Parafiiniöljyjä

Parafiiniöljyjä, often referred to as mineral oil in English, are a group of highly refined petroleum distillates. They are characterized by their transparency, odorless, and tasteless nature, making them versatile for various applications. Paraffin oils are essentially mixtures of saturated hydrocarbons, primarily alkanes, with a specific chain length range. Their purity is a key factor, as they undergo extensive refining processes to remove impurities such as sulfur compounds, aromatics, and nitrogenous substances. This purification ensures their safety and suitability for use in contact with humans and sensitive environments.

In industrial contexts, paraffin oils serve as lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and as components in waxes and polishes. Their excellent dielectric properties also lend themselves to use as electrical insulating oils in transformers and capacitors. However, their most widely recognized applications are found in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries, where highly refined, food-grade or pharmaceutical-grade paraffin oils are employed.

Pharmaceutical-grade paraffin oil is commonly used as a laxative due to its ability to lubricate the intestines and soften stool, facilitating easier bowel movements. In cosmetics, it functions as an emollient, moisturizer, and occlusive agent, forming a protective barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss and leaving it feeling soft and smooth. It is a common ingredient in lotions, creams, ointments, and baby oils. Food-grade paraffin oil can be used as a release agent in baking, a protective coating for fruits and vegetables to prevent dehydration, and as a component in chewing gum bases. Despite its widespread use and general safety, it is important to use products containing paraffin oil as directed and to be aware of their origin and grade.