A recent article in the Hong Kong newspaper South China Morning claims that lip glosses are dangerous. This is another “scare” title with no scientific background;

Indeed, petroleum distillates are regulated under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive as well as regulations in many other countries around the World. Mineral oils are linear alkanes obtained by distillation of petrol. Based on the regulations’ requirements, only “cosmetic and pharmaceutical grade” can be used and suppliers have to submit an attestation that “the full refining history is known”;

Linear alkanes (liquid paraffin) are used in toxicology as negative controls showing their safety! The chain length will determine the viscosity: short chains with low viscosity are called “mineral oils”, while long chains with high viscosity are liquid paraffin or solid paraffin for the longer ones;

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Board (CIR) reviewed the safety in 1985 and reviewed it again in 2005. The CIR report was published (JACT 3(3):43-99, 1984 confirmed 06/03 IJT 24(S1):67-74, 2005) and shows that it can be used up to 99% in skin care products;

Companies will only use the cosmetic and pharmaceutical grade meaning that the level of impurities is well controlled, and the ingredient is safe.

Alain Khaiat PhD
ACA Advisor, Scientific Affairs & Safety & Toxicology
CTFAS President
19 March 2020