Paraffinum liquidum; liquid paraffin.
Stable emollient and occlusive support.
Cleansing oils, creams, body lotions, baby products, makeup removers.
purity context, occlusive need, residue preference, and product category.
What it usually tells you
Mineral Oil can be a useful label signal, but it does not summarize the whole product. Start by identifying the product category and whether the formula is rinse-off, leave-on, sunscreen, makeup, scalp, eye-area, or family-use oriented.
How to read it on an ingredient list
Look at where the name appears, what sits around it, and whether the brand makes a specific claim. Early-list placement often points to a base or texture role. Later-list placement can still matter for preservation, fragrance, color, pH, or a targeted active.
Product patterns
| Where you see it | What to ask | Next check |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanser or wash-off product | Is it part of cleansing, texture, or comfort? | Contact time and after-wash feel. |
| Moisturizer or serum | Is it supporting hydration, texture, active positioning, or barrier feel? | Humectants, emollients, film formers, and fragrance. |
| Sunscreen or makeup | Does product category change the role? | Regulatory label, pigments, film formers, and wear context. |
Common reading mistakes
- Reading one name as a full product reviewIngredient lists are partial evidence, not performance testing.
- Ignoring product typeThe same ingredient can mean different things in a cleanser, balm, serum, or sunscreen.
- Turning personal preference into universal adviceYour own sensitivity, acne pattern, fragrance preference, or family context should be recorded as a personal rule.
Limits
The label usually does not show exact percentage, raw material quality, processing, stability, preservative testing, or your personal tolerance. Use the ingredient name as a starting point for better questions, not as a verdict.
After reading the method, open the iOS app to review product records, ingredient tables, source notes, and personal preference profiles.