Constipation can be a serious problem leading to very painful bowel movements. If you’re experiencing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or constipation and are looking for a solution that is natural and safe, then mineral oil is the answer. If you’ve just had a surgery, gone through a painful childbirth, or you’re suffering from hemorrhoids, then hard stools and strained bowel movements are common difficulties. Mineral oil for constipation can come to your rescue and relieve the pain. Read more to learn about mineral oil for constipation, how it works, the top products in the market, and the right product for you.
Product FAQ
What Is Mineral Oil?
Mineral oil is a refined oil obtained from the distillation of petroleum. It is a by-product of the process of making gasoline from crude petroleum. The oil is colorless and odorless.
What Does Mineral Oil Do?
Mineral oil is used to make medicinal, cosmetic skin-care products and laxatives. It is used to treat skin and scalp problems including itching, redness, and irritation, to clear wax in ears, and to relieve occasional constipation and IBS symptoms.
How Does Mineral Oil For Constipation Work?
Mineral oil for constipation is used as a lubricant laxative to relieve occasional constipation. It works in two ways: 1) a lubricant 2) a laxative. The oil lubricates the intestinal tracts and promotes smooth movements of the stool through the intestines. Secondly, the oil coats the intestines preventing the intestines from absorbing water from the stools, thus softening the stools. For these reasons, the mineral oils are generally referred to as lubricant laxatives. Mineral oil for constipation can be administered orally or it can be applied topically at the rectum like an enema.
Is Mineral Oil For Constipation Safe To Ingest?
The oil is available in different grades based on purity and the purest grade is safe for consumption. Mineral oils have been used for several years to relieve constipation and are considered safe. It is best to follow the dosage specified on the product which is 15 to 45 ml maximum a day for adults. Some oils are not meant for kids younger than 6 years or if you’re bedridden. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medicines for other conditions, it is best to consult your doctor before using as the oil can interfere with the absorption of other nutrients and medicines in your body.
How Long Does It Take To Work?
Mineral oils must be consumed on an empty stomach and take 6 to 8 hours to work. Hence, it is best to take them before bedtime so that it doesn’t interfere with your food intake and also to make sure that your sleep is not disturbed by bowel movements. However, the mineral oil for constipation that can be applied topically works in 2-15 minutes.
How Does Mineral Oil For Constipation Compare To Other Laxatives?
It’s commonly safer than other laxatives and stool softeners that can stimulate bowels causing cramping, pain, or bloating. Oils do not cause any dehydration or upset your stomach. They are also inexpensive.
Where Can You Buy The Oil?
It does not require a prescription and can be bought over the counter. It is available online on Amazon.com or can be purchased from any pharmacy, drug or retail store.
How We Reviewed?
We’ve invested a lot of time and effort into researching the top mineral oil products on the market and presented an unbiased review of all the products. We have laid out the features, prices, pros, and cons of the products so that you can easily choose the product that is right for your needs. We have also specified the link where you can purchase the product.
Overall Price Range Of Mineral Oil (And Similar Products)
Mineral oils are inexpensive compared to the widely available laxatives on the market such as Miralax or the stool softeners such as Colace. Among the different types of mineral oil for constipation, the capsules are the lowest priced with just around $ for 90 capsules. They offer a greater value with the use of one capsule per day.
While enema liquids are somewhat expensive at $$ for 12-pack 4.5 ounce bottle, the prices of liquids for oral consumption are reasonable and vary with brand and quantity from $ – $$ for a 16-ounce bottle. Prices go down if you buy in bulk. Mountain Falls Lubricant Laxative Mineral Oil is only $$ for a 6-pack of 16-ounce bottles.
The Products We Reviewed
Mountain Falls Lubricant Laxative Mineral Oil
Sunmark Mineral Oil USP Lubricant Laxative
Kondremul Lubricant Laxative
Fleet Lubricant Laxative Mineral Oil Enema
Durvet, Mild Laxative Mineral Oil
Heather’s Tummy Tamers Peppermint Oil Capsules
Mountain Falls Lubricant Laxative Mineral Oil
Features
This is a natural laxative that works by lubricating the inside of the intestine, promoting smooth bowel movements. This mineral oil is USP graded, the chemical grade of purity that meets or exceeds the safety standards to consume. The oil typically takes 6 to 8 hours to be effective. In addition, the oil has no artificial additives or sweetening ingredients and is completely odorless and colorless.
Pros
- This mineral oil is very inexpensive and a value product
- Unlike laxatives, the mineral oil doesn’t have an expiry date and can last longer if kept in a cool dark place away from sunlight
- It is easy to consume as it is tasteless and odorless
Cons
- Few people may prefer a laxative that has a taste
- The mineral oil laxative takes 6-8 hours to be effective and may not be the right choice if you need instant relief
- Since it is consumed orally, it may interfere with the absorption of other medicines and nutrients in the body
- Since it has to be taken on an empty stomach, it is challenging to use between meals
- Comes in a 6-pack of 16-ounce bottles
Sunmark Mineral Oil USP Lubricant Laxative
Features
This mineral oil is a USP grade lubricant laxative. It is used for relief from occasional constipation and induces a bowel movement within 6 to 8 hours of consumption. Adults can take a maximum of 3 tablespoons in 24 hours.
Pros
- Contains no stimulants that can upset stomach
- No dehydration
- It is safe and USP graded
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Not for children under 6 years
- Orally consumed, so can interfere with other medicines and supplements
- Doesn’t work instantly. It takes 6 to 8 hours to work
- Since it has to be taken on an empty stomach, it is challenging to use between meals
Kondremul Lubricant Laxative
Features
Kondremul oil relieves occasional constipation. The oil is a non-fattening micro-emulsion that can be poured easily and smoothly. It is easy and gentle on your tummy with no bloating, cramping, or dehydration. The oil is safe and quite effective. It regulates bowel movements in 6-8 hours. It is available in mint flavor.
Pros
- Gentle on your stomach with no bloating and cramping
- Doesn’t contain stimulants like few other laxatives that can upset stomach or cause dehydration
- Has a mint-flavor
- Sugar-free
Cons
- More expensive than other brands of mineral oil
- Although safe for consumption, it is not USP graded
- Kondremul oil is available only in one flavor
- Since it has to be consumed in an empty stomach, it is challenging to use between meals
Fleet Lubricant Laxative Mineral Oil Enema
Features
Fleet Mineral Oil Enema is a lubricant laxative that lubricates and loosens the stools to produce a smooth bowel movement. If you are suffering from hemorrhoids or recovering from childbirth or surgery and are having a hard time passing stools, using the oil enema promotes bowel movements without strain. This can be applied directly on the skin with the Gentle Glide Tip on the disposable squeeze bottle that is easy to use.
It can be used by adults and children over 2 years. Half of a bottle per 24 hours is recommended for children 2-11 years. Children 12 and above and adults can use one bottle per day. The product is sodium-free and latex free.
Pros
- Easy to use. The bottle has a gentle glide tip to apply the oil in the rectum
- It works within 2-15 minutes of applying
- No effects such as bloating, cramping or dehydration
- It is 100% mineral oil with no additives
- It doesn’t interfere with the digestive system or the absorption of nutrients and medicines
Cons
- Requires physical effort to apply by inserting the tip of the enema into your rectum
- It can be challenging to apply especially if your movement is limited from surgery
- Slightly expensive than other laxatives
- Cannot be used by children under 2 years
Durvet, Mild Laxative Mineral Oil
Features
This oil is food grade and is used as lubricant laxative for livestock. It comes in a one-gallon size and is 100% pure mineral oil with no preservatives or additives. It is ready for use to mitigate colic in pets and livestock such as horses, foals, cattle, calves, sheep, hogs, and dogs.
Pros
- Great price and value
- Works effectively for animals
- FDA certified and safe
Cons
- For animal use only—not for human consumption
Heather’s Tummy Tamers Peppermint Oil Capsules
Features
These are capsules used for management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms and intense bowel soothing. They can be taken to prevent IBS symptoms—abdominal pain, bloating, urgency, diarrhea, and gas. They are made up of a special formula that is a blend of peppermint, fennel, and ginger oils which can calm and relax the digestive tract. Each capsule contains 181 mg of peppermint oil, 19 mg of fennel oil, and 17 mg of ginger oil.
They are natural, caffeine-free, gluten-free, and FODMAPS free. The capsules have 50% more enteric coating than the industry standard. The enteric coating allows capsules to pass through the stomach intact and dissolve only in the intestines. They must be taken on an empty stomach and must be swallowed, not chewed. Take one capsule per day.
Pros
- Peppermint oil capsules have been clinically proven to help IBS symptoms in both adults and children
- 50% more enteric coating makes it more absorbable by the intestines and hence more effective
- Natural, caffeine-free, and gluten-free
- It is very inexpensive
Cons
- May give burps that can be pungent from ginger
- Since it has to be taken on an empty stomach, it is challenging to use between meals
- It can interfere with other medicines and supplements
- May lead to mild cramping
The Verdict
Based on our research of various mineral oils for constipation, Heather’s Oil Capsules not only offer the best value but are also very effective in relieving constipation. There are other equally effective and reasonably priced mineral oils that can be consumed orally. However, if you are on medicines to treat other conditions and do not want to consume oil for the concern that the mineral oil for constipation can interfere with the absorption of medicines in your body, then you can skip it.
Instead, you can use the Fleet Lubricant Laxative Mineral Oil enema that can be topically applied. If physical movement is difficult after surgery or postpartum, applying this topically can be hard. In this case, oral consumption of mineral oil is the best bet. In conclusion, you can decide which product is right for you based on the information presented above.
