लिक्विड पैराफिन (Light liquid paraffin)

Light liquid paraffin, sold as LLP oil, is a highly refined mixture of saturated hydrocarbons from petroleum. It's the thinner, lower-viscosity grade of liquid paraffin. Heavy liquid paraffin is the thicker one. Pharmacopoeias such as the IP describe both.

• CAS number: 8042-47-5 (white mineral oil)
• Formula: a mixture of hydrocarbons, so there's no single formula
• Appearance: clear, colourless, oily liquid with no smell or taste
• Density: about 0.83 to 0.87 g/mL, lighter than water
• Solubility: doesn't mix with water or alcohol; mixes with most oils

Because it has no fatty acids, it doesn't turn rancid. That's why it's a common base for oils that sit on a shelf for months.

Azlok sells Light Liquid Paraffin (LLP) Oil as a cosmetic raw ingredient. The listing name doesn't give a volume, so check the product page. It's meant for cosmetic and technical use, not for eating or medicinal use. See today's price per kg.

• Baby and body oils: the main base of many baby oils and body oils, often with fragrance added.
• Hair oils: a light, non-sticky base, blended with coconut, almond or other oils.
• Creams: cold creams, moisturising creams and lotions, in the oil phase.
• Makeup removers and massage oils.
• Workshop and home: a thin lubricant for sewing machines, hinges and locks, and a rust-preventing film on tools.
• Wood and lab: a finish for chopping-board style wood and a heat-bath or mulling oil in labs.

• Body or baby oil: it can be used almost neat, with fragrance kept within the fragrance supplier's limits. Keep fragrance low or leave it out for products meant for babies.
• Hair oil: blend it with plant oils. Many makers use LLP as 50% or more of the blend to cut stickiness and cost.
• Creams: add it to the oil phase. Typical levels run from about 5 to 25% depending on how rich the cream is.
• Tools: wipe a thin film onto clean, dry metal with a cloth.

These are typical ranges. Patch test any finished product on the inner arm for 24 hours before regular use. Finished cosmetics sold in India also need to meet the applicable BIS and CDSCO rules.

• Keep away from children. If a child swallows mineral oil, it can get into the lungs and cause serious harm. Don't make them vomit; get medical help right away.
• Spills make floors very slippery. Soak up with sawdust or paper, then wash with soapy water.
• It is combustible at high temperature. Keep it away from flames and don't overheat it.
• Store in a closed container at room temperature, away from sunlight.
• Don't pour used or waste oil down the drain. Soak it into paper or sawdust and throw it in dry waste.

For home use or trying out a hair oil recipe, a small pack is enough. Small oil and cosmetic makers who fill bottles every week save by buying in larger lots, since LLP keeps for a long time when sealed. Ask for the certificate of analysis if you need IP-grade paperwork. For 25 kg or more, use the bulk inquiry form.