Light mineral oil in eye drops

Light mineral oil is the third of Quell’s active ingredients, listed as Light Mineral Oil (0.5%), with the purpose “emollient.”

What emollient means

An emollient is an oily ingredient that softens and coats. On Quell’s label it sits beside two lubricants, glycerol and polysorbate 80, which makes it the only oil among the actives.

Light, as in the grade

“Light” describes the grade of mineral oil, not a reduced amount. The amount is the percentage printed beside the name. If you are checking it against another product, look for “light mineral oil” or “mineral oil” on that product’s panel.

Why an oil

Quell is designed to reinforce the tear film’s oil layer, the outermost barrier responsible for minimizing evaporation of the watery layer beneath. An oil-based active fits that design. More in the tear film’s oil layer.

Its part in the appearance

Along with the natural oils among the inactive ingredients, it contributes to the drop’s milky look: Product appears as a milky brown solution.

Reading the strength

The percentage is its concentration in the solution; what the percentages mean covers how to read it, and what it doesn’t tell you.