Mineraaliöljyinä

Mineraaliöljyinä, or mineral oils, are a complex mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. They are widely used in various industries due to their inertness, low toxicity, and cost-effectiveness. Their composition varies depending on the refining process and the source crude oil, but they typically consist of alkanes, cycloalkanes, and aromatic hydrocarbons.

In the cosmetic and personal care industry, refined mineral oils are used as emollients, moisturizers, and lubricants in products like lotions, creams, and ointments. Their occlusive properties help to prevent water loss from the skin. In the pharmaceutical sector, highly purified grades are employed as laxatives and as bases for topical medications.

Industrial applications of mineral oils are extensive. They serve as lubricants in machinery, hydraulic fluids, insulating oils in electrical transformers, and as components in cutting fluids and metalworking processes. Their stability at various temperatures and resistance to oxidation make them suitable for demanding environments. Food-grade mineral oils are used as release agents, protective coatings for fruits and vegetables, and in chewing gum bases, though their use is subject to strict regulations.

While generally considered safe for most applications, concerns have been raised regarding the potential for impurities in less refined grades, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). However, highly refined mineral oils used in cosmetics and food are generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies worldwide when produced to specific purity standards. The environmental impact is primarily associated with the extraction and potential spills of crude oil, rather than the refined mineral oil products themselves.