what is mineral oil

Mineral oil is a colorless, odorless, and transparent oil that is composed mainly of alkanes and cycloalkanes, related to petroleum jelly. It is a highly purified, lightweight ingredient used in many cosmetic and personal care products, such as baby lotions, cold creams, and ointments, due to its ability to help reduce water loss from skin and keep it moisturized. Mineral oil is also used as a binding agent or lubricant in the manufacture of yeast and can be applied to grains like wheat, rice, oats, and barley to help keep dust from adhering to the product. In addition, mineral oil is a lubricant and a laxative, and taking it orally or using it as an enema can help ease acute constipation. Mineral oils are refined from petroleum crude oils and are complex and variable mixtures of straight and branched-chain paraffinic, naphthenic (cycloparaffinic), and aromatic hydrocarbons having carbon numbers of 15 or more and boiling points in the range of 300–600°C. Mineral oil is considered an inert, chemically stable ingredient with a long history of safe use in common topical applications.