Composition and Production

White oil derives its name from its colorless appearance. At its most basic level, white oil is a highly-refined mineral oil produced from the distillation and subsequent treatment of petroleum. The key steps in white oil production are fractional distillation, solvent extraction, and dewaxing. Through fractional distillation, crude oil is separated into various hydrocarbon fractions based on boiling points. The heavier fractions such as vacuum gas oil and atmospheric residue are then subjected to solvent extraction. This process removes contaminants like sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen, and polar compounds. Finally, dewaxing further refines the oil by removing high-molecular-weight wax compounds. The end result is a purified, low-odor, non-staining mineral oil.

Physical and Chemical Properties

The precise composition of white oil can vary depending on its intended application, but it is predominantly comprised of saturated hydrocarbons in the C15-C50 range. On a molecular level, White Oil consists of alkanes, with negligible aromatic content. Some of its key physical properties include a colorless and transparent appearance, viscosity ranging from light to heavy, and resistance to oxidation and other chemical changes. White oil is also non-toxic, chemically inert, and compatible with many other materials. Its relatively inactive chemical structure gives white oil excellent shelf stability and reliability across a wide array of uses.

Applications in Personal Care

One of the largest uses of white oil is in personal care products due to its skin compatibility. It is commonly used as the base oil in cosmetics such as moisturizers, lip gloss, makeup removers, and haircare items. As an emollient, white oil softens and soothes skin without clogging pores. It also enhances the texture and feel of formulas. In hair products, white oil helps condition and manageability without residue. The non-greasy nature of white oil makes it well-suited for applications requiring easy absorption and a fresh, clean feel.

Applications in Pharmaceuticals

The pharmaceutical industry utilizes white oil as both an active ingredient and inactive excipient. As an active, it is valued for its laxative properties in treating constipation when ingested orally. Externally, white oil has emollient, protectant, and lubricating qualities beneficial for treating skin conditions. Internally, white oil is approved by regulatory authorities worldwide for use as an inactive excipient in pharmaceuticals due to its inertness and consistency. It can function as a diluent, carrier, or solubilizing agent for both oral and topical drug delivery formulations.

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