(Source: TheBeautyOnline)

This month’s non-ingredient is mineral oil. It’s used in many creams, lotions, and other moisturizing products, in addition to cleansers, hair products, and cosmetics. Oddly enough, it's used in products that are meant to hydrate your skin, but mineral oil cannot be absorbed by the skin. Not only does this result in clogged pores, but your skin is not receiving the hydration and care that it requires on a daily basis.

Mineral oil has been identified as a comedogenic substance. This means that it can cause acne, or make existing acne worse. This non-ingredient creates a barrier over your skin, which prevents healthy nutrients from getting through to nourish and revitalize your skin. Not only does mineral oil keep out beneficial nutrients, but it also locks in toxins that your skin is trying to expel.

Mineral oil is the by-product created during the process that turns petroleum into gasoline. Hence, companies use it because it’s inexpensive and widely available. It’s frightening to think that the creams we use everyday contain a substance that’s produced at the same time (and from the same origin) as gasoline. Additionally, the World Health Organization has deemed Mineral Oil a suspected carcinogen (a cancer causing agent) to humans. It’s best to stay away from these products in order to keep ourselves healthy. Make sure you check the labels on personal care products before you use them!

For more non-ingredients, check out:

• May’s Non-Ingredient of the Month
• April's Non-Ingredients of the Month
• March's Non-Ingredients of the Month
• February's Non-Ingredients of the Month