Why Holiko Doesn’t Use Mineral Oils

When testing our Colostrum Hydrofluid, many people with sensitive or dry skin tell us the same thing: they’re used to using products that contain mineral oil — ingredients like Paraffinum Liquidum, Petrolatum, or Cera Microcristallina.

These ingredients are common in barrier care products — but they come with some important trade-offs.

What Mineral Oils Do in Cosmetics

Mineral oils are often used in skincare because they’re inert (non-reactive) and form a smooth, occlusive layer over the skin. This layer:

• Reduces moisture loss

• Softens dry patches

• Makes fine lines look temporarily smoother

• Gives the feeling of comfort and protection

So far, so good — especially if your skin is very dry or inflamed.

But here’s the problem: mineral oils don’t actually feed or support the skin. They act like a temporary blanket, masking dryness rather than addressing its root causes.

The Downside of Mineral Oils

While they feel soothing in the short term, mineral oils:

• Prevent external signals (like humidity and temperature changes) from reaching the skin — this can slow down natural regulation

• Inhibit the production of your skin’s own lipids and moisture-binding factors

• Don’t offer physiological building blocks for the skin to absorb or use

• Can cause a cycle where skin feels dry underneath the film, but appears smooth on the surface

In other words, the skin becomes passive — dependent on the product — rather than supported to strengthen itself.

Why We Choose Natural Oils Instead

At Holiko, we take a different approach. We don’t use mineral oils in our products. Instead, we formulate with plant-based oils and active ingredients that nourish, support, and strengthen the skin — especially when it’s fragile or out of balance.

• Natural oils are structurally similar to your skin’s own lipids

• They’re broken down by skin enzymes and incorporated into the barrier

• They help stimulate the skin’s ability to regulate and regenerate on its own

Tip: Think of natural oils as building blocks for the skin, not just surface-level moisturizers.

Transitioning Away From Mineral Oils

If you’ve been using mineral oil-based products, your skin may go through an adjustment period when switching to natural cosmetics. This is totally normal.

You might experience:

• A brief phase of dryness or tightness

• A few small impurities as the skin detoxes

• A sensation of “restlessness” while your barrier re-learns how to regulate itself

Tip: Be gentle and consistent. Your skin is rebuilding resilience — and that takes time.

The Long-Term Benefit

Once your skin adjusts, the difference is noticeable. Skin feels more balanced, less reactive, and more self-sufficient. It no longer relies on artificial films to feel “normal.” It learns to be healthy — on its own terms.

And to us, that’s worth every step of the journey.