<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nIn today\u2019s article, we are going to be exploring one of the most common chemicals in cosmetics. This chemical is Paraffinum Liquidum and features in so many <\/strong>of our favorite products. <\/p>\n\n\n\nHowever, in recent years, there has been a lot of controversy over its use, and so we want to shine a spotlight on it today and tell you all about it. We will be looking at what exactly Paraffinum Liquidum is, what it is used for, and any risks associated with it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Paraffinum Liquidum?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nParaffinum Liquidum is also known by a few other names such as Russian mineral oil, and, perhaps most common, liquid paraffin. It is a mineral oil and one that is highly refined. This means that it is designed to be safe for human use, both orally and topically. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As much as it sounds like it, it should not be confused with the mineral oil simply known as paraffin (or kerosene, depending on where in the world you are) which is used as a fuel and is not <\/strong>safe for human use. <\/p>\n\n\n\nParaffinum Liquidum is both colorless and almost completely odorless. This makes it highly desired in a number of different industries, the main two industries being the medical industry and the cosmetic industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is composed of saturated hydrocarbons. These are derived from petroleum, also known as crude oil or simply oil. This is a naturally occurring substance found in the earth\u2019s surface and gets used in a plethora of different industries, typically for fuel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paraffinum Liquidum is typically used as an emollient. Emollients are ingredients or products that are used for their moisturizing and softening qualities. They tend to be very soothing and can act as a humectant (this means they can attract moisture to a surface). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, emollients are commonly used in skincare and haircare. Sometimes whole products are simply called emollients or may have ingredients with known emollient properties in there. With this in mind, it is unsurprising that Paraffinum Liquidum is so often used in the cosmetic industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The term Paraffinum Liquidum is actually the Latin term for liquid paraffin. Whilst it is acceptable to use this on cosmetics and in the medical industry, it should also be followed by the term \u2018mineral oil\u2019, usually in brackets like this (mineral oil) to ensure that customers are clear on what exactly it is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This ensures full transparency from brands about what is in their products which is especially important since more and more consumers are opting for products that do not contain mineral oils.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Paraffinum Liquidum used for?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nParaffinum Liquidum or liquid paraffin if you prefer to call it that is used in a number of different industries. As we mentioned in the previous section, it is most commonly found in the medical industry and the cosmetic industry. First, we want to explore its usage in the medical industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Traditionally, Paraffinum Liquidum was always <\/em>used for medical purposes. It is thought to have been sued for centuries, since around 400 BCE. This is known because of the references to it in works of classical writers such as Piny, Dioscorides, Plutarch, and Herodotus. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIt is also thought to have been used widely in early Indian medicine and also in Arabian medical history. However, it is likely that this was used topically, as we have no evidence to suggest it was used topically.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, we do have some definitive evidence that dates back to 1872 when a man called Robert A. Chesebrough patented it and created what we now know as Vaseline. Following this, it started to be used more frequently, and then in 1913, it was recommended as an orally ingested treatment for chronic constipation and intestinal stasis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With this in mind, Paraffinum Liquidum was commonly used for the treatment of intestinal issues, piles, and constipation. In fact, it was often used for childhood <\/em>chronic constipation. That being said, these days, it is less common to see Paraffinum Liquidum for this reason, and it has become more widely used in the cosmetic industry than the medical one. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIn the cosmetic industry, Paraffinum Liquidum has been revered for its softening and moisturizing qualities, so much so that it has been used in Vaseline. Whilst this may also relate to the medical field, there is no denying the importance of Vaseline in the cosmetic industry too as it is used to soften lips for lipstick and to groom eyebrows. Some other common uses of Paraffinum Liquidum include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Makeup remover<\/li> Skincare oil<\/li> Lip balm<\/li> Cleansing wipes<\/li> Cold cream<\/li> Makeup remover pads<\/li> Cuticle oil<\/li> Facial cleansers<\/li> Pigments<\/li> Moisturizers<\/li> Face masks<\/li> Concealer<\/li> Hair oil<\/li> Conditioner<\/li> Lip gloss<\/li> Serum<\/li> …and so much more! <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n