White mineral oil is most notably the by-product of the process of refining crude oil. It is generally light, colorless, and odorless, which gives rise to its many uses across industries. Industrial chemical supplier Bell Chem supplies many of its customers with its pure mineral oil and wants our customers to know how white mineral oil can be used across industries.

Names of White Mineral Oil

On packages you might note white mineral oil listed as white oil, mineral oil, liquid paraffin, paraffin oil, or liquid petroleum. Along with its many names, white mineral oil has developed from many sources over the centuries. In modern times, it is most readily derived from crude oil processing. 

Two Types of White Mineral Oil

White mineral oil can be processed into food grade as well as medical grade. Both grades use white mineral oil as an application to machinery as a lubricant since all chemicals in close proximity with pharmaceutical or food products must meet higher standards. 

Food Production

White mineral oil is added to rice, barley, wheat, and oats and even sticky candies such as gummi worms since it keeps these foods from adhering to each other. Many spray oils contain white mineral oil for this same reason. Many foods are coated with white mineral oil to maintain freshness since it creates a barrier between the food and chemical reactions associated with oxygen. 

Restaurant Uses

Food grade white mineral oil is slathered on wooden cutting boards to stop liquids and odors from absorbing into the porous surface. Stainless steel utensils and surfaces are easily polished with white mineral oil. Cutlery wiped with white mineral oil after contacting food loses any lingering odor and maintains its cleanliness.

In Medicine

The pharmaceutical industry adds white mineral oil to capsules. Many topical ointments and personal care products contain this oil to reduce loss of fluid from the surface of the skin, soften skin, and lubricate. If you have ever used baby oil, you know what white mineral oil is since baby oil is white mineral oil plus a fragrance. Animals are not exempt from white mineral oil’s varied uses; in vaccines administered to many animal breeds, white mineral oil is an ingredient.

Personal Care

Personal care products including sunscreens, cold creams, lotions, and many cosmetics list white mineral oil on their labels because it is non comedogenic. Also, as a stable, inert product, consumers with sensitive skin generally have no reaction to white mineral oil.

Uses in Plastics

Plastics find white mineral oil is superior in PVC and polystyrene lubricants since it softens the beginning rubber products and enhances the melt flow rate of the end product. Plastic food packaging and utensils, children’s toys, and many other plastics also rely on white mineral oil. 

Bell Chem is a sanitation chemical supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including white mineral oil. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.