Comparing E905A - mineral oil vs E905B - petroleum jelly
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 1,401 products
Found in 98 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 6 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
What is mineral oil used for?
E905a mineral oil serves as a glazing and release agent in foods, keeps processing equipment lubricated, and appears in personal-care, pharmaceutical, and industrial products as a moisture-sealing or friction-reducing ingredient.
Is mineral oil safe for skin?
Refined cosmetic- or pharmaceutical-grade mineral oil is considered non-comedogenic and generally safe for most skin types, acting as an occlusive to reduce transepidermal water loss, though sensitive users can experience clogged pores or folliculitis.
Is mineral oil edible?
Food-grade mineral oil is approved for limited ingestion—such as functioning as a laxative or as the glazing agent E905a—provided intake stays within regulatory limits; industrial grades without purification are not safe to consume.
Is mineral oil a laxative?
Yes—oral and enema forms of mineral oil act as lubricant laxatives that soften stool and ease passage, though they are typically recommended only for short-term relief because long-term use can interfere with nutrient absorption and bowel function.
Is petroleum jelly bad for you?
No—highly refined white petrolatum (E905b) is considered safe at permitted food-use levels and for topical use; use only pharmaceutical/food-grade products and avoid putting it inside the nose or using it with latex condoms.
Is aquaphor petroleum jelly?
Not exactly; Aquaphor contains about 41% petrolatum (petroleum jelly) plus other ingredients like mineral oil, ceresin, glycerin, and lanolin alcohol.
Does petroleum jelly expire?
Pure petroleum jelly is very stable and often usable for years, but most products carry an expiration date—discard if the color, texture, or odor changes or if the container has been contaminated.
Is petroleum jelly the same as vaseline?
Vaseline is a brand of 100% white petrolatum; generic petroleum jelly labeled USP/Ph.Eur. grade is essentially the same substance.
What is petroleum jelly made of?
A semi-solid mixture of high–molecular-weight saturated hydrocarbons (paraffinic and microcrystalline) derived from refined petroleum and purified to remove aromatic impurities.