Cosmetic Oils in comparison: penetration and occlusion of paraffin oil and vegetable oils

Introduction The skin represents an effective barrier to the environment, which can be treated and supported by the topical application of skin care products, such as oils or oil-based formulations. Skin care products with a high lipid content are recommended for the care of dry skin and inflammatory skin conditions. Pure oils (emollients) as well as oils integrated in diverse formulations are frequently applied for skin care being known for their capacity to moisturize the skin by supporting the native lipids of the stratum corneum and to provide a better barrier function. Therefore, a deep penetration through the skin barrier is not compulsory necessary. Nevertheless, there are since decades reports in the non-scientific literature about pure vegetable oils penetrating more deeply into the skin than paraffin oil (mineral oil) while others claim that paraffin oil is occlusive, clogs the pores and prevents the skin to breathe. However, searching through the scientific literature it is difficult to find arguments for both statements. Since vegetable as paraffin oils are often used e.g.in infant and child care products for cleansing as for caring purposes, the scientific answer to the question about the effect of different oils on the skin barrier is for formulators, users as for referrers of daily skin care products like midwives, nurses, paediatricians and dermatologists important.