What is Mineral Oil?
Mineral oil is one of a number of inexpensive byproducts that are made from petroleum. Sometimes referred to as paraffin oil or Nujol, white mineral oil is composed of a blend of hydrocarbons that is not unlike that of petroleum jelly. The difference is that mineral oil is a liquid petrolatum, making it an ideal choice for a number of applications. Here are some of the more common uses for mineral oil around the home. Perhaps the single most common use for white mineral oil is to remove makeup at the end of the day. Mineral oil has the ability to cut through the minute amounts of grease and dirt that tend to cling to makeup over the course of the day, making it possible to strip off the layer of makeup easy and prepare the face for cleansing. Along with removing makeup from the face, mineral oil is often used as a beauty treatment, as it is an excellent amplifier that helps the body to absorb ultraviolet rays without drying out the skin. While not everyone is aware, baby oil is simply
Mineral oil is a generic term for any oil derived from a mineral source, such as petroleum, rather than from plants or animals. This transparent, odorless, colorless oil is a by-product of the distillation of gasoline from petroleum. Some highly-refined versions, such as Superla white oil, that are FDA-approved for food contact, are also used to finish wooden toys. When used to finish wood, mineral oil leaves a glossy, highly water-resistant coating, and its use for this application is widespread because it is cheap, easy-to-use (pieces may be dipped in the oil, as opposed to hand-rubbed) and readily-available. Many wooden toy manufacturers, including North Star Toys, Mossy Creek Woodworks, and D and Me, typically use non-toxic mineral oil to finish their toys. We have chosen to carry only the unfinished versions of their toys because we have concerns about mineral oil’s: Environmental impact – Mineral oil is a derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource, whose production contribu
