Oil components

Oil components
Mineral oil
Mineral oils for cosmetic use are high-boding fractions obtained from crude oil distribution that are purified and refined by treatment with sulfuric acid. Two types are of importance :

(i) liquid paraffin (viscosity I 10 to 23OmPas);

(ii) light liquid paraffin (viscosity 25 to 8OmPas).

Mineral oils are colorless. clear and odorless liquids, insoluble in alcohol or water. They are excellent cosmetic emollients
because they are inert and do not penetrate into the skin. They therefore have excellent skin compatibility and little or no comedogenic potential. Since they are not considered ‘natural’, mineral oils have been attacked repeatedly but are still the most widely used oil component in skin-care formulations. Nevertheless, 3.7% of the human strateum corneum lipids are n-alkanes.
Due to their fatty character, mineral oils form a film on the skin which increases hydration by blocking the normal evaporation of water. Combinations with synthetic esters such as isopropyl stearate are recommended in order to open the film, and to guaranted the right balance for water evaporation.