Paraffina liquida or Paraffinum liquidum is the name for paraffin in liquid form. a highly refined mineral oil. A complex combination of highly refined branched-chain and highly refined naphthenic saturated hydrocarbons consisting of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons.

The name defines the structure of the molecule

• "Paraffinum" derived from the word "paraffin", which refers to a class of saturated hydrocarbons.
• "Liquidum" indicates that the form of the paraffin in question is liquid at room temperature.

Description of raw materials used in production

• Crude oil - The base raw material from which mineral oil is derived through refining processes.

Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process.

• Distillation - The crude oil is distilled in an atmospheric distillation column to separate various components based on their boiling points.
• Refining - The light lubricating oil fraction (which will become mineral oil) undergoes further refining to remove impurities and undesirable compounds. This can involve treatments with sulfuric acid and/or alkali.
• Hydrotreating - The fraction is exposed to hydrogen under high pressure and temperature in the presence of a catalyst. This process removes unwanted compounds like sulfur and improves the product's stability.
• Dewaxing - To achieve a clear, stable oil, wax is removed from the lubricating oil through a process called dewaxing.
• Purification - Any trace impurities are removed through processes like filtration and centrifugation.
• Quality Control - A quality check is done on the mineral oil to ensure it meets the required specifications.

It appears as a transparent oily liquid

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Emollient agent. The presence of Paraffinum liquidum produces, in the biophysical properties of the skin, a reduction in the natural loss of trans epidermal water, as an occlusive agent that physically blocks the evaporation of water from the skin (1). but, while glycerine attracts water to the surface of the skin and in this way maintains the hydration of the stratum corneum, Paraffinum liquidum is adsorbed onto the skin and reduces the loss of trans epidermal water by producing an emollient film. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in inter-epidermal clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Antistatic agent. Static electricity build-up has a direct influence on products and causes electrostatic adsorption. The antistatic ingredient reduces static build-up and surface resistivity on the surface of the skin and hair.

Skin protectant. It creates a protective barrier on the skin to defend it from harmful substances, irritants, allergens, pathogens that can cause various inflammatory conditions. These products can also improve the natural skin barrier and in most cases more than one is needed to achieve an effective result.

Solvent. It is the substance for dissolving or dispersing surfactants, oils, dyes, flavourings, bactericidal preservatives in solution.In fact, it dissolves other components present in a cosmetic formulation. Solvents are generally liquid (aqueous and non-aqueous).

Other uses

It is mainly used as components and packaging materials for food, oral medicines, waxed paper, crayons, candles, carbon paper, coating materials for fruit preservation, insulation in electrical components.  It helps improve the ageing resistance of rubber and increase its flexibility. Other applications include the oxidation process to generate synthetic fatty acids.

Safety

In this recent study (2) Paraffinum liquidum was tested in the laboratory for its degree of toxicity and all concentrations used caused the release of lactate dehydrogenase, resulting in cytotoxicity. A 1% to 50% increase in lactate dehydrogenase levels was observed after treatment of the cells compared to the negative control groups. This increase was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The maximum cytotoxic effect of Paraffinum liquidum was observed at the 50% dilution. Since hydrocarbons with saturated ring systems and aromatic hydrocarbons are present in the production of this chemical compound, some of the compounds such as benzene hydrocarbons may be of potential health hazard, which includes carcinogenic effects in particular (3).

Commercial applications

Cosmetics. Used as an emollient and moisturizing agent in skincare and haircare products.

Baby Care Products. Found in baby lotions and oils.

Laxative. Sometimes used as an oral laxative in medicine.

Food Industry. Used as a coating or thickening agent in some food products.

Lubricant. Employed in some industrial and mechanical applications as a lubricant.

Plastic Production. A plasticizing agent in certain plastic formulations.

Pharmaceutical Applications. Used as a component in some pharmaceutical formulations.

The most relevant studies on the subject have been selected with a summary of their contents:

Paraffinum liquidum studies

Molecular weight   423 g/mol

CAS  8012-95-1   8042-47-5

EC number   232-384-2   232-455-8

Synonyms :

• Mineral oil
• Paraffin Oil
• Paraffin, Liquid
• Heavy Liquid Petrolatum
• Heavy mineral oil
• Liquid Paraffin
• Liquid Petrolatum

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Samadi A, Khosrowpour Z, Nasrollahi SA, Ayatollahi A, Firooz A. Protective Effects of Moisturizers on Skin Barrier during Regular Hand Washing with Soap Bars. Indian J Dermatol. 2021 Mar-Apr;66(2):207-208. doi: 10.4103/ijd.IJD_687_19.

(2) Kirkik, D., Hacimustafaoglu, F., & Altunkanat, D. (2022). Cytotoxic Effects of Ceteareth-20 and Paraffinium Liquidum.

(3) Weber S, Schrag K, Mildau G, Kuballa T, Walch SG, Lachenmeier DW. Analytical Methods for the Determination of Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons (MOSH) and Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH)-A Short Review. Anal Chem Insights. 2018 Jun 4;13:1177390118777757. doi: 10.1177/1177390118777757.