Why is Mineral Oil in conditioners bad?

[blasianbeauty]

My favorite ones - Motions CPR, Humectress and a few others have it...and I like them. What does mineral oil do to the hair? Thanks.

 

[Supergirl]

I don't think it's bad. I just think it shouldn't comprise most of the product. The right amount of mineral oil can help with softening the hair. Too much just sits there, not necessarily doing evil to the hair but definitely doing nothing beneficial and possibly keeping good stuff out.

 

[blasianbeauty]

I don't think it's bad. I just think it shouldn't comprise most of the product. The right amount of mineral oil can help with softening the hair. Too much just sits there, not necessarily doing evil to the hair but definitely doing nothing beneficial and possibly keeping good stuff out.

Hmm...mineral oil is the second ingredient in the CPR. I may have to stop using it then. :scratchch

 

[Supergirl]

Hmm...mineral oil is the second ingredient in the CPR. I may have to stop using it then. :scratchch

I didn't realize it was 2nd on the list. I can definitely vouch that it's a good product--got some under the bathroom sink myself.

 

[Eisani]

I say to each his/her own. I've noticed more naturals shy away from mineral oil, relaxed heads too, just seems t/b more naturals. I think the main reason is that it can not only cause build-up, but will clog the pores on your scalp and cause stunted hair growth. I personally don't really mind mineral oil, have never had a bad experience with it. I don't apply products containing it to my scalp, and I also chelate when I feel the need, so maybe that's why.

 

[Energist]

Here is the definition found when searching on google

[SIZE=-1]Oil derived from a mineral source, such as petroleum, as opposed to oils derived from plants and animals.

I found this on www.thebeautybrains.com

[/SIZE]Mineral Oil Myths

1. Mineral oil is contaminated with carcinogens. While it’s true that some petroleum derivatives contain carcinogenic materials (like some polycyclic aromatic compounds) the mineral oil that is used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry is highly refined and purified. It’s purity is even regulated by the US FDA and other international regulatory agencies. There is absolutely no evidence that cosmetic grade mineral oil causes cancer. And there has been plenty of testing done to ensure that fact. We could find no published reports in any of the dermatological or medical journals indicating a link between mineral oil and any forms of cancer.



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I don't think it's wonderful, but I also don't feel that it's bad when it's included in a conditioning formula that uses small amounts of it. If the product was mainly mineral oil, then you are asking for breakage and dry hair. Mineral oil has breaking down elements in it, so you can imagine what the pure form would do to your hair.

 

[ajargon02]

November
28

The top 5 myths about mineral oil - Part 1


We often see the advice that people should avoid mineral oil at all costs. This idea is propogated by numerous “natural” companies. Well, this advice is just bogus. It’s not based on any scientific studies. Mineral oil is a perfectly fine ingredient and has been used in cosmetics for over 100 years.
Here are the top 5 Myths that companies tell people to make them afraid of mineral oil. In part 2 we look at why “natural” companies would be trying to scare you.
Mineral Oil Myths

1. Mineral oil is contaminated with carcinogens. While it’s true that some petroleum derivatives contain carcinogenic materials (like some polycyclic aromatic compounds) the mineral oil that is used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry is highly refined and purified. It’s purity is even regulated by the US FDA and other international regulatory agencies. There is absolutely no evidence that cosmetic grade mineral oil causes cancer. And there has been plenty of testing done to ensure that fact. We could find no published reports in any of the dermatological or medical journals indicating a link between mineral oil and any forms of cancer.
2. Mineral oil dries the skin and causes premature aging. Mineral oil works as a barrier between the skin and the air. It acts as an occlusive agent which prevents water from naturally leaving your body through your skin. It will not dry out your skin or cause premature aging. Quite the contrary. It will provide moisturization.
3. Mineral oil robs the skin of vitamins. Since many vitamins are oil based, people assume that mineral oil will pull them out of your skin. There is no legitimate scientific evidence that this is true. Mineral oil has no effect on the vitamin levels in your skin.
4. Mineral oil prevents absorption of collagen from collagen moisturizers. Collagen in your skin lotions and moisturizers is too big to actually penetrate your skin. Therefore, mineral oil will have no effect on whether the collagen gets absorbed or not.
5. Mineral oil causes acne. In some people, mineral oil can exaserbate acne problems. However, most people will not experience any problems.
So, if it is not for safety concerns, why would companies be telling you to avoid mineral oil? We’ll look at that in part 2 of our series.
The Beauty Brains Bottom line. Mineral oil is NOT bad for you or your skin. It is one of the best ingredients available in skin lotions and moisturizers. It is also 100% natural taken directly out of our dear Mother Earth.

 

[JustKiya]

Even if I don't know that a product has mineral oil in it, if I use it on my hair, my hair gets dry, crunchy, and generally unhappy and in instant need of a good shampoo - I'm a serious label reader, and somehow my eyes will occasionally skip over the 'Petrolatum' - but as soon as I use it, I can tell. So for me, personally - nah, I'll skip the mineral oil.
My scalp, on the other hand, doesn't mind it nearly as much - so I can use my amla oil on my scalp, and the hair is happy.

I think that the mineral oil thing is definitely a 'your mileage may vary' issue - if you ARE having crunchy/dry hair issues, trying to cut out products that have mineral oil in them might be a good next step once you are sure that your moisture game is totally on point. If your hair is happy using products with mineral oil in it, and you are satisfied with what's going on - ch. It ain't broke. Don't go a meddling.

 

[blasianbeauty]

Thanks for the replies everyone. It seems like miner oil is not that big of a deal or is harmful, so I'll keep using my conditioners.

 

[CenteredGirl]

I don't think mineral oil is bad. My hair loves it. In fact that's what my mama used on it back in the day when I was sporting long a** braids.

Its a natural product like any other oil. It gets a bad rap just because it's cheap.

I challenge you to the following experiment:

1. put mineral oil on the back of one hand and another more "acceptable" oil on the back of the other hand.
2. Use soap or baking soda to wash off each hand.
3. Both come off and skin is smooth

Both are oils period. Once it coats, they both do the same dang thing = SEAL.

You can spend a million dollars on product with no mineral oil, that's a choice. But those that include them, are no worse. My hair is growing ad it's the kinkiest natural type of all.:bouncegre

 

[morehairplease]

I say to each his/her own. I've noticed more naturals shy away from mineral oil, relaxed heads too, just seems t/b more naturals. I think the main reason is that it can not only cause build-up, but will clog the pores on your scalp and cause stunted hair growth. I personally don't really mind mineral oil, have never had a bad experience with it. I don't apply products containing it to my scalp, and I also chelate when I feel the need, so maybe that's why.

this is why I try to stay clear of it.