Comedogenic rating
Mineral Oil Comedogenic Rating
Rating
1
out of 5 (range 0 to 2)
Pore-clogging risk
LowUnlikely to clog pores for most people, including many with acne-prone skin.
Category
Occlusive
Cosmetic-grade mineral oil rates low at about 0 to 2 and is a highly refined, inert occlusive used widely in sensitive-skin products.
What a rating of 1 means
A rating near 0 to 2 reflects how refined cosmetic mineral oil is. It is inert and does not feed skin with nutrients, but it forms a barrier that slows water loss, and well-refined grades rarely clog pores.
Fatty acid profile
Mineral oil contains no fatty acids at all. It is a petroleum-derived occlusive that simply sits on the surface, which is why it is so stable and so often used in fragrance-free sensitive formulas.
Key fatty acids: No fatty acids, a refined petroleum-derived occlusive.
Profile: Inert occlusive with no fatty acid activity.
Best for
- Dry skin
- Sensitive skin
- Eczema-prone skin
Use caution with
- Some prefer plant or animal lipids over petroleum
Who should use it
Dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin often tolerate mineral oil well because it is inert. People who prefer plant or animal lipids with bioactive fatty acids may choose tallow or a seed oil instead.
How it compares to beef tallow
Mineral oil and beef tallow both seal moisture in, but tallow adds skin-like fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins, while mineral oil is a purely inert barrier. Tallow is the choice for people who want a natural, single-ingredient lipid.
How to apply it
Layer any occlusive, including mineral oil or tallow, as the last step over damp skin to lock in water.
Common questions
Is mineral oil comedogenic?
Cosmetic-grade mineral oil rates about 0 to 2 and is low on the comedogenic scale. Highly refined grades are inert and rarely clog pores.
Is mineral oil bad for skin?
Refined cosmetic mineral oil is considered safe and non-irritating, though it is inert and does not nourish skin the way fatty acid oils do.
Mineral oil or beef tallow?
Both seal in moisture. Tallow adds skin-like fatty acids and natural vitamins, while mineral oil is a purely inert barrier.
Want richness with a low comedogenic rating?
Beef tallow rates around 1 to 2 and mirrors skin sebum, which makes it an easy face swap if mineral oil feels too heavy or clogging. Misun Health uses a single grass-fed ingredient with no fragrance or fillers.
Compare related ingredients
- Beef Tallow (rates 2)
- Jojoba Oil (rates 2)
- Shea Butter (rates 2)
- Olive Oil (rates 2)
- Argan Oil (rates 0)
- Rosehip Oil (rates 1)
Educational content only. This page is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Comedogenic ratings are general guides that can vary by source and by individual skin. Patch test new products before regular use.