The Problem with Paraffin for Skin
6 min read
May 01,2024
LIFE STYLE
The Problem with Paraffin for Skin
6 min read
May 01,2024
LIFE STYLE
Even if you’ve never heard of paraffins, they’re likely lurking in your favorite skincare products. Also known as mineral oil, petrolatum, or petroleum jelly, these skin care ingredients are widely used for their moisturizing and protective properties. However, their use has sparked significant controversy due to potential adverse effects on skin’s health. Read on to learn about the chemical composition of paraffins, their function in skincare, and their downsides and debates. You’ll have all the facts to decide if paraffins deserve a permanent place in your routine, or if it's time to seek out a healthier alternative.
Even if you’ve never heard of paraffins, they’re likely lurking in your favorite skincare products. Also known as mineral oil, petrolatum, or petroleum jelly, these skin care ingredients are widely used for their moisturizing and protective properties. However, their use has sparked significant controversy due to potential adverse effects on skin’s health. Read on to learn about the chemical composition of paraffins, their function in skincare, and their downsides and debates. You’ll have all the facts to decide if paraffins deserve a permanent place in your routine, or if it's time to seek out a healthier alternative.
01
Understanding the Role of Paraffin in Skincare
Paraffins are a group of compounds made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms. These versatile ingredients are derived from petroleum or natural gas, and serve a variety of functions in skincare products. Most often, they’re used as an emollient, lubricant, or thickener due to their ability to create a protective skin barrier, keeping it hydrated and protecting it from environmental stressors like UV radiation and air pollution
.1 Due to these qualities, they’re often used as a moisturizer and targeted towards people with
dry skin concerns and those who struggle with eczema or psoriasis.01
Understanding the Role of Paraffin in Skincare
Paraffins are a group of compounds made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms. These versatile ingredients are derived from petroleum or natural gas, and serve a variety of functions in skincare products. Most often, they’re used as an emollient, lubricant, or thickener due to their ability to create a protective skin barrier, keeping it hydrated and protecting it from environmental stressors like UV radiation and air pollution
.1 Due to these qualities, they’re often used as a moisturizer and targeted towards people with
dry skin concerns and those who struggle with eczema or psoriasis.02
Is Paraffin Bad for Skin?
While paraffin has some benefits in skincare and cosmetics, there are also valid concerns about its safety and efficacy. The main issue revolves around the possibility of carcinogenic impurities such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).2 However, regulatory institutions like the FDA have measures in place to ensure the refinement process minimizes harmful impurities.
Additionally, the barrier formed on the skin by paraffin products can end up doing more harm than good. On one hand, they’re great at trapping moisture onto the skin. But they can also inadvertently trap bacteria, dirt, and excess sebum, leading to clogged pores and breakouts and exacerbating skin conditions such as acne. 02
Is Paraffin Bad for Skin?
While paraffin has some benefits in skincare and cosmetics, there are also valid concerns about its safety and efficacy. The main issue revolves around the possibility of carcinogenic impurities such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).2 However, regulatory institutions like the FDA have measures in place to ensure the refinement process minimizes harmful impurities.
Additionally, the barrier formed on the skin by paraffin products can end up doing more harm than good. On one hand, they’re great at trapping moisture onto the skin. But they can also inadvertently trap bacteria, dirt, and excess sebum, leading to clogged pores and breakouts and exacerbating skin conditions such as acne. 03
What do Paraffins Do?
Paraffin's potential to clog pores is a common concern, although there are several other drawbacks to consider. If you have an oily skin type or an acne-prone skin type, the heavy, greasy texture of paraffin can exacerbate issues as well since the occlusive properties also prevent skin from breathing properly, which may lead to skin irritation and dermatitis, especially if you have sensitive skin.
A more serious risk is the high flammability of petroleum derivative paraffin-based emollients. Even a cosmetic product with lower concentrations can cause severe, potentially fatal burns if exposed to an open flame or spark. Extreme caution is advised - avoid smoking and wash any exposed clothing or fabrics at high heat to reduce paraffin buildup.3
Beyond its impact on skin health, the use of petroleum-derived ingredients like paraffin takes a significant environmental toll. Sourcing from non-renewable fossil fuels can lead to habitat destruction, soil and water contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, harm to ecosystems.4
As a result, there’s growing interest in exploring sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to paraffins in skincare. 03
What do Paraffins Do?
Paraffin's potential to clog pores is a common concern, although there are several other drawbacks to consider. If you have an oily skin type or an acne-prone skin type, the heavy, greasy texture of paraffin can exacerbate issues as well since the occlusive properties also prevent skin from breathing properly, which may lead to skin irritation and dermatitis, especially if you have sensitive skin.
A more serious risk is the high flammability of petroleum derivative paraffin-based emollients. Even a cosmetic product with lower concentrations can cause severe, potentially fatal burns if exposed to an open flame or spark. Extreme caution is advised - avoid smoking and wash any exposed clothing or fabrics at high heat to reduce paraffin buildup.3
Beyond its impact on skin health, the use of petroleum-derived ingredients like paraffin takes a significant environmental toll. Sourcing from non-renewable fossil fuels can lead to habitat destruction, soil and water contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, harm to ecosystems.4
As a result, there’s growing interest in exploring sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to paraffins in skincare. 04
Paraffin-Free Alternatives
Many mainstream brands rely on ingredients that end up doing more harm than good. That’s where OneSkin is different. Our topical skin care product for the face and body are free from mineral oils, petrolatum, paraffins, fragrances, parabens, phthalates, PFAS, sulfates, lanolin, MCI/MI, DEA, heavy metals, talc, gluten, and other unnecessary ingredients. Not only that, they’re non-comedogenic
, which means they won’t clog pores or lead to breakouts. Our high standards for safety and efficacy are just a few of the reasons OneSkin products are 100% SkinSafe-certified.5
04
Paraffin-Free Alternatives
Many mainstream brands rely on ingredients that end up doing more harm than good. That’s where OneSkin is different. Our topical skin care product for the face and body are free from mineral oils, petrolatum, paraffins, fragrances, parabens, phthalates, PFAS, sulfates, lanolin, MCI/MI, DEA, heavy metals, talc, gluten, and other unnecessary ingredients. Not only that, they’re non-comedogenic
, which means they won’t clog pores or lead to breakouts. Our high standards for safety and efficacy are just a few of the reasons OneSkin products are 100% SkinSafe-certified.5
Key Takeaways:
- Paraffins, including mineral oil, petrolatum, and petroleum jelly, are commonly found in skincare products for their moisturizing and protective properties
- Despite their benefits, paraffins have sparked controversy due to concerns about potential adverse effects on skin health, including clogged pores, acne exacerbation, and skin irritation
- Regulatory measures are in place to ensure the safety and purity of paraffins used in skincare products, with the FDA overseeing the refinement process to minimize carcinogenic impurities
- Paraffins can create a greasy film on the skin, trapping dirt, bacteria, and pollutants, potentially leading to clogged pores and breakouts
- In addition to skin health concerns, there are significant environmental impacts associated with paraffins, including habitat destruction, soil and water contamination, and greenhouse gas emissions
- OneSkin is leading the shift towards paraffin-free skin care product solutions, offering products free from paraffins and other potentially harmful ingredients, tested for safety and efficacy by SkinSAFE
Key Takeaways:
- Paraffins, including mineral oil, petrolatum, and petroleum jelly, are commonly found in skincare products for their moisturizing and protective properties
- Despite their benefits, paraffins have sparked controversy due to concerns about potential adverse effects on skin health, including clogged pores, acne exacerbation, and skin irritation
- Regulatory measures are in place to ensure the safety and purity of paraffins used in skincare products, with the FDA overseeing the refinement process to minimize carcinogenic impurities
- Paraffins can create a greasy film on the skin, trapping dirt, bacteria, and pollutants, potentially leading to clogged pores and breakouts
- In addition to skin health concerns, there are significant environmental impacts associated with paraffins, including habitat destruction, soil and water contamination, and greenhouse gas emissions
- OneSkin is leading the shift towards paraffin-free skin care product solutions, offering products free from paraffins and other potentially harmful ingredients, tested for safety and efficacy by SkinSAFE
Reviewed by Alessandra Zonari, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin
Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.
Reviewed by Alessandra Zonari, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin
Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.
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