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Liquid Paraffin: Wholesale Cosmetic, Food and Industrial Grades
Liquid paraffin, also called paraffin oil, white oil or white mineral oil, is a clear, colourless, odourless and tasteless mineral oil refined from the lube-oil fractions of crude oil. Mehr Gostar Paraffin supplies liquid paraffin in bulk in three grades: cosmetic, food and industrial, each shipment with a certificate of analysis. This page explains what liquid paraffin is made from, how the grades differ and how to choose the right one.
What is liquid paraffin made from?
The raw material of liquid paraffin is the lube-oil fractions of crude oil: the base oil a refinery obtains by distilling the atmospheric residue under vacuum. This oil still contains aromatics, sulphur compounds and wax, so it goes through several refining steps:
- Vacuum distillation: after the light fuels are removed, the residue is distilled under vacuum and split into lube-oil cuts of different viscosity.
- Solvent extraction: most aromatic compounds are removed with a solvent such as furfural. The by-product of this step is furfural extract (RPO).
- Dewaxing: wax is removed so the oil stays liquid in cold conditions. The separated wax is slack wax, the feedstock of paraffin wax.
- Final refining: the remaining aromatics, sulphur and colour are removed by severe hydrotreating or by the older acid-treatment route. In the acid route the oil is finished with bleaching earth to make it colourless and clear.
The deeper the final refining, the fewer aromatics remain and the higher the grade. This is exactly what separates the three grades of liquid paraffin.
Types of liquid paraffin
| Grade | Refining | Reference standard | Main uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic | Deeply refined, odourless, Saybolt colour +30 | INCI: Paraffinum Liquidum; for pharmaceutical use: USP / BP | Creams, lotions, baby oil, petroleum jelly, ointments |
| Food | Very deeply refined, free of polycyclic aromatics | FDA 21 CFR 172.878 and JECFA specifications | Release agents, food machinery lubrication, protective coatings |
| Industrial | Standard refining | Customer specification | Textiles, plastics and rubber, pesticides, lubrication |
Cosmetic grade liquid paraffin
Cosmetic grade liquid paraffin is made for direct contact with skin and hair. It appears on ingredient lists under the INCI name Paraffinum Liquidum. It is crystal clear and odourless, with a Saybolt colour of +30, the whitest value on that scale. On the skin it forms a thin film that reduces water loss, which is why it is widely used in moisturising products.
Uses of cosmetic grade liquid paraffin
- Oil phase of creams, lotions and moisturisers
- Baby oil, massage oil and body oil
- Make-up removers and cleansing milk
- Production of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) by blending with petroleum waxes
- Lip balm, hair gel and hair oil
For pharmaceutical use (such as ointments or laxatives) the product must comply with the relevant pharmacopoeia, such as USP or BP, and this must be stated on the certificate of analysis of that shipment.
Food grade liquid paraffin
Food grade liquid paraffin has the highest level of refining. Polycyclic aromatic compounds, which are harmful to health, are removed to the limits set by food standards. It is usually assessed against US FDA 21 CFR 172.878 (white mineral oil as a food additive) and the JECFA specifications (the joint FAO/WHO committee). Rules on mineral oil in food differ between countries, so check the regulations of the destination market before use or export.
Uses of food grade liquid paraffin
- Dough divider oil and mould release agent in bakeries
- Lubrication of food processing machinery where incidental food contact is possible
- Protective and polishing coating in confectionery
- Lubricant and release agent in tablet and capsule production
Required tests for food grade liquid paraffin
The key tests for this grade are UV absorbance (for polycyclic aromatics), readily carbonizable substances, sulphur compounds, viscosity, Saybolt colour, odour and taste. The exact values for each shipment are given on its certificate of analysis (COA); ask for it before you buy.
Industrial grade liquid paraffin
Industrial grade liquid paraffin is less refined than the other two grades and may have a slight colour. It is more economical and is the right choice where there is no contact with skin or food. Its technical specifications are shown in the analysis sheet below.
Uses of industrial grade liquid paraffin
- Textiles: machine oil and fibre softener
- Plastics and rubber: plasticiser and processing aid, including in polystyrene production
- Agriculture: carrier and diluent for pesticides
- Leather, printing inks, polishes and waxes
- Light lubrication and candle gel production
Analysis sheet: Mehr Gostar cosmetic and industrial liquid paraffin
Which grade should you choose?
- For products applied to skin or hair (creams, baby oil, petroleum jelly): cosmetic grade
- Where contact with food or medicine is possible: food grade with a valid certificate of analysis
- For textiles, plastics, pesticides and lubrication: industrial grade
Safety notes
Never use industrial grade liquid paraffin for skin care, medicine or food. Keep liquid paraffin out of the reach of children; accidental inhalation into the lungs while swallowing is dangerous. Oral use of liquid paraffin as a medicine should only be on a doctor’s advice.
Packaging and price
Liquid paraffin is supplied in jerrycans, drums and IBC tanks, and in bulk for large consumers. The price depends on grade, viscosity, order quantity, packaging and the current exchange rate.
How to order and get a price
- Define the application, grade and quantity you need.
- Contact the Mehr Gostar sales team to receive the current price and the certificate of analysis (COA).
- If needed, test a sample on your own production line.
- Payment terms, packaging and shipping are agreed and the order is placed.
Frequently asked questions
What is liquid paraffin?
Liquid paraffin (paraffin oil or white mineral oil) is a clear, colourless, odourless and tasteless mineral oil refined from the lube-oil fractions of crude oil. It is supplied in cosmetic, food and industrial grades.
What is liquid paraffin made from?
It is made from lube-oil fractions obtained by vacuum distillation of crude oil (base oil). These fractions are turned into white oil by solvent extraction, dewaxing and finally severe hydrotreating or acid treatment with bleaching earth.
What is the difference between cosmetic, food and industrial liquid paraffin?
The main difference is the depth of refining and the amount of remaining aromatics. Industrial grade has standard refining, cosmetic grade is deeply refined for skin contact, and food grade must pass the strict tests of food standards.
Can industrial liquid paraffin be used in creams or food?
No. Industrial grade is not made for skin contact, medicine or food contact. For these uses only cosmetic or food grade with a valid certificate of analysis should be used.
What is the difference between liquid paraffin and petroleum jelly?
Both come from petroleum, but liquid paraffin is a fully liquid oil while petroleum jelly is a semi-solid blend of mineral oil and petroleum waxes. Liquid paraffin is one of the raw materials of petroleum jelly.
What is the price of liquid paraffin?
The price depends on grade, viscosity, quantity, packaging and the current exchange rate. Contact the Mehr Gostar sales team for the current price and the certificate of analysis.
Related articles
- What Is Paraffin Oil? Uses, Properties and Grades
- What Is Cosmetic-Grade Liquid Paraffin and What Is It Used For?
- Paraffin Production Process: From Crude Oil to Finished Product
- What Is a Moisturising Emulsion?
- What Is Isoparaffin? Uses and Advantages
- What Is a Paraffin Solvent? Properties and Industrial Uses
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