Mineral oil is a colorless and odorless oil sourced from petroleum. It's a popular ingredient in skincare products because of its excellent skin-conditioning properties. Mineral oil forms a protective barrier on skin's surface that helps to prevent moisture loss, soothe dry or irritated skin and improve skin's overall hydration. It's commonly found in products like lotions, creams, baby oils and makeup removers, where it can improve product texture and performance. Concerns around the potential health risks of mineral oil primarily involve possible contamination with harmful substances, but these risks are generally considered low in highly refined cosmetic-grade mineral oils. Concerns also include its limited biodegradability and potential harm to the environment when disposed of improperly, since it’s sourced from non-renewable fossil fuels.