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Mineral Oil Cleared of Pimple Rap

Common Skin Care Ingredient Doesn't Cause Breakouts

WebMD Health News

May 27, 2005 -- Mineral oil may have undeservedly gotten a bad reputation for causing pimples, a new study shows.

Researchers say the type of mineral oil used in skin care products does not cause pimples, as previously thought.

Based on these findings, they say mineral oil should be taken off the list of comedogenic substances. The list of comedogenic substances was created years ago to describe substances that cause comedomes, commonly known as blackheads and whiteheads.

Noncomedogenic skin care products are free of these pimple-causing substances and are frequently recommended for people with acne problems.

Mineral Oil Won't Cause Pimples

In the study, researchers evaluated the comedogenic potential of a variety of skin care products, comedogenic potential of a variety of skin care products, such as facial cleansers, lotions, and makeup, containing mineral oil in concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 30%.

The results appear in a recent issue of the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

Tests on human skin showed that none of the products produced a comedogenic or pimple-causing response greater than that found with a control substance.

However, industrial-strength mineral oil did produce a comedogenic response. Taking Good Care of Your Skin? Start on the Inside! Taking Good Care of Your Skin? Start on the Inside!

Researchers say marketing claims may have already convinced many people that mineral oil causes pimples. But this study shows that people concerned about pimples shouldn't be concerned about seeing mineral oil in the ingredient list. Instead, they should look for products that are labeled "noncomedogenic."

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