barrier to the skin and it can't breathe. So if it's in your skincare, it will block all the other good ingredients you put on afterwards from being absorbed in the skin. Pointless right!

You want to use products with plant based oils, the skin can then actually absorb all the goodness and breathe! I use foundation without mineral oil, so as well as being long lasting, it is comfortable for wearing all day too. It's the product I use that my clients most rave about, so this will always be in my kit!