Overview
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.
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Physical Properties
| Melting Point | -24 °C (lit.) |
| Boiling Point | 360 °C |
| Density | 0.875-0.905 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | >300°C |
| Appearance | Clear colorless oil |
| Color | white |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Form | light oil |
| Water Solubility | Soluble in ether. Sparingly soluble in ethanol. Not miscible or difficult to mix in water. |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.467(lit.) |
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 27122090 |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
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Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 8012-95-1
- EC Number
- 232-384-2
- Mol. Weight
- -
- HS Code
- 27122090
- Category
- Oils, Fats & Waxes