Paraffin oil
Paraffin Oil
Paraffin oil, also known as mineral oil, is a colorless and odorless oil that is derived from petroleum. It is a highly refined product that is used in a wide range of applications, from the cosmetic industry to the medical field.
History[edit | edit source]
Paraffin oil was first distilled from coal in the 19th century. The process was developed by Scottish chemist James Young, who discovered that by applying heat to coal, he could produce a liquid substance. This substance was later named paraffin oil due to its low melting point (paraffin is derived from the Latin words 'parum' and 'affinis', meaning 'little affinity').
Production[edit | edit source]
Paraffin oil is produced through the distillation of petroleum. The crude oil is heated and separated into different components based on their boiling points. The fraction that boils at a temperature between 150 and 300 degrees Celsius is collected and further refined to produce paraffin oil.
Uses[edit | edit source]
Paraffin oil has a wide range of uses due to its chemical stability, low toxicity, and low reactivity.
Cosmetics[edit | edit source]
In the cosmetics industry, paraffin oil is used as a moisturizer in skin care products. It forms a barrier on the skin's surface, preventing moisture loss and helping to keep the skin hydrated.
Medical[edit | edit source]
In the medical field, paraffin oil is used as a laxative. It works by softening the stool and making it easier to pass. It is also used in some ointments and creams for its soothing and protective properties.
Industrial[edit | edit source]
In industrial applications, paraffin oil is used as a lubricant and coolant in machinery and tools. It is also used in the production of some types of plastic and rubber.
Safety and Health Effects[edit | edit source]
Paraffin oil is generally considered safe for topical use and ingestion in small amounts. However, prolonged exposure or ingestion in large amounts can lead to health issues such as skin irritation, digestive problems, and in rare cases, pneumonia.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD