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Mineral oil
Mineral oil
Mineral oil
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Bottle of mineral oil as sold in Canada.

Mineral oil is any of various colorless, odorless, light mixtures of higher alkanes from a mineral source, particularly a distillate of petroleum,[1] as distinct from usually edible vegetable oils.

The name 'mineral oil' by itself is imprecise, having been used for many specific oils, since 1771. Other names, similarly imprecise, include 'white oil', 'paraffin oil', 'liquid paraffin' (a highly refined medical grade), paraffinum liquidum (Latin), and 'liquid petroleum'.

Most often, mineral oil is a liquid obtained from refining crude oil to make gasoline and other petroleum products. Mineral oils used for lubrication are known specifically as base oils. More generally, mineral oil is a transparent, colorless oil, composed mainly of alkanes[2] and cycloalkanes, related to petroleum jelly. It has a density of around 0.8–0.87 g/cm3 (0.029–0.031 lb/cu in).[3]

Nomenclature

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Some of the imprecision in the definition of the names used for mineral oil (such as 'white oil') reflects usage by consumers and merchants who did not know, and usually had no need of knowing, the oil's precise chemical makeup. Merriam-Webster states the first use of the term "mineral oil" as being 1771.[4] Prior to the late 19th century, the chemical science to determine the makeup of an oil was unavailable in any case. A similar lexical situation occurred with the term "white metal".

"Mineral oil", sold widely and cheaply in the United States, is not sold as such in the United Kingdom. Instead, British pharmacologists use the terms "paraffinum perliquidum" for light mineral oil and "paraffinum liquidum" or "paraffinum subliquidum" for somewhat more viscous varieties. The term "paraffinum liquidum" is often seen on the ingredient lists of baby oil and cosmetics. British aromatherapists commonly use the term "white mineral oil". In lubrication, mineral oils make up Group I, II, and III base oils that are refined from petroleum.[5][6]

Toxicology

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The World Health Organization classifies minimally treated mineral oils as carcinogens group 1 known to be carcinogenic to humans;[7] Highly refined oils are classified group 3 as not classifiable as carcinogenic, due to a lack of sufficient evidence.[8]

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) carried out a risk assessment on the migration of components from printing inks used on carton-board packaging—including mineral oils—into food in 2011, based on the findings of a survey conducted in the same year. The FSA did not identify any specific food safety concerns due to inks.[9]

People can be exposed to mineral oil mist in the workplace through inhalation, skin contact, or eye contact. In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has set the legal limit for mineral oil mist exposure in the workplace as 5 mg/m3 (0.0022 gr/cu ft) over an 8-hour workday, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has set a recommended exposure limit of 5 mg/m3 (0.0022 gr/cu ft) over an 8-hour workday, with a previous limit of 10 mg/m3 (0.0044 gr/cu ft) for short-term exposure rescinded according to the 2019 Guide to Occupational Exposure Values compiled by the ACGIH. Levels of 2,500 mg/m3 (1.1 gr/cu ft) and higher are indicated as immediately dangerous to life and health. However, current toxicological data[which?][whose?] does not contain any evidence of irreversible health effects due to short-term exposure at any level; the current value of 2,500 mg/m3 (1.1 gr/cu ft) is indicated as being arbitrary.[10]

Applications

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Biomedicine

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Laxative

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Main article: Liquid paraffin (drug)

Mineral oil is used as a laxative to alleviate constipation by retaining water in stool and the intestines.[11] Although generally considered safe, as noted above, there is a concern of mist inhalation leading to serious health conditions such as pneumonia.[12]

Mineral oil can be administered either orally[13] or rectally.[14] It is sometimes used as a lubricant in enema preparations as most of the ingested material is excreted in the stool rather than being absorbed by the body.[15]

Personal lubricant

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It is recommended by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine for use as a fertility-preserving vaginal lubrication.[16] However, it is known that oils degrade latex condoms.[17]

Cell culture

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Mineral oil of special purity is often used as an overlay covering micro drops of culture medium in petri dishes, during the culture of oocytes and embryos in IVF and related procedures. The use of oil presents several advantages over the open culture system: it allows for several oocytes and embryos to be cultured simultaneously, but observed separately, in the same dish; it minimizes concentration and pH changes by preventing evaporation of the medium; it allows for a significant reduction of the medium volume used (as few as 20 μl (0.0012 cu in) per oocyte instead of several milliliters for the batch culture); and it serves as a temperature buffer minimizing thermal shock to the cells while the dish is taken out of the incubator for observation.

Veterinary

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Over-the-counter veterinarian-use mineral oil is intended as a mild laxative for pets and livestock.[18] Certain mineral oils are used in livestock vaccines, as an adjuvant to stimulate a cell-mediated immune response to the vaccinating agent. In the poultry industry, plain mineral oil can also be swabbed onto the feet of chickens infected with scaly mites on the shank, toes, and webs. Mineral oil suffocates these tiny parasites.[19] In beekeeping, food grade mineral oil-saturated paper napkins placed in hives are used as a treatment for tracheal and other mites. It is also used along with a cotton swab to remove un-shed skin (ashes) on reptiles such as lizards and snakes.

Cosmetics

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Mineral oil is a common ingredient in baby lotions, cold creams, ointments, and cosmetics. It is a lightweight inexpensive oil that is odorless and tasteless. It can be used on eyelashes to prevent brittleness and breaking and, in cold cream, is also used to remove creme make-up and temporary tattoos. One of the common concerns regarding the use of mineral oil is its presence on several lists of comedogenic substances.[citation needed] These lists of comedogenic substances were developed many years ago and are frequently quoted in the dermatological literature.

The type of highly refined and purified mineral oil found in cosmetic and skincare products is noncomedogenic (does not clog pores).[20]

Mechanical, electrical, and industrial

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An electrical radiator that uses mineral oil as a heat transfer fluid

Mineral oil is used in a variety of industrial/mechanical capacities as a non-conductive coolant or thermal fluid in electric components, as it does not conduct electricity and functions to displace air and water. Some examples are in transformers, where it is known as transformer oil, and in high-voltage switchgear, where mineral oil is used as an insulator and coolant to disperse switching arcs.[21] Because it is noncompressible, mineral oil is used as a hydraulic fluid in hydraulic machinery and vehicles.

The dielectric constant of mineral oil ranges from 2.3 at 50 °C (122 °F) to 2.1 at 200 °C (392 °F).[22] Electric space heaters sometimes use mineral oil as a heat transfer oil. Lubricants used for older refrigerator and air conditioning compressors are based on mineral oil, especially those using R-22 refrigerant.

Mineral oil is used as a lubricant, a cutting fluid, and as a conditioning oil for jute fibres selected for textile production, a process known as 'jute batching'.[23] Spindle oils are light mineral oils used as lubricants in textile industries.

An often-cited limitation of mineral oil is that it is poorly biodegradable; in some applications, vegetable oils such as cottonseed oil or rapeseed oil may be used instead.[24]

Food preparation

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A freshly oiled cutting board

Because of its properties that prevent water absorption, combined with its lack of flavor and odor, food grade mineral oil is a popular preservative for wooden cutting boards, countertops, salad bowls, and utensils. Periodically rubbing a small amount of mineral oil into a wooden kitchen item impedes absorption of food liquids, and thereby food odors, easing the process of hygienically cleaning wooden utensils and equipment. The use of mineral oil to impede water absorption can also prevent cracks and splits from forming in wooden utensils due to wetting and drying cycles. However, some of the mineral oil used on these items, if in contact with food, will be picked up by it and therefore ingested.[citation needed]

Mineral oil is occasionally used in the food industry, particularly for confectionery. In this application, it is typically used for the glossy effect it produces, and to prevent the candy pieces from adhering to each other, such as in Swedish Fish.[25] The use of food grade mineral oil is self-limiting because of its laxative effect, and is not considered a risk in food for any age class.[26] The maximum daily intake is calculated to be about 100 mg (1.5 gr), of which some 80 mg (1.2 gr) are contributed from its use on machines in the baking industry.[15]

Insecticide

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Applying mineral oil to a butcher block counter top

Mineral oil, under various names, is one of the most widely used insecticides.[27] See Horticultural oil.

Other uses

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Mineral oil's ubiquity has led to its use in some niche applications as well:

  • It is commonly used to create a wear effect on new clay poker chips, which can otherwise be accomplished only through prolonged use.[28] Either the chips are placed in mineral oil for a short time, or the oil is applied to each chip then wiped off. This removes any chalky residue left-over from manufacture, and also improves the look and feel of the chips.
  • Mineral oil is used as the principal fuel in some types of gel-type scented candles.[29]
  • Amateur radio operators frequently use veterinary-grade mineral oil as an inexpensive coolant for RF dummy loads, and as an electrical insulator and / or coolant for extra-high voltage circuitry, such as antenna-simulating "can-tennas". Amateur use of mineral oil follows industrial use, since it typically is the insulating and cooling fluid in large electrical transformers and similar equipment, such as small switches used for high-voltages.
  • Mineral oil is used as a brake fluid in some cars, such as Citroën models with hydrodynamic suspension, and bicycle disc brakes.
  • Mineral oil is burned in specialized machines (both manufactured and home-made) to produce a thick white smoke that is then blown into automotive evaporative emissions (EVAP) systems to find leaks.
  • It is used for polishing alabaster in stonework and lubricating and cleaning pocket knives or food handling tools that use an open bearing, thus needing periodic lubrication. Light mineral oil (paraffinum perliquidum) is used as a honing oil when sharpening edge tools (such as chisels) on abrasive oil stones. Mineral oil USP or light mineral oil can be used as an anti-rust agent for their blades.
  • Horticultural oil is often made with mineral oil as the active ingredient. It is sprayed on plants to control scale, aphid, and other pest populations by suffocation.
  • Paraffin oil is commonly used to fill Galileo thermometers: Due to paraffin oil's freezing temperature being lower than that of water (approx. −4 °C (24 °F)), this makes them less susceptible to freezing during shipment, or when stored in a cold environment.[37]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Mineral oil

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Mineral oil is a highly refined, colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid consisting of a complex mixture of saturated hydrocarbons, primarily paraffins and naphthenes, derived from the fractional distillation of crude petroleum. It is produced by distilling crude oil under atmospheric pressure and vacuum conditions, followed by refining processes such as solvent extraction or hydrotreatment to remove aromatic compounds and impurities like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Physically, it appears as a transparent oily liquid with a specific gravity of approximately 0.822, insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents, a high boiling point range of 300–600°C, and low vapor pressure, making it stable and non-volatile under normal conditions. Highly refined mineral oil, often termed white mineral oil, is widely used in pharmaceuticals as a laxative to treat constipation by lubricating the intestinal tract and softening stool, with doses typically ranging from 15–45 mL for adults. In cosmetics and personal care products, it serves as an emollient in lotions, creams, and ointments to moisturize and protect skin from dryness and irritation, due to its non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic properties when properly purified. It is also approved by the FDA for use in food processing as a release agent, defoamer, or dust suppressant on grains and as a component in certain food additives, provided it meets strict purity standards to ensure safety. Industrially, mineral oil functions as a base for lubricants in engines, machinery, and metalworking fluids, leveraging its high viscosity index and thermal stability. Safety profiles vary by refinement level: highly refined mineral oil is generally recognized as safe for human consumption and topical use, with no evidence of carcinogenicity or mutagenicity (classified as IARC Group 3), though excessive oral intake can risk aspiration pneumonia. As of 2025, the EU is implementing stricter regulations on mineral oil hydrocarbons in food packaging, including maximum levels for MOSH and MOAH. In contrast, untreated or mildly treated mineral oils, containing higher PAH levels, are classified as carcinogenic to humans (IARC Group 1) and pose occupational risks like skin cancer from prolonged exposure in settings such as metalworking. Environmentally, it has low acute toxicity to aquatic life and biodegrades slowly in soil, but refining processes can contribute to emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants.

Composition and Production

Chemical Composition

Mineral oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum, consisting primarily of saturated aliphatic (paraffinic), naphthenic (cycloparaffinic), and aromatic hydrocarbons with carbon chain lengths ranging from C15 to C50. These components include straight-chain and branched alkanes in the paraffinic fraction, cycloalkanes in the naphthenic fraction, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the aromatic fraction, though the exact proportions vary depending on the source crude oil and degree of refinement. Technical-grade mineral oil typically retains higher levels of aromatic hydrocarbons, which can constitute a significant portion of its composition, whereas pharmaceutical- and food-grade mineral oils are subjected to extensive refining to minimize these, achieving aromatic content below 0.1% and often approaching aromatic-free status. This distinction ensures that higher-purity grades consist almost entirely of saturated hydrocarbons, enhancing their suitability for medical and ingestible applications. Refining processes for mineral oil involve hydrotreating and other treatments to eliminate impurities such as compounds, nitrogen-containing heteroatoms, and olefins, yielding a highly stable, colorless, and odorless liquid. These steps saturate any remaining unsaturated bonds and remove polar contaminants, resulting in a product dominated by inert saturated hydrocarbons. Representative structures within mineral oil include paraffinic straight-chain alkanes, such as n-hexadecane (a C16 paraffin), with the general formula \ceCH3(CH2)14CH3\ce{CH3(CH2)14CH3}. Naphthenic components are cycloalkanes, exemplified by alkyl-substituted cycloparaffins like 1-decylcyclohexane (C16), featuring a saturated ring with attached alkyl chains to reach the typical C15–C50 range.

Sources and Refining

Mineral oil originates primarily as a distillate fraction from crude , obtained through of the heavier residues after atmospheric has separated lighter products like and . This fraction, typically containing hydrocarbons with 15 to 50 carbon atoms, falls between the kerosene cut and the heavier base stocks, yielding the raw material for further processing into mineral oils. The refining process begins with distillation to isolate the desired fraction, followed by solvent extraction to remove aromatic compounds and impurities. Solvents such as furfural or phenol selectively dissolve aromatics, producing a raffinate rich in paraffinic and naphthenic hydrocarbons. Subsequent hydrotreating employs hydrogen gas under high pressure (up to 3,000 psi) and temperature (up to 420°C) with catalysts like nickel-molybdenum to saturate unsaturated bonds, enhance stability, and further reduce aromatics to below 0.5%. Dewaxing then removes waxy paraffins using solvents or catalytic methods, improving low-temperature performance and yielding a byproduct wax. These steps collectively purify the oil for various applications. For higher-purity grades like white mineral oil, production incorporates severe hydrotreatment as a key variation, involving intensified hydrogenation to reduce aromatics to ≤0.1% and polycyclic aromatic compounds to parts-per-billion levels, ensuring compliance with pharmacopeial standards such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and European Pharmacopeia (EP). Historically, mineral oils in the 19th century shifted from derivations via destructive distillation of coal tar and oil shale—prevalent in Europe for lighting and lubrication—to petroleum sources, driven by surging demand and discoveries of conventional oil fields starting in the 1850s. As of 2025, global production of mineral base oils is dominated by refineries in the Middle East and the United States, which together account for a significant share of capacity amid a transition toward higher-grade Group II and III oils (API classifications: Group I mildly refined with sulfur >0.03% and saturates <90%; Group II and III more severely hydrotreated with sulfur <0.03% and saturates >90%, the latter having viscosity index >120).

History

Early Uses and Discovery

Mineral oil, derived from natural petroleum seeps, has been utilized by ancient civilizations for medicinal purposes long before modern refining techniques. In ancient Persia, crude petroleum from oil springs was applied as a folk remedy for skin ailments such as mange in animals and wounds in humans, valued for its purported healing properties in treating burns, frostbite, and dermatological issues. Similarly, in ancient China, petroleum seepages were employed in traditional medicine to address carbuncles, skin conditions, and even equine care, with records indicating its use dating back to the Song Dynasty (circa 10th–13th centuries) for topical applications and salves. The formal recognition of mineral oil's potential in the 19th century began with analyses of petroleum seeps in the United States. In the 1850s, chemist Benjamin Silliman Jr. conducted pioneering studies on "rock oil" samples from Pennsylvania seeps, concluding in his 1855 report that the substance could be distilled into valuable products, including illuminants and lubricants, which spurred investment in exploration. This analysis marked an early scientific validation of petroleum's utility, shifting perceptions from mere natural curiosity to a promising resource. In Europe during the late 19th century, refined mineral oil, termed "liquid paraffin," gained adoption in medicine primarily as a laxative for treating constipation. Its internal use was first documented around 1872, with physicians recommending it for its lubricating effects on the intestines, offering a gentle alternative to harsher purgatives and establishing it as a staple in pharmaceutical practice by the early 20th century. The 1859 Drake well in Pennsylvania catalyzed the early oil industry boom, where initial extractions of crude petroleum were processed into illuminating oils to meet demand for lamp fuel amid declining whale oil supplies. These early products, encompassing light fractions later refined into kerosene, positioned mineral oil derivatives at the forefront of the burgeoning industry before kerosene's dominance in lighting applications. Among these illuminating oils, refined paraffin oil became preferred for indoor use in oil lamps due to its highly refined nature, producing less smoke, odor, and soot compared to less refined alternatives.

Commercial Development

Following World War I, mineral oil production expanded rapidly to meet the demands of industrial growth and the burgeoning automotive sector, transitioning from limited applications to a cornerstone of modern lubrication. The war's emphasis on mechanized transport and machinery highlighted the need for reliable petroleum-derived oils, spurring refinements in distillation and distribution that scaled output across North America and Europe. By the 1920s, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants—established in 1904—developed key standards for mineral oil-based industrial lubricants, including viscosity and oxidation stability tests, to promote uniformity and safety in manufacturing. The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) introduced its official monograph for pharmaceutical-grade mineral oil, defining purity criteria such as limits on acidity, color, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to ensure suitability for medical uses like laxatives and emollients. Subsequent advancements in the mid-20th century further enhanced mineral oil's viability; hydrotreating processes, pioneered in the 1950s and applied to base oil production by the 1960s, used hydrogen under pressure to remove sulfur, nitrogen, and other impurities, markedly reducing toxicity and improving stability for broader applications. By the 1970s, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved highly refined white mineral oil as a food additive under 21 CFR 172.878, permitting its use in direct food contact, such as defoamers and release agents, with strict specifications for composition and safety. The market for mineral oil evolved significantly over the century, shifting from predominantly medicinal applications in the early 1900s—where refined fractions served as remedies and illuminants—to diverse industrial, cosmetic, and biomedical roles by the 2000s. The 1973 and 1979 oil crises, which quadrupled crude prices and disrupted supplies, accelerated research into synthetic lubricants as energy-efficient alternatives to mineral oils, yet mineral-based products endured due to their cost-effectiveness and established infrastructure.

Properties

Physical Properties

Mineral oil is typically a transparent, colorless to pale yellow liquid that is odorless and non-volatile under standard conditions. It is insoluble in water but miscible with most organic solvents such as benzene, chloroform, ether, and petroleum ether. The density of mineral oil ranges from 0.82 to 0.88 g/cm³ at 20°C, with light grades falling between 0.83 and 0.86 g/cm³ and heavy grades between 0.875 and 0.905 g/cm³. Viscosity varies significantly by grade, typically ranging from 20 to 500 centistokes (cSt) at 40°C; for example, light mineral oil may have a viscosity around 20–50 cSt, while heavy grades exceed 300 cSt. This variation in viscosity is influenced by the length of hydrocarbon chains in its composition, where longer chains contribute to higher viscosity. Mineral oil exhibits a high boiling point exceeding 300°C and a low vapor pressure of less than 0.5 mmHg at 20°C, contributing to its stability in various environments. Its dielectric constant is approximately 2.1, making it suitable for electrical insulation applications. The flash point is generally above 190°C, with values around 193°C reported for common grades. Variations across grades include differences in pour point, which is critical for flow properties; food-grade mineral oils often have a pour point below -10°C to ensure usability in low-temperature conditions.

Chemical Properties

Mineral oil exhibits high chemical inertness primarily due to its composition of saturated hydrocarbons, which lack reactive double bonds and thus resist oxidation, hydrolysis, and microbial degradation. These paraffinic and naphthenic structures render the oil stable under normal conditions, with minimal tendency to form peroxides or undergo peroxidation, as any such reactions proceed at a slow, logarithmic rate in highly refined forms. The thermal stability of mineral oil allows it to maintain integrity up to approximately °C, beyond which thermal cracking may occur, breaking carbon-carbon bonds to produce lighter hydrocarbons and potentially leading to degradation products. This cracking process is exacerbated at higher temperatures, contributing to reduced performance in applications like fluids. Mineral oil demonstrates low reactivity overall, showing no significant interaction with water, acids, or bases under standard conditions, and it does not readily support combustion due to its high autoignition temperature exceeding 350°C. However, the presence of trace aromatic impurities in less refined variants can promote gradual discoloration over time through minor oxidative processes, such as the initiation of autoxidation represented by the equation RH + O₂ → ROOH, where RH denotes a hydrocarbon and ROOH a peroxide—though this remains rare in well-refined mineral oil.

Nomenclature and Regulation

Terminology and Naming

Mineral oil is known by various synonyms that reflect its composition and uses, including white mineral oil, liquid paraffin, paraffin oil, and liquid petrolatum. These terms are often used interchangeably, though they can vary by context and region, leading to occasional confusion in trade and application. The name "mineral oil" originates from its derivation from mineral sources such as petroleum, distinguishing it from oils of vegetable or animal origin, while the term "oil" stems from its historical role as a lubricant. It is identified by the CAS number 8012-95-1 and, in cosmetic nomenclature, by the INCI name Mineral Oil. Regional naming variations exist; for instance, in the United Kingdom and some other countries, it is commonly referred to as liquid paraffin or paraffin oil, whereas in the United States, "paraffin" more typically denotes the solid wax form. In French-speaking regions, it is termed "huile minérale" or "huile de paraffine." Care should be taken to distinguish mineral oil from related products like baby oil, which is essentially mineral oil scented with fragrance, and petroleum jelly (also known as petrolatum), a semi-solid derivative from the same petroleum base but with different physical properties and CAS number 8009-03-8. These distinctions in terminology help clarify its application in regulatory and commercial standards.

Standards and Classifications

Mineral oil is subject to stringent standards and classifications depending on its intended use, ensuring purity, safety, and performance across pharmaceutical, food, industrial, and other applications. These frameworks are established by authoritative bodies to minimize impurities such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, and other contaminants. For pharmaceutical-grade mineral oil, the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and National Formulary (NF) specify limits including less than 3 ppm for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, determined via a spectrophotometric test with dimethyl sulfoxide that equates the absorbance to no more than a 3 ppm anthracene standard, and heavy metals below 10 ppm as per general chapter <231>. Similarly, the European Pharmacopoeia (EP) imposes comparable requirements for purity, including tests for acidity, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals to ensure suitability for medicinal use. Food-grade mineral oil is regulated under U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, with 21 CFR 178.3620 covering technical white mineral oil for indirect food contact through packaging or processing equipment, requiring specific ultraviolet absorbance limits to control aromatic content, and 21 CFR 172.878 permitting its use as a direct additive in foods like yeast and baking applications at limited concentrations. In Europe and internationally, concerns over mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) have prompted efforts to minimize their levels in food due to potential bioaccumulation from MOSH and carcinogenic risks from MOAH, with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommending MOAH concentrations as low as reasonably achievable. Industrial-grade mineral oil adheres to standards like ASTM D226 for general lubricating oils and ASTM D4304 for those used in steam or gas turbines, which define viscosity index requirements (typically 90 or higher for stability across temperatures) alongside other physical properties. Under the European Union's REACH regulation, mineral oils are registered and classified based on composition, with highly refined white mineral oils generally not classified as hazardous due to low PAH content, though less refined variants may carry aspiration hazard labels. International harmonization efforts include the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizing pharmaceutical-grade mineral oil on model lists for essential medicines as a laxative, emphasizing purity standards for oral use. In the 2020s, updates to PAH limits reflect ongoing responses to carcinogenicity data from bodies like EFSA, including the European Commission's non-binding 2022 recommendations for MOAH in food (0.5 mg/kg for dry foods with ≤ 4% fat/oil content, 1 mg/kg for foods with > 4% but ≤ 50% fat/oil content, and 2 mg/kg for fats and oils). In September 2023, EFSA updated its risk assessment, concluding that current dietary exposure to MOSH raises no health concerns but reiterating that MOAH levels should be kept as low as reasonably achievable owing to their potential genotoxicity. As of November 2025, the EU Commission has presented a draft regulation (late 2023) to establish binding maximum levels for MOAH in food, aligned with the 2022 recommendations, with adoption expected by the end of 2025 and applicability from 2027.

Applications

Biomedical Applications

Mineral oil, particularly in its highly refined USP-grade form, has long been utilized in biomedical contexts, though its applications have evolved due to safety considerations emerging in the mid-20th century. Historically, internal uses such as oral administration for constipation were common, but concerns about potential risks like interference with nutrient absorption and tissue accumulation of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) have led to a preference for topical and external applications to minimize systemic exposure. Today, only USP-grade mineral oil, meeting stringent purity standards set by the United States Pharmacopeia, is permitted for biomedical purposes to ensure inertness and safety. One primary biomedical application is as a lubricant laxative for treating occasional constipation in humans. It functions as a lubricant laxative by coating the intestinal mucosa, lubricating the stool, and retarding the colonic absorption of water, which softens stool and promotes easier passage with an onset of action typically within 6–8 hours. The standard adult dosage is 15–45 mL administered orally, preferably at bedtime on an empty stomach, and it is recognized as safe and effective under FDA over-the-counter monographs for short-term use. However, risks include aspiration, particularly in the elderly or those with swallowing difficulties, which can lead to lipid pneumonia. In sexual health, mineral oil serves as a personal lubricant owing to its hypoallergenic nature and lack of spermicidal activity, providing a non-irritating option for reducing friction during intercourse. Its inert composition minimizes allergic reactions, making it suitable for sensitive users. Nonetheless, users must avoid combining it with latex condoms, as even brief exposure (as little as 60 seconds) can cause a 90% reduction in condom tensile strength, increasing breakage risk. Within laboratory and reproductive medicine, mineral oil overlays microdrop culture systems in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and microscopy to prevent medium evaporation, stabilize pH and osmolarity, and shield embryos from atmospheric fluctuations. This application enhances embryo development outcomes by maintaining optimal conditions without direct contact toxicity when using high-purity grades. Veterinarily, mineral oil is incorporated into poultry feed as a carrier for fat-soluble vitamins, facilitating their absorption and improving nutritional efficacy in bird diets. This use leverages its emollient properties to bind and deliver vitamins A, D, E, and K more effectively, supporting growth and health in livestock production.

Cosmetic Applications

Mineral oil functions as an emollient in cosmetic formulations by creating an occlusive barrier on the skin's surface, which helps to lock in moisture and reduce transepidermal water loss, thereby improving skin hydration and softness. This property makes it a staple in products like lotions and creams, where it is typically incorporated at concentrations of 5% to 20% to provide effective moisturization without greasiness. Since the establishment of the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) system in the late 1970s, mineral oil has been officially listed as "Mineral Oil" in the United States and "Paraffinum Liquidum" in the European Union, facilitating its standardized use in personal care products. In makeup products, mineral oil serves as a solvent to dissolve and disperse pigments, ensuring even application and color stability, while in hair care items such as conditioners, it enhances shine by coating the hair shaft and smoothing the cuticle. Baby oil, a common cosmetic product, consists primarily of 100% highly refined mineral oil often scented with fragrance to provide gentle moisturization for sensitive skin. Refined cosmetic-grade mineral oil offers advantages including non-comedogenic properties, meaning it does not clog pores when properly purified, and cost-effectiveness due to its stability and low production expense. Controversies in the 1990s, stemming from myths about its petroleum-derived origins causing skin irritation or cancer, were debunked by industry reviews, including the Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CTFA) Mineral Oil Task Force in 1996, and subsequent Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel assessments concluding that highly refined white mineral oil is safe for topical use based on extensive literature review showing negligible skin penetration and no evidence of hazard. Mineral oil is a significant component in cosmetics, with the pharmaceuticals and cosmetics sector accounting for over 28% of the global mineral oil market as of 2024. Under the EU Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009, its use is permitted only if the full refining history is documented and impurities like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are limited to ensure safety.

Industrial and Mechanical Applications

Mineral oil functions as a foundational base stock in industrial lubricants, particularly within API Groups I and II, which are petroleum-derived and commonly formulated into engine oils for machinery and vehicles. These groups exhibit high solvency for additives and provide effective lubrication by forming a thin boundary layer on metal surfaces, thereby minimizing direct contact and reducing friction during operation. To optimize performance across varying temperatures, viscosity index improvers are incorporated into these formulations, helping to stabilize the oil's flow characteristics. In electrical applications, mineral oil is extensively used as transformer oil, serving as a dielectric insulator to prevent electrical breakdown and as a coolant to dissipate heat in high-voltage transformers and switchgear. This role is governed by specifications like ASTM D3487, which ensures the oil's purity, oxidation stability, and electrical properties for safe operation in power distribution equipment. Its low dielectric constant and high breakdown voltage make it ideal for immersing windings and cores, enhancing equipment reliability. For mechanical processes, mineral oil is integral to cutting fluids and hydraulic fluids in manufacturing settings. In metalworking, it is typically emulsified in water-based formulations at concentrations of 5–30% to provide lubrication, cooling, and rust protection during machining, grinding, and stamping operations. Hydraulic fluids based on mineral oil transmit power efficiently in industrial machinery, leveraging the oil's viscosity for smooth pressure control while resisting shear under load. Relative to synthetic alternatives, mineral oil lubricants stand out for their cost-effectiveness and widespread availability, enabling economical deployment in high-volume industrial contexts without compromising basic performance needs. However, their application in automotive engine oils has been declining since the 2010s, accelerated by the growing adoption of electric vehicles that eliminate the need for traditional combustion engine lubrication. Paraffin oil, a highly refined form of mineral oil, is preferred for indoor use in oil lamps because it produces less smoke, odor, and soot compared to less refined alternatives like kerosene.

Food-Grade Applications

Food-grade mineral oil, highly refined to meet stringent purity standards, is approved for use in food processing and preparation to facilitate safe handling and production without compromising product quality. It functions as a non-toxic, inert substance that prevents adhesion, controls foam, and lubricates equipment, with applications limited to direct additives or incidental contact under strict regulatory oversight. As a release agent, white mineral oil is commonly applied to baking sheets, conveyor belts, and molds to ensure easy separation of food items during manufacturing. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits its use in bakery products at concentrations not exceeding 0.15% by weight of the food and in confectionery for release and sealing purposes at up to 0.2% by weight, with formulations allowing up to 10% mineral oil content while restricting overall migration to the food to no more than 10 parts per million (ppm). In direct food contact scenarios, white mineral oil serves as a defoamer during beet sugar processing, where it is added in amounts reasonably required to suppress foam, and as a lubricant for machinery involved in food production, with a maximum allowable migration into the final product of 10 ppm to minimize residue. White mineral oil received Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) affirmation in 1959 as part of the FDA's initial GRAS list, enabling its incorporation into food items such as candy coatings at levels up to 0.2% by weight and chewing gum bases under good manufacturing practices. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) raised concerns about mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) in its 2012 scientific opinion due to evidence of potential genotoxicity in certain MOAH fractions. Subsequently, in 2022, the EU established maximum levels for MOAH, recommending limits below 2 mg/kg in fats and oils for food-grade applications. As of 2025, these limits remain in place with ongoing monitoring.

Agricultural and Other Applications

In agriculture, mineral oil is widely employed as a horticultural oil in dormant sprays to control pests on fruit and nut trees. These sprays, typically formulated as 1–2% emulsions in water, are applied during the dormant season to smother overwintering stages of insects such as scales, mites, and aphids by coating their bodies and blocking spiracles, preventing respiration without significant harm to plants or beneficial insects. Such applications have been EPA-registered as insecticides since the 1940s under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, with ongoing approvals for use on crops including citrus, apples, and almonds. In veterinary practice, mineral oil functions as an external parasiticide for livestock, applied topically to smother parasites like lice and ticks on cattle and sheep, often in diluted sprays or dips that coat the animal's coat. It is also utilized in wound dressings for animals to provide a protective barrier, reduce moisture loss, and promote healing on superficial injuries. Internally, mineral oil serves as a hairball remedy for cats, administered orally to lubricate the gastrointestinal tract and aid in expelling ingested fur, though commercial formulations are preferred over plain oil to minimize aspiration risks. Beyond agriculture and veterinary uses, mineral oil finds application as an optical immersion medium in light microscopy, where specialized immersion oils based on mineral oil have a refractive index of approximately 1.515, closely matching that of glass lenses to minimize light refraction at the objective-specimen interface and enhance resolution up to 1000x magnification. As a wood preservative, it penetrates porous surfaces like those of furniture and tool handles, forming a moisture-repellent barrier that prevents cracking and warping without altering the natural appearance. In perfumery, mineral oil occasionally acts as a diluent for fragrance compounds, providing a stable, non-reactive carrier that extends scent longevity in oil-based formulations. Niche applications include its role as an emollient base in cold creams, where it softens skin and stabilizes the emulsion of waxes and water for protective moisturizing. In textile manufacturing, mineral oil-based lubricants reduce friction during fiber spinning and weaving, improving process efficiency on synthetic and natural yarns. However, mineral oil's use in organic farming is declining due to its petroleum-derived origin, with regulatory bodies like the USDA National Organic Program granting only limited exemptions and favoring biodegradable, plant-based alternatives to align with sustainability standards.

Toxicology and Safety

Health Effects

Mineral oil exhibits low acute toxicity, with an oral LD50 greater than 5,000 mg/kg in rats, indicating it is not highly poisonous when ingested in moderate amounts. However, the primary health concern arises from chronic inhalation or aspiration, particularly leading to lipoid pneumonia, an inflammatory lung condition caused by oil droplets entering the respiratory tract and impairing mucociliary clearance. This risk is heightened in cases of prolonged use as a laxative, where aspiration can occur, especially in vulnerable populations such as children or those with swallowing difficulties. Regarding carcinogenicity, untreated and mildly treated mineral oils are classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as Group 1 carcinogens to humans, based on sufficient evidence from occupational studies showing increased skin cancer risk among exposed workers. In contrast, highly refined mineral oils are classified as Group 3, not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans, due to inadequate evidence in humans and animals. The mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) fraction, particularly those with three or more aromatic rings, is implicated in genotoxicity and tumor formation in animal studies, though human data remain limited. Other health effects include gastrointestinal disturbances such as cramps, nausea, and vomiting from overuse as a laxative, along with interference in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K due to mineral oil's lipophilic nature binding these nutrients in the gut. Pediatric use has been cautioned against since the 1990s owing to heightened aspiration risks and potential for lipoid pneumonia, prompting recommendations to avoid it in children under six years old. Exposure monitoring reveals occupational limits set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) at a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 5 mg/m³ for mineral oil mist over an 8-hour workday. Biomonitoring studies indicate accumulation of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) in human tissues, with mean concentrations of 223 mg/kg in mesenteric lymph nodes, 131 mg/kg in liver, and 130 mg/kg in fat tissue, suggesting long-term retention from dietary and environmental sources.

Regulatory Safety Guidelines

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates mineral oil used as an over-the-counter laxative, requiring specific labeling warnings such as "Do not administer to children under 6 years of age, to pregnant women, to bedridden patients, or to persons with difficulty swallowing" to prevent misuse and aspiration risks. Additionally, under the Consumer Product Safety Commission's Poison Prevention Packaging Act (16 CFR 1700.14), products containing mineral oil in concentrations that pose a risk of serious injury or illness, such as liquid hydrocarbons, must use child-resistant packaging to limit accidental ingestion by children. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permits highly refined mineral oil as an inert ingredient in pesticide formulations under 40 CFR 180.950, provided it meets purity standards to ensure safety in agricultural applications. Under California's Proposition 65, untreated and mildly treated mineral oils, along with used engine oils, are listed as known to cause cancer, requiring warning labels on products containing these substances above specified safe harbor levels to inform consumers of potential reproductive toxicity risks. Internationally, the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) established a temporary acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0.01 mg/kg body weight for mineral oil hydrocarbons, including mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH), based on toxicological data to minimize potential carcinogenic exposure from food contamination. In the European Union, the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 classifies certain mineral oil products as skin irritants (Skin Irrit. 2, H315: Causes skin irritation) and aspiration hazards (Asp. Tox. 1, H304: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways), mandating hazard pictograms, signal words like "Warning," and precautionary statements on labels for industrial and consumer formulations. For occupational safety, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation in mineral oil refining processes to maintain airborne concentrations of mineral oil mist below the recommended exposure limit of 5 mg/m³ as an 8- to 10-hour time-weighted average, preventing respiratory irritation and long-term health effects. NIOSH also advises short-term exposure limits not exceeding 10 mg/m³ over 15 minutes, with personal protective equipment like N100 respirators used when ventilation is inadequate. Testing protocols for regulatory compliance include ultraviolet (UV) absorbance measurements per ASTM D2269-10, which evaluate the suitability of white mineral oils by assessing absorbance in the 260-400 nm range to quantify polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content, ensuring levels below 0.02 absorbance units per centimeter for food-contact applications as specified in 21 CFR 178.3620. In practice, such protocols have supported recalls, such as the 2018 French DGCCRF action on contaminated batches of frozen mini donuts due to elevated mineral oil hydrocarbon levels detected via similar analytical methods.

Environmental Impact

Ecological Concerns

Mineral oil demonstrates high environmental persistence due to its low biodegradability, with a half-life exceeding 200 days in soil under typical conditions. This prolonged residence time allows it to accumulate in sediments and soils, exacerbating long-term contamination risks in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. In aquatic environments, mineral oil shows limited bioaccumulation potential in organisms, though certain saturated hydrocarbon fractions may exhibit moderately higher uptake in lipid-rich tissues. Spills of mineral oil pose significant threats to wildlife, particularly through physical coating that impairs natural behaviors and survival mechanisms. For seabirds, oil residues adhere to feathers, compromising waterproofing and thermal insulation, which leads to hypothermia, reduced foraging efficiency, and increased mortality rates. Additionally, mineral oil exhibits moderate toxicity to primary producers like algae, with EC50 values ranging from 100 to 310 mg/L, potentially disrupting phytoplankton communities and base-level food webs in affected waters. Regarding atmospheric contributions, mineral oil itself emits low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) due to its refined composition, but the upstream refining process releases substantial VOCs, contributing to broader petroleum-related air pollution and photochemical smog formation. Ecotoxicological studies, including data from regulatory assessments, indicate low acute toxicity to fish species, with LC50 values exceeding 1000 mg/L in standard 96-hour exposures. Highly refined mineral oil is generally considered to have low chronic toxicity to aquatic organisms. Refining byproducts from mineral oil production further tie into these concerns by adding persistent pollutants to wastewater effluents.

Sustainability and Alternatives

Efforts to enhance the sustainability of mineral oil focus on recycling and re-refining processes, which recover valuable base stocks from used oils while minimizing resource consumption. Re-refining used lubricating oil is significantly more efficient than producing virgin base oil from crude, requiring approximately 13 liters of used oil to yield 1 liter of re-refined base stock compared to 67 liters of crude oil for the same output. In the European Union, the Waste Framework Directive supports high recovery rates through proposed targets of 95% collection for produced and collectable waste oils, promoting regeneration over disposal to prevent environmental contamination. As of 2025, ongoing revisions emphasize circular economy principles for waste oils. Biodegradable alternatives to mineral oil, particularly vegetable-based oils, offer reduced environmental persistence in applications like lubricants. Canola oil, for instance, demonstrates high biodegradability, exceeding 99% degradation within 21 days under standard testing conditions, making it suitable for eco-sensitive uses such as chainsaw bar oils. Synthetic options like polyalphaolefin (PAO) provide performance advantages over mineral oil, including superior thermal stability and oxidative resistance, serving as a non-petroleum-derived substitute in industrial and automotive lubricants. Sustainability initiatives in mineral oil production incorporate green chemistry principles, such as advanced catalytic processes that optimize refining efficiency. In the 2020s, innovations like solar-assisted preheating in refineries have achieved up to 20% reductions in fossil fuel demand for heating operations. In cosmetics, there is a growing shift toward bio-based emollients, with natural alternatives like coco-caprylate/caprate providing sensory profiles comparable to mineral oil while being derived from renewable coconut and palm kernel sources. Despite these advances, challenges persist in adopting alternatives, including higher costs for synthetics, which can be 2–3 times more expensive than mineral oil due to complex manufacturing. Lifecycle analyses reveal trade-offs: mineral oil typically exhibits lower water consumption in production compared to some bio-based alternatives, but it generates higher CO2 emissions, with bio-based lubricants reducing greenhouse gas impacts by up to 75% across the lifecycle.

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