Vegetable and mineral oils contain valuable lipids and provide supple skin. But there are big differences.

Comforting scent, soft skin, a feeling of warmth: Who is using high quality oil for body care, feels pampered. The fats in it support the natural hydro-lipid mantle of the skin and form a protective film on its surface.

But oil is not the same oil. It makes a big difference whether the cream or lotion was added to a vegetable or a mineral oil – paraffin.

Vegetable oils: Of course, but not so durable

They have a similar structure to the skin fats, explains Julitta Winkin, a pharmacist. This makes them very well absorbed by the skin and strengthen its natural barrier.

Vegetable oils deliver lipids and nutrients, protect the skin from moisture loss and support the regeneration of damaged skin. This is also very close to their effective accompanying substances such as vitamins, antioxidants and phytosterols, the structure of cholesterol.

The oils show different advantages depending on the variety. Cosmetics with olive oil for example, contain a lot of vitamin E. Olive oil protects the skin from free radicals, strengthens the connective tissue and increases skin moisture, explains pharmacist Winkin. One drawback: creams with herbal oils are more susceptible to environmental factors such as sun or oxygen and therefore not as long lasting. Hypersensitivity to any component they should not be applied, but that goes for any means.

Mineral oils: Artificially produced and very well tolerated

Even cosmetic products with mineral oils make the skin wonderfully supple. What many consumers do not know: paraffins are a mixture of saturated hydrocarbons – and a product of the petroleum industry.

But they have some obvious advantages. Mineral oils are very stable, less susceptible to microbial contamination and therefore long-lasting, says Winkin. Especially dermatologists appreciate paraffin oils, because they are very well tolerated.

Allergic reactions to paraffins are rare  says Dr. Carolyn. Especially patients with allergies tolerate paraffinic products often good. Another advantage of the mineral oils: they form an oily film on the skin that protects against drying and absorbs more moisture in the top layers of skin.

Especially in diseased skin, the ability to hold moisture – for example at a neurodermatitis – we use this effect, says Kiel dermatologist Dr. Antje Boetius-Thomsen. How much of this so-called occlusion effect is depends on how much paraffin contains the cream. In-the-counter cosmetics, the dose is so low that the skin continues to breathe. The oil then acts purely nourishing.

Vegetable and Caring

Almond oil contains many fatty acids, proteins and vitamins. Cares for sensitive skin, absorbs well and has a pleasant smell. Works well for chapped hands.

Avocado oil has a very high content of vitamin A. Essential fatty acids and phytosterols activate the regeneration process of the skin. Good for problem skin.

Sea buckthorn oil contains a lot of vitamin E, carotene, essential fatty acids and phytosterols. It is particularly suitable for skin irritation.

Rose oil An essential oil, which not only smells good but also effectively maintains. Rose oil has anti-inflammatory and soothes irritated skin. It increases the elasticity of the skin. Very popular in the pregnancy and baby care.

Caution: Essential oils can be strongly diluted in a suitable base oil use. Where an essential oil for babies and small children in the vicinity of the mouth and nose can get the little shortness of breath. Even with asthma breathing problems are possible. Seek advice from a pharmacist or your midwife.