Product Overview
Mineral Oil USP/Kosher also known as white mineral oil, liquid paraffin, or white oil — is a highly refined, clear, colorless, odorless, and tasteless petroleum-derived oil produced through the deep hydrogenation and extensive refining of paraffinic base stocks. Its INCI name is Mineral Oil (also listed as Paraffinum Liquidum in European cosmetic labeling), and its CAS numbers are 8042-47-5 (USP light mineral oil) and 8012-95-1 (heavier grades). EZ Elements supplies Mineral Oil in USP (United States Pharmacopeia) and Kosher certified grade the highest regulatory purity specification available for this ingredient, confirming compliance with pharmaceutical quality standards and Kosher dietary law requirements.
The distinction between food-grade (USP/Kosher) mineral oil and technical-grade mineral oil is critically important and cannot be overstated. Technical-grade mineral oil is a general industrial lubricant that may contain impurities, aromatic hydrocarbons, and chemical additives that are not safe for food contact or human use. USP/Kosher mineral oil has undergone extensive additional refining, hydrogenation, and filtration to remove all aromatic hydrocarbons, meet strict impurity limits, and achieve a level of purity that makes it safe for direct food contact and incidental food ingestion as specified under FDA regulations 21 CFR 172.878 (direct food additive) and 21 CFR 178.3620 (food contact surface lubricant). This blog provides a complete guide to what food-grade mineral oil is, how it is approved for use, which industries it serves, and how to use it correctly.
Key Features & Benefits
- USP and Kosher certified meets pharmaceutical purity standards with full compliance to FDA 21 CFR food additive regulations and Kosher dietary law verification.
- Completely colorless, odorless, and tasteless does not impart any flavor, color, or aroma to food products or formulations even at direct contact.
- Chemically inert and non-reactive does not participate in chemical reactions with food ingredients, pharmaceutical actives, or personal care components.
- Outstanding oxidative stability highly resistant to rancidity due to its saturated, non-reactive hydrocarbon structure; indefinite shelf life when stored correctly.
- FDA-approved direct food additive (21 CFR 172.878) for specific food manufacturing applications and food contact surface lubricant (21 CFR 178.3620 and NSF H1).
- Non-drying, non-yellowing, and non-hardening under normal storage conditions maintains its properties indefinitely unlike plant-based oils that polymerize and harden over time.
- USP-listed pharmaceutical excipient with established safety profile across topical, oral, and external pharmaceutical applications.
Applications
Mineral Oil USP/Kosher is used across six industry categories served by EZ Elements. Understanding the specific FDA-approved applications is essential for correct food-grade use.
USP/Kosher food-grade Mineral Oil is an FDA-approved direct food additive with specific permitted uses under 21 CFR 172.878. The following applications represent its approved food manufacturing uses:
- Protective coating and sealing agent for fresh fruits and vegetables to prevent moisture loss, inhibit mold growth, and extend fresh appearance through the supply chain
- Release agent and pan coating in bakery and confectionery manufacturing — applied to pans, molds, dough dividers, and conveyor surfaces to prevent sticking without affecting product flavor
- Defoaming agent in beet sugar and yeast production manufacturing processes where foam control is essential for production efficiency
- Protective float for wine and vinegar fermentation vessels to prevent oxidation by forming a thin, airtight seal on the liquid surface
- Eggshell coating preservative applied to fresh eggs to seal the shell pores, retard moisture loss, and significantly extend refrigerated shelf life
- Release and anti-stick coating for dried fruit, beef jerky, smoked fish, and dehydrated food products during processing and packaging
- Candy manufacturing release agent for hard candy, gummy products, and confectionery demolding operations where clean product release is required
- Food processing equipment and machinery lubricant (NSF H1 classification) for incidental food contact applications in food manufacturing facilities
- Baby oil and infant skin care products as a gentle, hypoallergenic emollient forming a protective moisture-barrier on delicate skin
- Facial cleansing oils and makeup removers’ mineral oil is exceptionally effective at dissolving oil-based cosmetic products including heavy foundation, mascara, and long-wear formulations
- Skin moisturizers, body lotions, and emollient creams as an occlusive ingredient preventing trans-epidermal water loss and maintaining skin hydration
- Hair care products including hair oils, scalp treatments, and shine serums providing glossy coating and moisture retention for dry or frizzy hair
- Lip balm, lip gloss, and lip care formulations as an emollient, gloss-enhancing, and protective film-forming component
- Petroleum jelly and thick emollient preparations as a base component for barrier cream and wound protection formulations
- Oral laxative mineral oil taken orally acts as a stool lubricant and softener, coating the intestinal wall and fecal matter to facilitate passage; a recognized pharmaceutical use listed in USP
- Topical pharmaceutical excipient in creams, ointments, and emollient preparations for dermatological conditions requiring occlusive barrier protection
- Pharmaceutical tablet and capsule coating ingredient providing a smooth, protective outer layer in coated solid dosage form manufacturing
- Nasal drops and ear-drop preparations as a gentle, non-irritating lubricant and moisture-retaining excipient
- Medicated skin protection preparations for healthcare workers and individuals requiring intensive barrier protection against irritants and allergens
- Veterinary oral laxative for cats and dogs’ veterinarians commonly recommend food-grade mineral oil as a short-term stool softener and hairball remedy for cats
- Pet grooming products including coat conditioning oils, shine sprays, and skin-soothing preparations for dogs and cats
- Paw and nose balm formulations where mineral oil provides a protective, long-lasting occlusive barrier for cracked or dry animal skin
- Veterinary topical preparations as an excipient in ointments and medicated skin preparations for animal dermatological conditions
- Food machinery and food contact equipment lubricant (NSF H1 certification) the global standard lubricant for food processing equipment where incidental food contact is possible
- Cutting board and butcher block conditioning oil food-grade mineral oil is the recommended maintenance oil for wooden food preparation surfaces in professional and home kitchens
- Metal food processing equipment, knife, and blade protection oil providing a non-reactive, food-safe anti-corrosion coating
- Meat grinder, slicer, and food processing machinery lubrication where food contact requires NSF H1 certified food-safe lubricant
- Textile and fiber processing lubricant applications in industrial textile manufacturing
- Wood surface conditioning and protective sealing for cutting boards, butcher blocks, wooden utensils, and wooden food preparation equipment in commercial and home kitchens
- Stainless steel food equipment maintenance and protection against corrosion, fingerprints, and surface oxidation in food service and food manufacturing environments
- Food-contact surface conditioning agent for cast iron cookware, carbon steel pans, and seasoned cooking surfaces
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
| INCI Name | Mineral Oil (USP Light); Paraffinum Liquidum (EU cosmetic labeling) |
| CAS No. | 8042-47-5 (light mineral oil) |
| Common Name | White Mineral Oil, Liquid Paraffin, White Oil, Paraffin Oil |
| Grade | USP (United States Pharmacopeia) and Kosher certified; food-grade white oil |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless, transparent liquid — water-white with no haze |
| Odour | Completely odourless (highly refined) |
| Taste | Completely tasteless |
| Viscosity Grade | Light (USP light mineral oil — lower viscosity for food and pharmaceutical applications) |
| Specific Gravity | 0.818 to 0.880 (at 25 degrees C) |
| Refractive Index | 1.460 to 1.477 (at 20 degrees C) |
| Aromatic Hydrocarbon Content | None detectable fully hydrogenated and refined |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water and alcohol; miscible with most organic solvents and fixed oils |
| FDA Food Additive Status | 21 CFR 172.878 (direct food additive); 21 CFR 178.3620 (food contact lubricant) |
| NSF Certification | NSF H1 (food machinery lubricant incidental food contact) |
| Regulatory Status | USP-NF listed; FDA GRAS/food additive approved; Kosher certified; NSF H1 certified |
| Shelf Life | Indefinite when stored sealed away from light and heat |
How to Use Food-Grade Mineral Oil Correctly
Understanding the approved uses and correct application methods for food-grade mineral oil is essential for regulatory compliance and product safety. The following guidelines summarize the key correct-use principles:
- Always use USP/Kosher food-grade mineral oil in any application involving food contact, food manufacturing, pharmaceutical preparations, or personal care never substitute technical-grade mineral oil in these applications.
- For food applications, follow the specific use conditions and maximum residue levels specified in 21 CFR 172.878. The regulation specifies both the permitted applications and the maximum amounts allowed per food category.
- For food machinery lubrication (NSF H1), apply as a thin coating to food-contact equipment surfaces and allow any excess to drain before food contact. Do not apply in excessive amounts that could result in significant mineral oil ingestion.
- For cutting board and wooden surface conditioning, apply a generous coating to the clean, dry wood surface, allow to penetrate for several hours or overnight, then wipe away excess before food preparation use.
- In pharmaceutical and personal care formulations, use at the concentration specified by your formulation requirements mineral oil is compatible with most other oils, waxes, and emollient ingredients.
Why Choose EZ Elements as Your Supplier
EZ Elements supplies USP and Kosher certified Mineral Oil with verified purity, confirmed FDA food-grade compliance documentation, and complete technical and regulatory support for food manufacturers, pharmaceutical producers, personal care brands, and industrial users across Canada and North America.
We supply food manufacturers, bakeries, food service operators, pharmaceutical formulators, personal care brands, and industrial clients, providing:
- Full documentation including Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA), Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and FDA regulatory compliance references
- USP and Kosher certification confirming pharmaceutical-grade purity and religious dietary compliance
- Bulk supply with transparent, competitive pricing per kilogram and per liter across all pack sizes
- Technical support on FDA-approved application types, use levels, and regulatory compliance guidance
Safety & Storage Guidelines
- Store in a cool, dark, well-ventilated location in tightly sealed containers away from direct sunlight and heat mineral oil has essentially indefinite shelf life when stored correctly.
- Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent contamination of this highly refined, food-grade material.
- Ensure that only USP/Kosher food-grade mineral oil is used in food, pharmaceutical, and personal care applications never use technical-grade mineral oil in these contexts.
- Do not inhale mineral oil mist or aerosol during production operations liquid aspiration risk is the primary occupational safety concern with mineral oil.
- Mineral oil is non-flammable under normal conditions but should be kept away from extreme heat sources and open flames.
Complete handling, first aid, and disposal instructions are provided in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available from EZ Elements upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which industries use Mineral Oil USP/Kosher?
Mineral Oil USP/Kosher is used across six industries: Food and Beverages (FDA-approved food release agent, protective coating for fruits and vegetables, defoaming agent, eggshell preservative, candy release, and food equipment lubricant per 21 CFR 172.878 and 21 CFR 178.3620), Personal Care (baby oil, makeup remover, moisturizers, hair care, and lip balm), Pharmaceutical (oral laxative, topical excipient, nasal and ear-drops), Pet Care (veterinary laxative, hairball remedy for cats, and grooming products), Industrial (NSF H1 food machinery lubricant, cutting board oil, and food equipment maintenance), and Cleaning and Sanitation (wood surface conditioning and food-contact stainless steel maintenance).
Q2: What is the difference between food-grade mineral oil and technical-grade mineral oil?
The difference is profound and safety-critical. Technical-grade mineral oil is a general industrial lubricant that has not undergone the extensive additional refining required for food contact use. It may contain aromatic hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and other impurities that are not safe for human ingestion or prolonged skin contact. USP/Kosher food-grade mineral oil has undergone deep hydrogenation and extensive refining to remove all aromatic hydrocarbons, pass strict USP purity tests, and meet FDA food additive specifications. Technical-grade mineral oil should never be used in food, pharmaceutical, personal care, or any application involving human contact. Only USP/food-grade mineral oil is appropriate for these uses.
Q3: What does NSF H1 certification mean for food machinery lubrication?
NSF H1 is the certification designation assigned by NSF International to lubricants that are acceptable for use in food processing environments where there is the possibility of incidental contact between the lubricant and food. H1 lubricants are formulated from base stocks and additives that are approved under FDA 21 CFR regulations for incidental food contact use. When food-grade mineral oil is used to lubricate food processing machinery conveyor systems, slicers, grinders, pumps, and similar equipment it must carry NSF H1 certification to demonstrate it meets the safety standard for this application. EZ Elements Mineral Oil USP/Kosher meets NSF H1 requirements as a USP white mineral oil meeting FDA 21 CFR 178.3620 specifications.
Q4: Is it safe to use mineral oil on wooden cutting boards?
Yes, and food-grade USP mineral oil is actually the most widely recommended professional choice for conditioning and protecting wooden cutting boards and butcher blocks. Unlike plant-based oils such as olive oil, walnut oil, or coconut oil, food-grade mineral oil does not become rancid or develop an unpleasant odor over time because it is a fully saturated hydrocarbon that does not oxidize or polymerize. It penetrates the wood grain to provide deep moisture protection, prevents cracking and warping, and does not support bacterial growth within the wood. Professional kitchen equipment manufacturers and culinary professionals recommend food-grade mineral oil as the standard maintenance product for all wooden food preparation surfaces.
Q5: Can mineral oil be used as a laxative for cats and pets?
Food-grade mineral oil has a long history of veterinary use as a short-term stool softener and lubricant laxative for cats, dogs, and other animals. In cats, it is commonly used by veterinarians to help pass hairballs. It works by coating the intestinal contents and preventing water absorption, facilitating easier passage. However, it should only be used under veterinary guidance, at recommended doses, and for short-term use only. Regular or long-term oral use of mineral oil is not recommended as it can interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. It should never be administered by force to an animal as there is risk of aspiration into the lungs, which can cause pneumonia.
Q6: Where can I buy Mineral Oil USP/Kosher in bulk in Canada?
Mineral Oil USP/Kosher is available for bulk purchase directly from EZ Elements, with supply options for food manufacturers, pharmaceutical formulators, personal care brands, pet care companies, and industrial users across Canada and North America. Contact our team for current pricing, documentation, and product samples.
Related Ingredients
The following EZ Elements ingredients are commonly used alongside or as alternatives to Mineral Oil in personal care and food formulations:
- Glycerin USP/Kosher Complementary food-grade and cosmetic-grade humectant; while mineral oil provides occlusive barrier protection, glycerin provides active water attraction, making the two effective partners in comprehensive moisturizing formulations.
- Beeswax Beads (White Cosmetic Grade) Natural wax used alongside mineral oil in lip balm, body butter, and protective barrier formulations where additional structure and a natural wax component are desired alongside mineral oil emollient properties.
- Castor Carrier Oil (USP Refined) High-viscosity natural carrier oil that complements mineral oil in lip gloss and thick emollient formulations, contributing gloss, conditioning, alongside mineral oil film-forming protection.
Order or Enquire
Looking to buy Mineral Oil USP/Kosher in bulk? Contact EZ Elements for current pricing, full product documentation including FDA regulatory references, and supply options across food and beverage, personal care, pharmaceutical, pet care, and industrial applications. We supply brands, manufacturers, and formulators across Canada and North America. Reach out today to request a sample, Technical Data Sheet, or a bulk pricing quote.
