Some parents may be concerned about the safety of using mineral oil for babies. Mineral oil, base oil, or lubricant base oil is a colorless and odorless substance obtained as a distillation product of crude petroleum oil. It comes in varying qualities and grades depending on the refining process.
Cosmetic-grade mineral oil is used to prepare cosmetic products for adults and babies. In fact, most commercial baby oils are mineral oils with added fragrance. Parents have been using mineral oil-containing baby products for ages now. However, it comes under frequent scrutiny, raising concerns about its safety for babies.
This post aims to answer your queries about the safety of mineral oil, its uses and side effects, and precautions to take when using it on babies.
Is Mineral Oil Safe For Babies?
When used appropriately, mineral oil’s topical application is likely safe for newborns and older babies. Research shows that mineral oil works as a stable emollientiXA liquid or cream that helps soften the skin and reduce pain. that promotes the skin’s barrier and moisturizes it by reducing trans-epidermal water lossiXThe water that evaporates from the inner layers of the skin to the environment (TEWL) (1) (2). However, its improper use or overuse could lead to adverse effects, such as skin irritation and rashes.
Consult a pediatrician before using mineral oil as they can guide you about its appropriate use for babies. Oral use of mineral oil for children is not advisable (3).
How Is Mineral Oil Used For Babies?
Topical application of mineral oil on the babies’ body and hair is common. Several parents and caregivers use mineral oil to massage babies before bath for skin care. Experts recommend applying mineral oil on the baby’s body after bath to retain moisture and treat/manage skin conditions, such as eczemaiXA skin condition that causes dryness, itchiness, and inflammation of the skin. (4) (5). Applying mineral oil an hour before shampooing could help alleviate cradle capiXA common, harmless skin condition that causes rough or irregular patches on the baby’s scalp by loosening the dry scales (6).
However, not all these uses are always effective and recommended. For instance, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that mineral oil use is “not very helpful or unnecessary” to treat or manage cradle cap (7). Similarly, some home remedies in alternative medicine use mineral oil to manage infantile colic. However, scientific evidence supporting this use is sparse. Thus, it is advisable to first discuss your intent of mineral oil use with a pediatrician.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Using Mineral Oil For Babies?
The topical use of mineral oil may cause the following side effects in babies.
- Allergic reaction: In rare instances, the use of mineral oil as a moisturizer could cause allergic reactions in sensitive babies. Red, itchy rashes and swelling are some common signs of an allergic reaction.
- Acne: Cosmetic-grade mineral oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog the pores (8). But, some individuals have reported breakouts and acne after using mineral oil on their skin. Babies with sensitive skin may display this side effect, as well.
Unless the baby has sensitive skin, the topical use of mineral oil under pediatric guidance is generally safe. Yet, you can follow some precautions for extra safety.
Precautions To Take While Using Mineral Oil For Babies
Observing the following precautionary measures can let you use mineral oil safely on your baby’s skin.
- Buy pure mineral oil from a reputable and trustworthy manufacturer and seller or pharmacy.
- Use the product as directed. Consult your doctor if you are unsure about the appropriate use of mineral oil for baby skincare.
- Check the label carefully to determine if the product contains additives.
- Avoid overusing mineral oil and apply it only as many times as told by the doctor.
- Do not apply mineral oil around the eyes, nose, and mouth. Mineral oil inhalation may cause respiratory issues, and accidental ingestion could have adverse effects, such as abdominal cramps and nausea.
- Unless directed by a doctor, prefer applying mineral oil before the baby’s bath. It will let you wash away the oil from the baby’s body and scalp. Letting mineral oil sit on the skin for too long may worsen some skin conditions, such as cradle cap. If the baby has eczema or very dry skin, you may apply mineral oil post-bath after seeking a doctor’s approval.
Key Pointers
- If used in appropriate amounts, topical application of mineral oil is not harmful in babies, and it acts as an emollient and protects their skin. Intake of mineral oil is not recommended for babies.
- Mineral oils are often used for a baby massage before bathing and treat certain skin conditions such as eczema.
- Mineral oils can cause adverse effects, such as allergic reactions or acne, in some babies, so you must use them cautiously as per the doctor’s recommendations.
