Therapy
Liquid paraffin oil is used by physical therapists to warm up a body part such as the hand. When the hand is submerged into a tub of paraffin, the tissues inside the hand are warmed up to prepare the patient for a more effective therapy session. Paraffin is also used as a skin treatment. The body is wrapped in hot oil and brushed dry using a Japanese brushing method. After the dead skin is removed, a hydrating wax nourishes the new layer of skin.
Suspensions
Liquid paraffin is used to preserve unstable substances. When a substance is suspended in an oil base, ingredients are protected against breaking down. The consumer should be aware that the chemical suspension containing oil can break down over time. Therefore, it is important to read product labels to identify expiration dates.
Lighting
As in centuries past, liquid paraffin oil is commonly burned in lamps and lanterns. Campers, survivalists, eco-conscious humans and self-contained communities like the Amish may rely solely on paraffin oil to provide light, heat and fuel for machinery instead of electricity. Some forms of paraffin oil are highly flammable, so consumers must use caution if burning paraffin oil in the home.
Laboratory
Paraffin oil, along with mineral oil and other ingredients, is used as a heating source in laboratories. Known as an oil bath, the paraffin oil mixed with other liquids, including water, ethylene glycol, silicone oil, bath salts and sand must be handled under a fume hood using personal protective equipment.
Lubricant or Base
Paraffin oil is frequently used in industry as a lubricant. For example, industrial bakeries may use paraffin oil to grease tin or aluminum pans for baking bread other foods. The oily quality of paraffin also makes it a popular ingredient for cosmetics products, including foundation, lip balms and lipsticks. The oily base containing paraffin ensures that a cosmetic product will not wipe away or rub off easily.
Medicine
Paraffin oil may be used as a chemical ingredient in medicines, including topical creams, moisturizers, salves, balms and laxatives. When paraffin oil is used in laxatives, it is not absorbed by the body in the intestinal tract, so it excreted as human waste
Liquid Paraffin Fuel
One of the primary uses of liquid paraffin is fuel. Liquid paraffin is a highly distilled and refined form of kerosene that can be burned in lamps and other devices. The fuel produces no soot and no odor when burned, which makes it a more attractive fuel option than unrefined kerosene.
Industrial and Textile Uses
Liquid paraffin is mainly used as a lubricant in various industrial settings. It can be used to lubricate blades that cut paper and in mechanical mixing. It is also a component of many air filters, particularly air filters that function underwater. It can be used as a hydraulic fluid in machinery.
The uses of liquid paraffin in the textile industry mostly involve lubrication. Liquid paraffin is an oil component used for spinning, weaving and meshing materials. Sewing machine lubrication typically contains liquid paraffin also.
Liquid paraffin can used to clean your hands after working with abrasive materials like cement.
Medicinal and Cosmetic Uses
Liquid paraffin has many uses in the medical field. Because liquid paraffin passes through the body’s intestinal tract without being absorbed, it can be used as a laxative to limit the amount of water removed from the stool and ease constipation. It is used in the penicillin production process and is also used in some eye lubricants. Liquid paraffin can be used to ease diaper rash and eczema irritation.
The cosmetic industry also makes good use of liquid paraffin. The substance is used in various beauty products, including detergent creams, cold creams, hydrated creams, bronzed oils and makeup products. It can also be used as an emollient lotion to treat dry skin.
Other Uses
Liquid paraffin is highly useful in many other fields. For example, it is an ingredient in many agricultural insecticides. Liquid paraffin is a component in the manufacture and containment of reactive gases like sulfur dioxide and chlorine. It is often used in infrared spectroscopy. It can be applied to baking tins to make removing cooked food easier. It is also used to make many food items like apples appear shiny for a centerpiece display.
