Oh wow, TIL. More info here: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-mineral-oil-bad-for-your-skin#cancer-risk https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/i

Oh wow, TIL. More info here: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-mineral-oil-bad-for-your-skin#cancer-risk https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-mineral-oil-bad... Relevant excerpt: > When highly refined, mineral oils do not cause any adverse effects. However, if the petroleum is not highly refined, it may include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogenic. This means it may increase the risk of cancer. > A 2019 article notes that in Europe, companies are only allowed to use mineral oils in cosmetics if they comply with specific purity regulations regarding PAHs. These regulations and safety requirements ensure that the mineral oils go through the refining process to remove any substances that may cause cancer and reduce the presence of PAHs. > However, according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, the mineral oils used in the United States are not as refined as they are in Europe. > As a result, people should avoid buying products that contain mineral oil unless the label states that it is fully refined as white petrolatum or white mineral oil. White mineral oil is highly purified and meets specifications to ensure that it is safe to use in over-the-counter products.