Mineral oil
Mineral oil is a mixture of liquid saturated hydrocarbons, mainly paraffinic and naphthenic, obtained from petroleum. Cosmetic and pharmaceutical white mineral oil is made by severe hydrotreating or acid treatment of lube base oil fractions to remove aromatics, sulfur and color. Brands buy it in drums or totes, sold by viscosity, as an emollient oil for baby oils, creams, lotions, makeup removers and OTC skin protectants.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Low-viscosity white oil meeting the NF monograph, used in baby oils, sprays and lighter lotions.
Higher-viscosity white oil meeting the USP monograph, used in creams and ointments.
White mineral oil meeting 21 CFR 172.878 specifications for food-contact and food uses.
Grades for industrial uses that do not carry pharmacopeial or food documentation.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store mineral oil in closed drums or totes at room temperature, away from heat, ignition sources and strong oxidizers. It is stable and does not go rancid. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of appearance and viscosity to extend it.
Record grade (light or heavy, USP/NF or food), viscosity and UV absorbance result for each lot. Lots from different refineries can differ slightly in viscosity and odor, so check new suppliers against a retained sample.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 172.878 permits white mineral oil, a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons, essentially paraffinic and naphthenic, obtained from petroleum, in food under set specifications and limits.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 347.10 lists mineral oil at 50 to 100 percent as a skin protectant active ingredient in the OTC skin protectant monograph.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists JECFA acceptable daily intakes for mineral oil by viscosity class, including 0-20 mg/kg bw for high-viscosity mineral oil.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Distributor · Des Plaines, IL
Illinois supplier of bulk oils, butters, waxes and soap-making bases, owned by Columbus Vegetable Oils, selling to soap makers and small personal care brands.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include light mineral oil (NF), mineral oil USP (heavy), food-grade white oil and technical white oil. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect identity and viscosity, readily carbonizable substances, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, sulfur compounds, solid paraffins and acidity and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store mineral oil in closed drums or totes at room temperature, away from heat, ignition sources and strong oxidizers. It is stable and does not go rancid. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of appearance and viscosity to extend it.
21 CFR 172.878 permits white mineral oil, a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons, essentially paraffinic and naphthenic, obtained from petroleum, in food under set specifications and limits. 21 CFR 347.10 lists mineral oil at 50 to 100 percent as a skin protectant active ingredient in the OTC skin protectant monograph. Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists JECFA acceptable daily intakes for mineral oil by viscosity class, including 0-20 mg/kg bw for high-viscosity mineral oil.
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