Mineral Oils. Good or bad?

I love the Clarins Double Serum. I think it depends on the product. I think it can be easy to get caught up in everyone 'should' or 'shouldn't' or magic ingredients or demonise other ingredients. I judge each product on whether it works for me or not. Just my POV, everyone differs.

I was under the impression it was basically a cheap filler. That being said I don't avoid it completely, but I would think twice on a product where it was high on the ingredients list.

It's a debatable topic. Being the waste product of mining makes it sounds gross. But surely it's been "purified" by the time it's used? There has to be regulations to ensure it is up to standards in terms of being used as a safe cosmetic/skin care ingredient? Some examples of mineral oils - vaseline is a popular product and people LOVE it. Pariffinum liquidum also features highly in Shu Uemura's cult cleansing oils and I love those oils. So I'm with pink hornet. If it works for me I keep using it. It would be interesting if somebody from the industry came to enlighten us.

Hi Rose. I'm a mineral oil nut! Really, I love it. I can't give an expert opinion on whether or not it's a carcinogen, but when it comes to my skin it's one of the only ingredients in skincare that doesn't cause me breakouts. I think it's really healing and plumping to the skin and would choose it above any silicone ingredient or plant oil. Everyone is different though and I'm sure a lot of people have the opposite reaction.

I'm a pharmacist, so perhaps I can give you a professional opinion. Mineral oils are found in many skincare products sold in pharmacy, some of them are specially formulated for eczema (e.g. QV, DERMEZE). Mineral oils are used because it helps to lock moisture in the skin and are effective. Some people who have eczema can react to mineral oils. Unless your skin reacts to mineral oils, there is no recommendation to avoid its use. It's a good idea to have a look at the other ingredients in the Clarins Double Serum before making a decision to buy it or not, as certain ingredients e.g. isopropyl myristate can irritate skin rather than mineral oils.

I was researching about mineral oils in skin care products. There seems to be a lot of conflicting advice. Some say it's a definite no-no, and should be avoided. But others say that pharmaceutical grade mineral oil is quite safe and very effective. What's your opinion? I was looking at buying Clarins Double Serum, but it contains mineral oil and now I'm not sure.

Rose, I think it depends on the reliability of the brand, so you know it's OK - or at least have a better than good chance they do things properly on a constant basis. Clarins ticks those boxes BUT I can't use the Clarins Double Serum in the day time - I can only use it as a night serum because it is much too moisturising and greasy for me - now my skin should be classed as "aging" being over 75 and I have taken care of my skin but it is in no way a younger skin. The Clarins rep at DJ's thought it would be perfect for me but I couldn't possibly use it as my only serum. I even need to put it on at least 30 minutes before bed as it takes that long to sink in, with me. Obviously I'm in the minority but I just thought I'd let you know my experience.

Hope you're having better health times at present.

so much people have their own opinion so i guess its best to research and go with the knowledge you gathered. if you decide to give it a go you can then give your own perspective on it. good luck!

Peoples' skin are different, what works for other might not work for you so I think as long as it doesn't give any bad reaction to your skin then go and use it.

The set you purchased looks lovely Rose. I hope you enjoy it!