Paraffin oils (CAS 8012-95-1) — Citrus N/A Note Fragrance Ingredient
Paraffin oils
CAS 8012-95-1
What Is Paraffin oils?
Paraffin oils are refined mineral oils commonly encountered in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial lubricants. They create smooth textures in lotions and serve as base ingredients in many personal care products. While odorless and inert, they play a crucial role as carriers and texture modifiers in fragrance formulations, helping to evenly distribute scent compounds without interfering with the olfactory profile.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Paraffin oils Smell Like?
Paraffin oils are odorless hydrocarbon mixtures with a neutral olfactory profile. Their complete lack of scent makes them ideal carriers that don’t compete with fragrance notes. When blended with perfumes, they provide a smooth, slightly oily texture that helps anchor volatile compounds without contributing any top, heart, or base notes of their own.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Paraffin oils consist of saturated hydrocarbons derived from petroleum distillation. These mixtures contain primarily alkanes with carbon chain lengths ranging from C15 to C40. Pharmaceutical-grade paraffin undergoes extensive purification to remove aromatic compounds and impurities. The exact composition varies by viscosity grade, with lighter fractions being more volatile. Unlike synthetic isoparaffins, these mineral oils contain both linear and branched alkane structures.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | Variable grades available |
| Flash Point | 160-250°C (varies by grade) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics | 5-20% | Up to 100% | Base for anhydrous formulations |
| Fragrance Carrier | 10-30% | 5-50% | Odorless dilution medium |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use pharmaceutical-grade white mineral oil as the most refined option for fragrance applications.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Plant-derived ester alternative with better skin feel but higher cost.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted by IFRA
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
Considered safe as used in cosmetic applications according to RIFM assessments.
Sustainability
Paraffin oils are petroleum-derived, raising environmental concerns about non-renewable sourcing. However, their high purity and stability reduce formulation waste. Some manufacturers offer partially bio-based alternatives, though these typically blend paraffins with plant oils. The industry is moving toward more sustainable hydrocarbon production methods.
Explore Paraffin oils
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References
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (2008). Safety Assessment of Paraffin. International Journal of Toxicology. PMID 18536966
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 8012-95-1Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
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