Mineral Oil and Petrolatum
Mineral oil and petrolatum are refined derivatives of petroleum, used as emollients, lubricants, and moisture barriers in personal-care items and, less often, in some cleaning products. Their properties depend heavily on refining grade, which is why highly refined, pharmaceutical- and food-grade versions are regulated differently from crude fractions. This page compares petroleum-derived and plant-derived options and explains the refining context.
