Our largest organ, our skin, the barrier protecting us from the world, eats. Now “eats” isn't exactly correct, but I want to emphasize that our skin absorbs what is put on it.
According to the American Journal of Public Health, our skin absorbs an average of 64% of total contaminants. I've read other reports that state absorption is closer to 70% of what is applied to our skin.
Therefore, any contaminants in our lotions/perfumes can enter our bodies and have systemic effects on our health.
We want to avoid toxic chemicals and additives in our skin care, just as we do with our food, given the majority of what is put on our skin is absorbed.
Following the nontoxic DIY body moisturizer recipe below, I share some of the harmful ingredients found in common body lotions, which are advisable to avoid.
What Makes a Good Moisturizer? Why DIY?
A good moisturizer is one that you can feel safe about having absorbed into your body as it contains no harmful natural ingredients, chemical additives or harsh preservatives.
I can’t remember the names all the toxic lotions I used to slather on my body thinking they were good for my skin, but I shudder at the thought. I certainly wasn't a picture of flawless, glowing skin in those days.
I’m glad my days of toxic skin care are behind me, and I want to help you put toxic skin care behind yourself as well.
The easiest way to ensure you have a healthy, nontoxic body moisturizer is to make it yourself.
That is why I am excited to share one of my favorite DIY body moisturizer recipes below. This all-natural moisturizer is easy to make, fragrant and feels so good on the body.
Also, it is completely nontoxic - composed only of food-grade carrier oils and pure essential oils.
There’s no water added, so no need for preservatives as you would find in most store-bought moisturizers.
Read on for the moisturizer recipe with links to buy the ingredients yourself. Following the recipe is a list of the benefits of all of the natural ingredients.
DIY Natural Body Moisturizer Recipe
The first recipe is directly from Rocky Mountain Oils’ website and one of the first moisturizers I made on my own. It smells great, is moisturizing and beneficial to the skin. I use it at night or in the morning after a shower.
Rocky Mountain Oils Night-Time Moisturizer Recipe
20 drops Skin Care Essential Oil Blend
10 drops Sandalwood Essential Oil *
½ cup Organic Olive Oil (Bragg's Cold-Pressed and Unrefined from Greece)
3 capsules Evening Primrose Oil (Barlean's unrefined & food-grade level)
*You could replace Sandalwood with Blend of Sandalwood Essential Oil (10% strength) if not ready to invest in pure Sandalwood EO.
Below is my version that I tweaked slightly as I love to add Geranium and Myrrh to my body lotions. It is just as beneficial and arguably more beneficial than the recipe above, and a more fragrant moisturizer. It’s a herbaceous and floral mix, definitely not overly sweet in fragrance, and certainly alluring.
Alternative: JTG Body Moisturizer Recipe
20 drops Skin Care Essential Oil Blend
5 drops Sandalwood Essential Oil (or Blend of Sandalwood)
5 drops Geranium Essential Oil
4 drops Myrrh Essential Oil
½ cup Organic Olive Oil
3 capsules Evening Primrose Oil
Directions for Recipes
Add all ingredients to a dark colored glass bottle. (I use a clean pin to poke holes in the Evening Primrose capsules and then squeeze them into the bottle.)
Shake well, and adding a label is advised so you remember the ingredients.
Wait 24 hours before using so the oils have a chance to synergize.
Apply to freshly cleansed skin and massage in gently (I like to rub in a circular motion).
Use before the use-by date on the Olive Oil.
Either option is a wonderful natural moisturizer that is easy to make and nontoxic.
If you are brand new to EOs and want to start slowly you could also try organic cold-pressed olive oil blended only with RMO’s Skin Care Essential Oil Blend.
Skin Care Benefits of DIY Moisturizer Ingredients
Although all of the ingredients are natural, I wanted to share more on the specific benefits of each ingredient, so you know why they were chosen.
Olive Oil
I first used olive oil as a body moisturizer on my engagement trip to Iceland in 2015. I had run out of moisturizer, and being prone to dry skin (a feeling I can’t stand), I asked our hotel receptionist if they might have some moisturizer for sale as we were quite far from any stores, and the stores within driving distance were already closed that evening (we were in rural south Iceland).
In a little while, the hotel receptionist came to my room to offer me a small jar of olive oil to use as a moisturizer. I was taken aback, “Put olive oil on my skin?” I thought in surprise.
What did this Icelandic maverick know that I didn’t?!
Turns out a lot!
After I applied the olive oil to my skin for the first time, I was surprised that it indeed worked great as a moisturizer. It absorbed quickly leaving my skin feeling soft and supple, no longer dry and tight. There was no offensive smell, and I was happy with the results of using it as a moisturizer.
Looking back now I feel fortunate to have had my eyes opened to natural moisturizers such as olive oil by forgetting to bring enough body lotion to Iceland.
As I've looked more into natural oils, I've discovered olive oil has an incredibly extensive history of use on the skin as a beneficial and natural antioxidant-rich moisturizer. It was used with herbs/plants to create “essential oils”/holy annointing oil in biblical times (referenced in the Bible). Olive oil was also commonly used by the Greeks, was revered as sacred, and used as a powerful anti-aging and cosmetic tool for women. The ancient Egyptians and Romans were also known for using olive oil for skin care. Additionally, the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians used olive oil as a soap (you can rub the oil on, let it sit for a few minutes, and then use warm water to wash it off given its natural cleansing properties).
I use Annmarie Skin Care products, and they have on their blog a comprehensive guide as to why to use olive oil in skin care that I recommend reading. It is called “The Benefits of Olive Leaves and Oil for the Skin, the Ancient Skin Care Secret of the Greeks”, and the highlights on the benefits of olive oil include:
Moisturizes: Olive oil contains linoleic acid, a fatty acid that helps it moisturize. Because of its unique ability to mix with water, the oil penetrates deeply to help your skin stay moisturized without clogging pores. This makes it a great hydrator for all types of skin, even sensitive and combination skin that may be prone to clogged pores. Olive oil is also wonderful for use after shaving and combines well in cleansers to help leave you feeling clean, soft, and nourished.
Protects: Olive leaves and olive oil have several different antioxidants, all of which help protect from environmental stressors. Olive oil also has vitamin A and E. Olive leaves contain several beneficial flavonoids, including quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol.
I’m now horrified that a perfectly natural moisturizer such as olive oil had never occurred to me, and had even put me off at first thought. This is due to the fact that I was so brainwashed into thinking skin moisturizers should be creamy, white and filled with ingredients I didn’t recognize. NO, Wrong!
I will sometimes use olive oil alone as a body moisturizer as I find it absorbs more quickly than another one of my favorite moisturizers, coconut oil.
Olive oil is a fantastic carrier oil for essential oils, so I'm happy to have it included in the DIY moisturizer recipes shared in this post.
Skin Care Essential Oil Blend
Per RMO “Skin Care Essential Oil Blend has a fresh, clean, floral aroma with an underlying slightly menthol-like aroma. The blend combines Cucumber, Lavender, Frankincense, Carrot Seed, Neroli, Roman Chamomile, and Rose essential oils. Skin Care Essential Oil Blend is part of the Rocky Mountain Oils Skin Care collection. Use Skin Care in your daily beauty regimen. Dilute with a carrier oil (non-essential oils that are plant-derived with a neutral smell such as olive oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, etc.) and use as a moisturizer to help soften and rejuvenate the appearance of skin. The blend works great to help tone mature skin and may help promote a youthful glow while reducing the appearance of minor imperfections.”
Cucumber Seed Essential Oil
Cucumber Seed Essential Oil has high levels of phytosterols, tocopherols and tocotrienol content (Vitamin E), as well as fatty acids, which studies have indicated, can help the skin restore proper moisture balance, smooth skin’s surface, improve skin elasticity, stimulate the regeneration of healthy skin cells, fight free-radical damage and revitalize mature skin. Cucumber seed oil also contains a significant percentage of oleic acid, ~14-20%, and omega 3 linoleic acid, ~60-68%, which have also shown effectiveness in treating dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, and acne. RMO notes “Offering rich hydration making it a great addition to hair and skin care products. The oil is especially good for dry, dehydrated skin, and may help soothe skin after excess sun exposure.”
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender Essential Oil is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to help restore skin complexion, reduce acne, improving eczema and psoriasis, as well as slowing the aging process. In addition, it is well known for reducing anxiety and emotional stress, so having those benefits is a bonus to its skin care uses. RMO notes “We included Lavender Hungary Essential Oil in the Rocky Mountain Oils Mood, Skin Care, and Sleep collections. The oil is extensively used in soaps, bath oils, perfumes, DIY skin care, and linen sprays. . . Use the oil prior to bedtime for a restful night’s sleep . . . When added to a carrier oil, Lavender Hungary works great as an after-sun skin moisturizer. Add to massage oil for a relaxing massage that calms overworked muscles.”
Frankincense (Boswellia Sacra) Essential Oil
Frankincense Essential Oil, otherwise know as the "king of oils", is a skin protector that can help minimize stretch marks, decrease the appearance of scars, provide anti-aging benefits such as helping to reduce or slow wrinkles. Studies have demonstrated that frankincense has immune-enhancing abilities, so it is healthy for your body to absorb. It has been shown to fight against unwanted germs from forming on the skin and in the mouth. RMO notes “Frankincense, Sacred Essential Oil is part of the Rocky Mountain Oils Skin Care and Wellness collections. This rare blend, when properly diluted with a carrier oil, may help improve the appearance of all skin types while toning and tightening skin. The oil also may help fade the appearance of scars.” Dr. Axe notes “Frankincense essential oil is a powerful astringent, meaning it helps protect skin cells. It can be used to help reduce acne blemishes, the appearance of large pores, prevent wrinkles, and it even helps lift and tighten skin to naturally slow signs of aging. . . Frankincense oil . . . may decrease the appearance of scars. It may also help reduce the appearance of dark spots caused by acne blemishes, stretch marks, eczema and help with healing of surgical wounds.”
Carrot Seed Essential Oil
Carrot Seed Essential Oil is another health-promoting anti-aging oil full of antioxidants as well as carotol, moisturizing vitamin E and protective vitamin C. It can rejuvenate and tone skin, help repair sun-damaged skin and reduce wrinkles. Carrot seed oil is appropriate for both dry and oily complexions, as it moisturizes without clogging pores. RMO notes “The sweet oil helps rejuvenate feelings of fatigue while releasing blocked energy. When diluted with your favorite carrier oil, Carrot Seed helps in your daily skin care regimen. The oil helps nourish skin while protecting it against environmental stress.”
Neroli Essential Oil
Neroli Essential Oil is known for its ability to regenerate skin cells, improve the elasticity of skin, and balance the skin so it’s appropriate for both dry and oily skin types (like Carrot Seed). It’s cellular regeneration properties make it a beneficial oil for fighting wrinkles, scars and stretch marks. Like Frankincense and Lavender, it also has calming abilities so can help treat stress-related skin conditions, and improve the endocrine system. Its antimicrobial properties make it a good oil to help treat bacterial skin conditions as well. RMO notes “The orange blossom scent is great for all skin types. It works as a natural deodorant and can be used on dehydrated or sensitive skin.” *RMO also offers Blend of Neroli for a more affordable version already mixed with a carrier oil.
(I also recommend Annmarie's Neroli Toning Mist as part of your facial care routine, which I use.)
Roman Chamomile (or Chamomile, Roman) Essential Oil
Roman Chamomile Essential Oil is a peaceful, soothing essential oil per RMO. StyleCraze writes on the benefits chamomile oil stating “Put an end to the painful conditions of acne with a dab of this oil. Your inflammation and redness vanish, plus you will be able to enjoy scar-free skin. Mix it with Evening Primrose oil for handling inflammation. It is also a sought-after natural antidote for eczema-like skin conditions.” It is good for treatment of inflammatory skin conditions, acne, eczema, and sunburn, and also has antibacterial properties. It has been shown to be skin regenerating, strengthening and toning. It is also a natural mood booster. Its antispasmodic properties help soothe menstrual cramps and body aches that are commonly associated with PMS (yes, please), so especially good to use this oil for your skin care as women during your menstrual cycle.
Rose Essential Oil
Rose Essential Oil is arguably the most prized essential oil (next to Frankincense), and my personal favorite (it smells divine!). RMO notes "The strong-smelling oil is also very concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Often called the “queen of essential oils,” Rose oil can be used as a natural perfume, and it’s thought to act as an aphrodisiac. The nurturing, mothering essential oil brings feelings of comfort. Diffuse the oil to uplift your spirits and reduce feelings of loneliness and grief. The blooming floral fragrance brings about feelings of love, care, and comfort while providing harmony and balance to the body and mind. Apply topically in daily skin care routines. Rose Essential Oil is good for dry, sensitive, or mature skin types." It is also antimicrobial and can fight acne. *RMO also sells a Blend of Rose Essential Oil so you can experience rose oil with a much lower price tag.
Sandalwood Essential Oil
Sandalwood Essential Oil has centuries long history of use in personal care. Sandalwood EO is an astringent that can be used to tighten and tone skin. It is also anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, cicatrisant, anti-viral and antimicrobial, and can be used to reduce skin inflammation such as pimples or irritation, help heal scars and wounds, and reduce cramps. It is also an anti-aging oil as its high in anti-oxidants so can help fight free-radical damage. RMO notes "Sandalwood Essential Oil’s woody aroma helps nourish skin, making it a great addition to aftershave or moisturizer. Also use the oil as an aphrodisiac," so it is has an inviting fragrance.
Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium Essential Oil is an oil I love adding to skin care blends because it's one of my favorite scents (and its a favorite EO in general). Geranium oil is much more than fragrance, however. Geranium oil can reduce skin inflammation, treat acne (it’s an astringent), improve circulation, tone and tighten the skin and reduce fine lines. It is another great oil for anti-aging. It is considered a yin strengthening essential oil in Chinese medicine, and would be used to help address fertility issues, menopause disorders, and skin health. It also has anti-bacterial properties and can be a natural deodorant or fragrance. RMO notes “The oil is gentle enough for daily skin care use. Apply topically to nourish and balance oily or dry complexions.”
Myrrh Essential Oil
Myrrh Essential Oil, a sacred and ancient oil, is also one of my favorite oils, though its smell is earthy, not sweet at all. Myrrh is famous for being one of the gifts the three wise men brought to the baby Jesus's birth in the Bible. It is also rumored that Cleopatra favored using myrhh essential oil as well as rose, frankincense, cypress, and neroli —all aphrodisiacs— as her preferred fragrant perfumes. It wasn't only used as fragrance then as Dr. Axe notes "Ancient Egyptians used [myrrh] to prevent aging and maintain healthy skin." Myrrh is a potent antioxidant, which means it's a good anti-agin oil. A 2010 study in the journal of Food and Chemical Toxicology found myrrh could protect against liver damage given its high antioxidant capacity. It also has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, so can fight acne. In general it is good for treating skin in need of moisture, and can have a relaxing effect. RMO notes "Myrrh oil may provide a slight cooling effect on the skin, and it’s also great to help preserve that youthful glow, when applied topically."
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening Primrose Oil can be taken internally as a supplement for its incredible Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) content. As it relates to skin benefits, Dr. Axe states, "Evening primrose oil has proved to be a valuable treatment choice for people suffering from skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Studies published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science have even shown that evening primrose oil can help with age-related structural and functional changes in skin tissues, such as redness, firmness, roughness and fatigue resistance. "
Why Are Typical Body Moisturizers Toxic?
There are a number of harmful chemicals found in conventional personal care products. As a brief warning, a typical body lotion/moisturizer may contain these harmful ingredients, though these are only some of the ingredients to avoid in skin care:
Phthalates
These chemicals are “plasticizers” which increase the flexibility and softness of plastic. The most common phthalate in skin care is diethyl phthalate. They are linked to health issues such as an increase in the likelihood of diabetes, endocrine disruption, liver/kidney/lung damage, increased BMI/obesity risk, breast cancer, testosterone blocker, and reproductive birth defects in males and females. Phthalates may not even be disclosed as an ingredient in personal care products as they can be added to fragrances, which are considered “secret formulas”.
Parabens (Propyl, Butyl, Isopropyl, Isobutylparabens, Phenoxyethanol, Butylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Ethylparaben, etc.)
These are a class of chemical preservatives. They are linked to health issues such as cancer, endocrine disruption, hormone imbalance (mimic estrogen), reproductive toxicity, infertility and decreased sperm count. As Hello Glow points out “According to the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Products, longer chain parabens like propyl and butyl paraben and their branched counterparts, isopropyl and isobutylparabens, may disrupt the endocrine system and cause reproductive and developmental disorders. Look for ingredients with the suffix “-paraben” as well—paraben-free products will be labeled as such.” A newer version, called “phenoxyethanol” or “ethylene glycol monophenyl ether” is being touted as a safer alternative. However, there are several studies that show this preservative is toxic to the body in moderate concentrations with such effects as: reproductive and developmental complications, contact dermatitis (skin irritation), damage to the brain and nervous system. Phenoxyethanol is banned in Japan in all cosmetics and limited in most countries to 1% concentration - though not in the US.
Butylated Compounds - BHA and BHT
BHA (Hydroxyanisole) is a preservative and stabilizer that is often used in body lotions. It’s an endocrine disruptor per the European Commission and “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” per the U.S. National Toxicology Program.
BHT is a toluene-base ingredient that is used as a preservative as well. Per SafeCosmetics.org, “The Environment Canada Domestic Substance List has classified BHT as expected to be toxic or harmful. . .A safety assessment of BHT reported that BHT applied to the skin of rats was associated with toxic effects in lung tissue, but judged that the low concentrations used in cosmetics were safe . . .The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has determined that there is moderate evidence that BHT is a human respiratory irritant.”
Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives
Per the Global Healing Center, “Another known cancer-causing agent, formaldehyde also harms the brain, interferes with growth and development in children, and induces asthma. These preservatives slowly release formaldehyde to keep the skin care product from spoiling. These often trigger allergic reactions on the skin. If you’ve ever experienced a contact allergy after using a skin lotion, it probably had one of these ingredients: DMDM Hydantoin (very common), diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine, and quaternium-15.”
Per Rodale’s Organic Life magazine on DMDM Hydantoin, “this mysterious-sounding ingredient is a type of formaldehyde-releasing preservative used in a host of personal care items, including body lotion. (Formaldehyde releasers are used in 20 percent of all cosmetics and personal care products, according to the Environmental Working Group). It’s an irritant for eyes and skin, and while there’s no evidence that DMDM hydantoin itself is a carcinogen, formaldehyde definitely is. And if there’s an impurity in the DMDM Hydantoin used in your moisturizer, there’s a chance that formaldehyde is present.” DMDM Hydantoin is another petrochemical that is also used as antifreeze in cars.
PEG Compounds - Propylene Glycol
These are petroleum-based compounds widely used in personal care products. Per a Huffington Post article, “Propylene glycol is a small organic alcohol commonly used as a skin-conditioning agent. It’s classified as a skin irritant and penetrator. It has been associated with causing dermatitis as well as hives in humans — these sensitization effects can be manifested at propylene glycol concentrations as low as 2 percent.” Per Dr. Axe’s post on the dangers of propylene glyco,l it may be potentially toxic to the kidneys/liver, likely unsafe for pregnant women/infants, linked to neurological symptoms, cardiovascular problems, respiratory issues, and more. The David Suzuki Foundation points out “PEGs may be contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies ethylene oxide as a known human carcinogen and 1,4-dioxane as a possible human carcinogen. Ethylene oxide can also harm the nervous system ii and the California Environmental Protection Agency has classified it as a developmental toxicant based on evidence that it may interfere with human development.. . . In a study of personal care products marketed as "natural" or "organic" (uncertified), U.S. researchers found 1,4-dioxane as a contaminant in 46 of 100 products analyzed. While carcinogenic contaminants are the primary concern, PEG compounds themselves show some evidence of genotoxicity and if used on broken skin can cause irritation and systemic toxicit . . . Also, PEG functions as a "penetration enhancer," increasing the permeability of the skin to allow greater absorption of the product — including harmful ingredients.” This petroleum by-product is also used as an industrial anti-freeze to de-ice airplanes.
Siloxanes (Cyclomethicone and ingredients ending in "siloxane")
These are silicone based compounds, similar to other ingredients labeled as “methicones.” They are used as ingredients to soften and smooth skin. However, they can disrupt hormones and interfere with fertility and libido. According to the David Suzuki Foundation, “Environment Canada assessments concluded that cyclotetrasiloxane and cylcopentasiloxane — also known as D4 and D5 — are toxic, persistent, and have the potential to bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms. Also, the European Union classifies D4 as an endocrine disruptor, based on evidence that it interferes with human hormone function, and a possible reproductive toxicant that may impair human fertility. In laboratory experiments, exposure to high doses of D5 has been shown to cause uterine tumours and harm to the reproductive and immune systems. D5 can also influence neurotransmitters in the nervous system.
Structurally similar to D4 and D5, cyclohexasiloxane (or D6) is also persistent and has the potential to bioaccumulate. Environment Canada's assessment of D6 concluded that this third siloxane is not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration that endangers human health or the environment, but noted significant data gaps concerning its toxicity. Cyclomethicone is a mixture of D4, D5, and D6 siloxanes.”
Alcohols
There are many alcohols used in skin care products such as Isopropyl alcohol, SD alcohol, Cetyl alcohol, Cetearyl alcohol, Ethanol, Denatured alcohol, Ethyl alcohol, Methanol, Benzyl alcohol, and plain alcohol. Alcohols are not healthy for our skin and associated with: drying and irritating skin (potentially increasing wrinkles, oh no!), disrupting the skin barrier and leaving skin more vulnerable to bacteria, viruses, irritants, allergens, damaging skin, and worsening acne.
Synthetic Fragrances
According to Hello Glow’s “12 INGREDIENTS TO AVOID IN MAKEUP + SKINCARE PRODUCTS” “Federal law doesn’t require companies to list on product labels any of the chemicals in their fragrance mixture. . . Fragrances can contain hormone disruptors and are among the top 5 allergens in the world. Our advice? Buy fragrance-free wherever possible.” Per a Huffington Post article, “According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep Database, fragrance mixes have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system. It can be found in many products such as perfume, cologne, conditioner, shampoo, body wash, and moisturizers.” Per Treehugger “Fragrance/Parfum can also be a catchall for hidden chemicals, such as phthalates. Fragrance is connected to headaches, dizziness, asthma, and allergies.”
Dyes (Synthetic Colors)
According to the Huffington Post’s,“10 Toxic Beauty Ingredients to Avoid” article, “If you take a look at your product label and notice FD&C or D&C, they represent artificial colors. F — representing food and D&C representing drug and cosmetics. These letters precede a color and number (e.g., D&C Red 27 or FD&C blue 1). These synthetic colors are derived from petroleum or coal tar sources. Synthetic colors are suspected to be a human carcinogen, a skin irritant and are linked to ADHD in children. The European Classification and Labeling consider it a human carcinogen and the European Union has banned it.”
Treithanolamine (TEA / DEA / MEA)
According to Annmarie’s “10 Ingredients You Definitely Don’t Want in Your Skincare” article, “TEA is a fragrance ingredient, pH adjuster, surfactant, and emulsifier. It’s found in soaps, hair care, lotions, makeup, perfumes, and sunscreens. The health concerns include cancer, organ system toxicity, allergic reactions, and bioaccumulation in the skin. Animal studies also show that even at low doses applied topically, it was linked with cell mutation. Look for it under other names like DEA and MEA on the labels, too.”
Mineral oil
The name is so innocuous, sounds even healthy - minerals are good for us, oil sounds moisturizing - right? This is actually not a healthy oil, in fact, it’s made from petroleum. Mineral oil is a by-product of the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline. It’s used widely in lotions, creams, ointments, etc. It used to reduce water loss from the skin as it has been show to create a film on the skin, and that film inhibits the body’s ability to release toxins. Less refined mineral oils have also been shown to be carcinogenic, though highly refined mineral oils (cosmetic grade) are not classified as human carcinogens. However, there is still concern over this cosmetic grade ingredient from the scientific community. A 2011 study in the Journal of Women’s Health proposed it is a cause of body contamination stating “There is strong evidence that mineral oil hydrocarbons are the greatest contaminant of the human body. . . Possible routes of contamination include air inhalation, food intake, and dermal [skin] absorption.” A 2008 study, “Mineral Oil Contamination In Humans: A Health Problem?”, states “From a quantitative standpoint, mineral oil is probably the largest contaminant of our body. That this contaminant can be tolerated without health concerns in humans has not been proven convincingly. An editorial in the European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology reflects on this and concludes that this proof either has to be provided or we have to take measures to reduce our exposure from all sources, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and the environmental contamination.” Most importantly, it offers no health benefits/nutrients to our skin, it just sits on top of the skin creating a film. Better to avoid it altogether.
Final Word: Take Control of Your Skin Care
On my journey to having good glowing skin, I’m so happy to have found that I can make my own moisturizers that feel and work better than any store-bought body lotion I’ve ever used.
It feels fantastic knowing exactly what I’m putting on my skin, and only applying natural, healthy oils.
I encourage you to give your own DIY body moisturizer a try! I know you won’t be disappointed with the results.
What is your favorite DIY body moisturizer? If you try either of these recipes, please let me know what you think in the comments below.
*As a Rocky Mountain Oils & Amazon affiliate we will receive a very small commission on purchases through the links included in this post, but the price you pay remains unchanged.