Turkey Liquid paraffin supplier from UAE for Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics

liquid paraffin

What Is Liquid Paraffin?

Liquid paraffin is a highly refined mineral oil that appears clear, colorless, odorless, and chemically stable. It is produced from petroleum and widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food processing, and industrial applications. Because it is non-toxic, inert, and safe when properly refined, Paraffin oil works as a lubricant, moisturizer, carrier oil, and protective barrier across many industries. In simple terms, liquid paraffin is valued because it performs consistently, does not react with other materials, and meets strict purity standards.

Liquid Paraffin (Mineral Oil) Explained Simply

Liquid paraffin is also known as mineral oil or white oil. It belongs to a group of liquid hydrocarbons that come from petroleum refining. Unlike crude oil, Mineral oil goes through deep purification to remove impurities such as sulfur, nitrogen, aromatics, and odors.

As a result, the final product becomes:

  • Chemically inert

  • Tasteless and odorless

  • Safe for controlled human and industrial use

Because of these qualities, industries trust Paraffin oil where safety, cleanliness, and stability matter most.

Why Liquid Paraffin Is So Widely Used

Liquid paraffin remains popular because it solves many problems at once. It lubricates without reacting and It moisturizes without irritation. It protects surfaces without changing their structure. Moreover, it keeps its properties stable over time.

Key benefits include:

  • Excellent chemical stability

  • High purity and clarity

  • Long shelf life

  • Neutral behavior with skin and materials

  • Easy handling and storage

These advantages explain why demand for mineral oil remains strong in both consumer and industrial markets.

How Liquid Paraffin Is Made

Liquid paraffin comes from carefully refined crude oil. The production process focuses on purity, safety, and consistency.

Step-by-Step Production Process

First, crude oil enters a refining unit where it is separated into different fractions based on boiling points. Heavy fractions, such as waxes and base oils, move to further refining stages.

Next, refiners apply:

  • Vacuum distillation

  • Solvent extraction

  • Hydrotreating and filtration

These steps remove impurities, color bodies, and reactive compounds. Finally, refiners adjust viscosity and clarity to meet the required grade.

The result is a highly refined liquid hydrocarbon mixture that is clear, stable, and safe for sensitive applications.

Technical Specifications of Liquid Paraffin

Although specifications can vary by grade and application, standard Mineral oil typically meets the following parameters:

General Properties

  • Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid

  • Odor: Odorless or very faint

  • Density: 0.80 – 0.90 g/cm³

  • Boiling Range: 280 – 350 °C

  • Flash Point: 170 – 220 °C

  • Viscosity: 10 – 100 cSt at 25 °C

  • Refractive Index: 1.460 – 1.470

  • Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents

  • Purity: Minimum 99%

For pharmaceutical and cosmetic grades, Paraffin oil must comply with recognized standards such as USP, BP, or Ph. Eur.

Liquid Paraffin Grades and Quality Levels

Liquid paraffin is not a single product. Manufacturers offer different grades depending on use:

  • Pharmaceutical Grade: Ultra-pure, suitable for internal and topical use

  • Cosmetic Grade: Optimized for skin and hair formulations

  • Food Grade: Approved for food contact and processing

  • Industrial Grade: Designed for lubrication, machinery, and processing

Choosing the correct grade ensures safety, performance, and regulatory compliance.

Uses of Liquid Paraffin (Mineral Oil)

Liquid paraffin serves many industries because of its versatility and reliability.

Pharmaceutical Applications

In medicine, Mineral oil acts as:

  • A laxative to relieve constipation

  • A base for ointments and creams

  • A skin-protective barrier

It softens stool by coating the intestinal lining and reducing water loss, which promotes gentle bowel movement.

Cosmetic and Personal Care Uses

In cosmetics, mineral oil is valued for its moisturizing and protective properties. It appears in:

  • Skin creams and lotions

  • Baby oils

  • Hair conditioners

  • Makeup products

Liquid paraffin locks in moisture, smooths the skin surface, and improves product texture without clogging pores when properly formulated.

Food Industry Applications

Food-grade liquid paraffin is commonly used as:

  • A lubricant for food processing equipment

  • A release agent for baking molds

  • A coating for fruits and vegetables

It improves appearance, prevents sticking, and extends shelf life without altering taste or smell.

Industrial Applications

Industrial sectors rely on liquid paraffin for:

  • Textile lubrication

  • Metalworking processes

  • Paper and packaging production

  • Heat transfer systems

  • Hydraulic and transformer oils

Because it resists oxidation and remains stable under temperature changes, it performs reliably in demanding environments.

Other Uses

Additional applications include:

  • Candle manufacturing

  • Aromatherapy and massage oils

  • Wood surface protection

  • Plastic and rubber processing

Its neutrality makes it suitable wherever clean lubrication or protection is required.

Safety and Handling of Mineral oil

Although liquid paraffin is considered safe, correct handling remains essential. Always:

  • Use the appropriate grade for the application

  • Follow regulatory and safety guidelines

  • Avoid ingestion unless medically approved

Proper storage in sealed containers prevents contamination and maintains product quality.

Paraffin oil Packaging Options

Suppliers typically offer flexible packaging solutions to suit logistics and storage needs:

  • 180 kg steel drums (new or reconditioned)

  • ISO tanks

  • Flexi tanks

These options support both small buyers and bulk industrial consumers.

Liquid Paraffin Price Overview

The price of liquid paraffin depends on:

  • Grade and purity level

  • Packaging type

  • Order quantity

  • Market demand and crude oil trends

Historically, prices fluctuate with global oil markets. For example, in April 2023, Paraffin oil traded around 800 USD per metric ton, though current prices may vary.

Typical Analysis of Liquid Paraffin

Test ItemResultTest Method
Kinematic Viscosity at 40 °C19–21 cStASTM D-445
Pour Point (Max)0 to −6 °CASTM D-97
Flash Point197–215 °CASTM D-92
Density at 20 °C0.827–0.890 g/cm³BP 2012
Color (Lovibond)0.2Y + 0.2BIP-17 Method A
OdorPassedBP 2012
Acidity / AlkalinityPassedBP 2012
Solid ParaffinPassedBP 2012

Why Buyers Choose High-Quality Liquid Paraffin

Businesses choose liquid paraffin because it delivers:

  • Consistent performance

  • Long-term stability

  • Broad application range

  • Compliance with international standards

Whether used in healthcare, beauty, food, or industry, Paraffin oil remains one of the most reliable petroleum-derived products on the global market.

Final Thoughts

Liquid paraffin is more than just mineral oil. It is a refined, dependable solution that supports modern industries where safety, purity, and performance matter. With correct grade selection, proper handling, and trusted sourcing, liquid paraffin continues to be an essential material across countless applications worldwide.

Yes, mineral oil refer to the same product in most industrial, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic contexts. Both terms describe a highly refined, colorless, odorless petroleum-derived oil. The name “liquid paraffin” is more common in medical and British standards, while “mineral oil” is widely used in industrial and commercial markets. The key difference lies in the grade and level of refinement, not the substance itself.

Yes, liquid paraffin and mineral oil refer to the same product in most industrial, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic contexts. Both terms describe a highly refined, colorless, odorless petroleum-derived oil. The name “liquid paraffin” is more common in medical and British standards, while “mineral oil” is widely used in industrial and commercial markets. The key difference lies in the grade and level of refinement, not the substance itself.

Mineral oil is safe for pharmaceutical and cosmetic use when it meets recognized standards such as USP, BP, or Ph. Eur. These grades undergo deep refining to remove harmful impurities. Pharmaceutical-grade liquid paraffin is safe for topical use and controlled oral use under medical guidance. Cosmetic-grade mineral oil is non-comedogenic, non-reactive, and widely used in skincare and personal care products.