Liquid paraffin

Liquid paraffin (CAS 8012-95-1) is a highly refined, colorless petroleum-derived oil used across personal care, pharmaceutical, food, and industrial sectors. It functions primarily as a lubricant, moisturizer, and plasticizer depending on the application and grade.

In personal care and cosmetics, it forms a protective occlusive barrier on skin, making it a standard base ingredient in creams, lotions, baby oils, and ointments. This versatile material is also marketed as Paraffinum Liquidum and pharmaceutical-grade mineral oil.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as a laxative excipient, tablet lubricant, and ointment base where controlled purity and compliance with pharmacopeial standards are required. It ensures consistency and safety in medical formulations.

Food-grade liquid paraffin is approved for use as a release agent, surface coating on fresh produce, and anti-dusting agent in grain handling. It meets the rigorous requirements of the FCC for direct and indirect food contact.

In plastics processing and rubber compounding, it acts as a processing aid and softener to improve flow and flexibility during manufacture. This industrial application relies on the chemical stability and low volatility of the oil.

Liquid paraffin is supplied as a clear, odorless oil in drum, IBC, and bulk tanker quantities. Established grades include USP, BP, Ph. Eur., and technical/industrial grade, each carrying distinct purity thresholds.

Light and heavy viscosity variants are standard across the market, with grade selection typically driven by viscosity requirements and end-use compliance obligations. These options allow for precise formulation across diverse industries.