mineral oil

American  

noun

1. a colorless, oily, almost tasteless, water-insoluble liquid, usually of either a standard light density light mineral oil or a standard heavy density heavy mineral oil, consisting of mixtures of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum by distillation: used chiefly as a lubricant, in the manufacture of cosmetics, and in medicine as a laxative.

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mineral oil British  

noun

1. any oil of mineral origin, esp petroleum

2. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): liquid paraffin.  a colourless almost tasteless oily liquid obtained by petroleum distillation and used as a laxative

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mineral oil Scientific  

1. A colorless, odorless, tasteless oil distilled from petroleum. It is used as a lubricant and, in medicine, as a laxative.

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Etymology

Origin of mineral oil

First recorded in 1795–1805

Compare meaning

How does mineral-oil compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• mineral oil vs. mineral spirits

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

mineral oil

Common petroleum-based components include mineral oil, a clear oil that helps smooth the product on skin, and synthetic waxes that help improve products’ texture.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 21, 2026

"The baddies that you want to look out for… is your mineral oil, your sodium lauryl sulfate, parfum, benzel peroxide" being high up on the ingredients list, Miss Truman says.

From BBC ● Dec. 13, 2025

The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends lip balms that contain ceramides, hemp seed oil, dimethicone, mineral oil and shea butter.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 5, 2024

In an interview, Budoff said he would not have used mineral oil as a placebo had he known then about its possible adverse effects.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 7, 2023

Before bed, Mom had given me a couple spoonfuls of mineral oil.

From "Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key" by Jack Gantos