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Paraffinum Liquidum

What Paraffinum Liquidum is & what it does

Mineral oil, a stable, inert emollient that softens skin and forms a light occlusive layer to reduce water loss. It is well tolerated and non-comedogenic in cosmetic grades.

What is Paraffinum Liquidum and what does it do in sunscreen?

Paraffinum Liquidum is the INCI name for mineral oil, a clear, stable, inert oil refined from petroleum. In sunscreen it softens the skin and forms a light occlusive layer that slows water loss, which helps the skin stay hydrated. It also carries oil-soluble UV filters and gives the product a smooth, cushiony glide. Cosmetic-grade mineral oil is highly purified and very well tolerated.

Is Paraffinum Liquidum safe?

Yes. The cosmetic grade of mineral oil is one of the most studied and best tolerated emollients available, with a very long history of safe use on skin. It is chemically inert, so it does not react with the skin or oxidize, which makes it a reliable choice for sensitive and easily irritated skin. The grade used in cosmetics is highly refined and held to strict purity standards.

Does Paraffinum Liquidum clog pores?

Generally no. Despite its old reputation, cosmetic-grade mineral oil is considered non-comedogenic in the purity used in skincare, and our data does not flag it as comedogenic. It sits on the skin as a film rather than penetrating into pores. People who break out from rich creams are usually reacting to other heavy ingredients, not to purified mineral oil.

Is Paraffinum Liquidum the same as mineral oil?

Yes. Paraffinum Liquidum is simply the INCI (Latin) name for mineral oil, sometimes also listed as Liquid Paraffin or Mineral Oil on labels in other regions. It is the same ingredient under different naming conventions. The word paraffinum here refers to the refined petroleum oil, not to solid paraffin wax.

Is Paraffinum Liquidum natural or synthetic?

It is mineral-derived rather than plant-based or fully synthetic. Mineral oil is refined from petroleum, a naturally occurring raw material, then purified to cosmetic grade. It does not come from plants, so it would not be considered a botanical or natural-marketing ingredient, but it is highly stable and well tolerated.

Sunscreens with Paraffinum Liquidum

We rate 252 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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