Mineral Oil

Mineral Oil in Medications

Mineral Oil: A Common Pharmaceutical Ingredient
Mineral Oil is used in medications as a lubricant, emollient, or vehicle.
It does not treat medical conditions in excipient amounts, but it plays an important role in formulation processing and product texture.

What Is Mineral Oil?

Mineral Oil (also called liquid paraffin or white mineral oil) is a highly refined petroleum-derived hydrocarbon. In pharmaceuticals, it is purified to meet USP standards.
It may appear under several ingredient names on medication labels.

Why Is Mineral Oil Used in Medications?

Mineral Oil is used because it:

  • Acts as a lubricant during tablet/capsule manufacturing
  • Provides emollient properties in topicals
  • Serves as a vehicle in some ointments or suspensions
  • Improves coating or release properties

These properties make it useful in both prescription and over-the-counter products.

Ingredient Names to Look For

Mineral Oil may be listed as:

  • Mineral oil
  • Light mineral oil
  • White mineral oil
  • Liquid paraffin

Where Does Mineral Oil Appear?

It is commonly found in:

  • Tablets (as processing aid)
  • Capsules
  • Ointments and creams
  • Topical preparations
  • Some oral laxative products (higher amounts)

How to Check a Medication’s Ingredient List

Ingredient lists can vary by manufacturer and dosage form.
Use PillParser to scan a medication and view its ingredient list.





Adding the manufacturer filters generics (fillers/dyes often differ).

To keep PillParser free, anonymous scans are limited.


Understanding ingredient differences is especially important for individuals with known sensitivities. RxAllergyScan.com allows users to compare medication ingredients against their personal allergen profile.

Educational Note

This page provides educational information only and does not make medical claims.