The Effects of a Topical Application of Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is a byproduct of petroleum when it is distilled to produce gasoline. Mineral oil has a variety of uses, ranging from household jobs to health and the human body. People who apply the oil topically to their bodies should be aware of some of the effects of using mineral oil.

Reduces Blood Flow

• Mineral oil may result in reduced blood flow. Vegetable oils appear to help boost blood flow, as does sesame oil, but mineral oil in the form of Johnson's Baby Oil appears to do the opposite, according to the Indian Food and Drug Administration. This is because the skin absorbs vegetable oils but does not absorb much mineral oil, and in fact the oil may clog skin pores.

Skin Irritant

• Companies that sell mineral oil argue that it helps prevent irritation in the skin, particularly diaper rashes in infants, and mineral oil often is marketed under the name baby oil. While the oil does carry benefits, mineral oil may actually create the opposite effect for which it was intended by causing an allergic reaction and skin irritation in some cases.

Moisturizes

• People often use mineral oil as a moisturizer, applying the oil topically to areas of dry skin. It's best to apply the oil to the skin right after you get out of the shower or the bath and dry yourself with a towel.

Removes Makeup

• Mineral oil is effective for removing makeup. You put the oil on a cotton ball to remove the makeup from the face and blot it off, or simply apply the oil to the whole face and wipe it off. The oil lubricates the skin, making it easy to wipe off the makeup.

Cancer Risk

• Mineral oil may result in an increased risk of skin cancer. A 2008 Rutgers University study noted that hairless mice with skin damaged by ultraviolet radiation had a higher risk of skin cancer with the application of moisturizers such as mineral oil. Scientists, however, are uncertain as to whether this would translate to humans.