Excessive Use of Mineral Oil: Be Mindful of Everyday Lip Care Products

The use of mineral oils has long been a global concern. Their applications cover a wide range of areas, including food packaging, newspaper inks, and lip care products. Given the potential health risks associated with mineral oils, consumers should be aware of how to identify possible risks in daily lip care items such as lipsticks, lip glosses, lip balms, lip tints, lip liners, and other related products.

A Swiss study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science⁽¹⁾ revealed that lip care products commonly contain mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) or polyolefin oligomeric saturated hydrocarbons (POSH). These substances have a strong tendency to accumulate in the human body and may deposit in various tissues such as lymph nodes, spleen, and liver, potentially leading to the formation of microgranulomas.

The study examined 175 commercial lip care products available between 2012 and 2014. Results showed that approximately 68% of the products contained more than 5% MOSH+POSH (total concentration), and 31% had concentrations exceeding 32%. Most of these mineral oil uses did not comply with the recommendations of Cosmetics Europe (formerly COLIPA).

Considering that the ingredients in most lip care products are likely to be ingested, Cosmetics Europe has recommended that the concentration of MOSH used in lip care and oral products should be less than 5%. Furthermore, the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has evaluated that the daily usage of lip cosmetics is 0.057 g per person, with an assumed 100% oral ingestion rate. For consumers, lip care products represent one of the main sources of MOSH exposure.

In 2023, the Cantonal Laboratory of the Basel-Stadt Health Department in Switzerland published an official regulatory report ⁽²⁾. The report examined 29 commercially available products (34 subsamples) and found that 27 samples (77%) contained MOSH components. Among them, 10 samples were deemed non-compliant because their MOSH content was significantly higher than 10 g/100 g (<480 Da).

Although there has been a decreasing trend in products formulated primarily with mineral oils compared to the past, the official regulatory investigation indicated that mineral oils are still commonly found in many lip care products. Continuous market surveillance of lip care products is therefore recommended.

A Sustainable, Eco-friendly Alternative to mineral oil：Natural Alkanes

Compared with the above-mentioned mineral oil–based ingredients, Ecokane™ MB and Ecokane™ 14 MB are both derived from 100% plant-based sources. They are readily biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and serve as safe alternatives to synthetic derivatives such as cyclic methyl siloxanes (particularly D4, D5, and D6).

Natural replacement, uncompromised performance

Formulated with 100% natural-origin alkanes that substitute conventional silicones and petro-based oils, it delivers the same silky glide with a cleaner and more sustainable profile, especially ideal for brands seeking high sensory quality without compromising on naturality.

As consumers become more conscious about cosmetic safety, brands are re-evaluating ingredient choices. We uphold the philosophy of “Corum — focusing on what the skin truly needs.”— ensures that raw materials are selected with safety, sustainability, and performance in mind. By avoiding unnecessary accumulation of potentially harmful substances, Corum provides healthier, eco-conscious, and effective skincare solutions.

References:

(1) Niederer, M., Stebler, T., & Grob, K. (2016). Mineral oil and synthetic hydrocarbons in cosmetic lip products. International journal of cosmetic science, 38(2), 194–200. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12276

(2) Sarah Hangartner / Dr. Urs Hauri “ Lippenpflegeprodukte/Mineralparaffine (MOSH/MOAH) allergene Duftstoffe, Konservierungsmittel, Farbmittel und verbotene”, Substanzen Gemeinsame Kampagne der Kantone Aargau und Basel-Stadt (Schwer- punktslabor).