Light Liquid Paraffin is a highly refined mineral oil derived from petroleum. It is also commonly known as:

• Liquid Paraffin
• White Mineral Oil
• Paraffinum Liquidum (INCI name)

English Ingredient Name (for labeling)

• Light Liquid Paraffin
  or more standard cosmetic/INCI:
• Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum)

What it is used for

Light liquid paraffin is widely used in:

• Cosmetics & personal care (lotions, creams, hair oils)
• Pharmaceutical products (laxatives in medical-grade form)
• Industrial applications (lubricants, processing aid)
• Food industry (very limited cases) only if food-grade mineral oil is certified

Key functions

• Acts as an emollient (softens and smooths skin)
• Helps lock in moisture by forming a protective barrier
• Improves texture and spreadability in creams and oils
• Provides lubrication in pharmaceutical and industrial uses

Important notes

There are different grades:

• ✔️ Pharmaceutical / Cosmetic grade (USP / BP grade) → safe for topical use
• ⚠️ Food-grade mineral oil → rare, strictly regulated
• ❌ Industrial grade → not suitable for personal or food use

Typical usage level

• Usually 1% – 20% in cosmetic formulations depending on product type