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Send EmailLiquid Paraffin, Paraffin Oil, White Mineral Oil, Light Liquid Paraffin, Polishing Oil, Mineral Oil, Paraffinic Oil, 8012-95-1, 8042-47-5
LIQUID PARAFFIN (WHITE MINERAL OIL)
1. PRODUCT DEFINITION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter | Fully Refined Light Liquid Paraffin | Semi-Refined Light Liquid Paraffin |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | White Mineral Oil (Light Liquid Paraffin) | Light Liquid Paraffin (Mineral Oil) |
| CAS Number | 8042-47-5 | 8012-95-1 |
| Common Synonyms | Liquid Paraffin BP/USP/IP, White Mineral Oil, Paraffin Oil | Light Liquid Paraffin, Mineral Oil Technical Grade, Polishing Oil, Paraffinic Oil |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless, odourless oily liquid | Clear, colourless to pale yellowish, slight technical odour possible |
| Purity Grade | Pharmaceutical / Cosmetic (BP, USP, IP compliant) | Cosmetic / Technical Grade |
Note: Liquid paraffin is a highly refined mineral oil obtained from petroleum. The key distinction between the two primary grades lies in the degree of refining, purity, and compliance with pharmacopoeia standards. The fully refined grade (8042-47-5) is suitable for the most sensitive applications, including pharmaceuticals, food contact, and premium cosmetics. The semi-refined grade (8012-95-1) is a cost-effective alternative for technical applications and general cosmetics where full pharmacopoeia compliance is not mandatory.
2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Fully Refined (8042-47-5) | Semi-Refined (8012-95-1) |
|---|---|---|
| Density (20 °C) | 0.83 – 0.87 g/cm³ | 0.82 – 0.86 g/cm³ |
| Viscosity (40 °C) | 65 – 230 cSt (depending on grade) | Lower viscosity range |
| Pour Point (Flow Point) | -15 °C to -18 °C (remains fluid at low temperatures) | -6 °C to -9 °C (higher risk of solidification in the cold) |
| Flash Point | >170 °C | >150 °C |
| Solubility in Water | Insoluble | Insoluble |
| Solubility in Organics | Soluble in chloroform and ether | Soluble in organic solvents |
| Odour and Colour | Odourless and colourless | May have a faint yellowish tint and a slight technical odour |
| Aromatic Hydrocarbon Content | None; highly refined | Trace levels possible |
3. FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MODE OF ACTION
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Emollient and Moisturizer: Forms a thin, occlusive, lipophilic film on the skin's surface. This film reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), providing a moisturizing and softening effect without leaving a greasy feeling.
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Carrier and Base Oil: An excellent, inert, and non-reactive solvent and carrier for active pharmaceutical ingredients, fragrances, and essential oils in ointments, creams, and emulsions.
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Lubricant and Polish: Provides a durable, high-gloss, water-repellent film on surfaces, making it ideal for furniture polishes, automotive detailing, and metal cleaning products.
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Textile Auxiliary: Used as a lubricant, softener, and finishing agent in textile and leather processing.
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Laxative (Pharma Grade): When ingested in regulated doses, it acts as a lubricant laxative, coating the stool and intestinal mucosa to facilitate passage. This application is strictly limited to the fully refined, pharmacopoeia-compliant grade.
4. SECTORAL APPLICATIONS AND SUITABILITY TABLE
| Sector / Application | Fully Refined (8042-47-5) | Semi-Refined (8012-95-1) |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics & Personal Care | Highly Suitable (baby oil, moisturizer, cream base) | Suitable (general creams, some lotions) |
| Pharmaceuticals | Highly Suitable (ointment base, laxative, emulsion carrier) | Not Suitable (lacks pharmacopoeia certification) |
| Food Packaging (Indirect Contact) | Highly Suitable (FDA 21 CFR 172.878 compliant) | Not Recommended |
| Textile & Leather | Highly Suitable (softener, finishing agent) | Highly Suitable (lubricant, softening agent) |
| Veterinary & Agriculture | Highly Suitable (udder cream, topical sprays) | Suitable (technical applications) |
| Cleaning & Polishing | Suitable (premium polishes) | Highly Suitable (furniture polish, metal cleaner) |
| Plastic & Rubber | Partially Suitable (mould release agent) | Suitable (plasticizer, process aid) |
| Industrial Lubrication | Partially Suitable (light lubrication) | Suitable (anti-rust, general lubrication) |
5. KEY DIFFERENTIATOR: POUR POINT AND LOW-TEMPERATURE PERFORMANCE
The pour point is a critical quality parameter, defining the lowest temperature at which the oil remains fluid. This is crucial for outdoor or low-temperature applications.
| Property | Fully Refined (8042-47-5) | Semi-Refined (8012-95-1) |
|---|---|---|
| Pour Point | -15 °C to -18 °C | -6 °C to -9 °C |
| Low-Temperature Behaviour | Remains fluid in cold conditions; suitable for outdoor use | Higher risk of freezing or becoming too viscous in winter |
| Preferred for | Veterinary products, outdoor textiles, pharma ointments requiring easy spreading | Room-temperature cosmetics and polishing applications |
6. COMPARISON OF ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
| Feature | Fully Refined (8042-47-5) | Semi-Refined (8012-95-1) |
|---|---|---|
| Purity and Safety | Very High; pharmacopoeia compliant | Medium to High; technical grade |
| Regulatory Documentation | BP/USP/IP certificates, FDA 21 CFR 172.878 available | Standard TDS/MSDS; certification not guaranteed |
| Cost | Higher (certified, premium) | Lower (economical, technical) |
| Cold Weather Performance | Excellent (low pour point) | Moderate (risk of solidification) |
| Colour and Odour | Excellent; colourless and odourless | Good; may have a faint tint/odour |
| ERP Alias Management | Clear; "Liquid Paraffin BP/USP/IP" | Risk of confusion; must be defined as "Mineral Oil Technical Grade" |
7. SAFETY, STORAGE, AND REGULATORY INFORMATION
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GHS Classification: Not classified as a hazardous substance or mixture. Prolonged contact may cause skin dryness.
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Food Contact (Fully Refined only): Compliant with FDA 21 CFR 172.878 for indirect food contact.
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Pharmacopoeia Compliance (Fully Refined only): Meets the standards of BP (British Pharmacopoeia), USP (United States Pharmacopeia), and IP (Indian Pharmacopoeia).
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Storage: Store in a cool (<30 °C), dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, in tightly sealed packaging.
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Personal Protection: Standard industrial hygiene practices (gloves for handling large quantities) are sufficient.
8. QUICK REFERENCE AND SELECTION GUIDE
| Application Requirement | Recommended Product | Recommended CAS |
|---|---|---|
| Needs BP/USP/IP certification | Fully Refined Light Liquid Paraffin | 8042-47-5 |
| Pharmaceutical or food contact use | Fully Refined Light Liquid Paraffin | 8042-47-5 |
| Premium, odourless baby oil or cosmetic | Fully Refined Light Liquid Paraffin | 8042-47-5 |
| Outdoor or cold-weather application | Fully Refined Light Liquid Paraffin | 8042-47-5 |
| General cosmetics (room temperature) | Semi-Refined Light Liquid Paraffin | 8012-95-1 |
| Cost-sensitive polishing or cleaning agent | Semi-Refined Light Liquid Paraffin | 8012-95-1 |
| Industrial lubrication or textile auxiliary | Semi-Refined Light Liquid Paraffin | 8012-95-1 |
9. SUMMARY TABLE
| Property | Fully Refined (CAS 8042-47-5) | Semi-Refined (CAS 8012-95-1) |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Light Liquid Paraffin BP/USP/IP | Mineral Oil – Technical Grade |
| Purity | Pharmaceutical/Cosmetic Grade | Cosmetic/Technical Grade |
| Appearance | Colourless, odourless | Clear to pale yellow, slight odour |
| Pour Point | -15 °C to -18 °C | -6 °C to -9 °C |
| Main Applications | Pharma, cosmetics, food packaging, veterinary | Textiles, polishing, industrial, general cosmetics |
| Regulatory | BP/USP/IP, FDA 21 CFR 172.878 | Standard TDS/MSDS |
