The global market of white mineral oil was USD 2,420.0 million in 2023. White mineral oil demand increased year by year by 3.3% in 2024 and therefore the entire market will be USD 2,570.9 million in 2025. Sales globally will grow at a 3.5% CAGR between 2025 to 2035 and will be USD 3,626.5 million in 2035.
White petroleum mineral oil, odourless and colourless, is applied in the majority of industrial, food processing, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical uses. It is the most sought-after product in protection coating and drying and lubrication business prevention because of its nature-stability, non-reactive nature, and toxicity.
Growing demand for personal care and beauty products, especially in North America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, has been the main market driving force. White mineral oil is one of the major ingredients in baby oils, ointments, lotions, and shampoos where it serves as a skin guard and emollient additive.
Along with this, white mineral oil is also one of the primary applications as a lubricant upon ingestion in the form of food-grade product, fruit and vegetable coating, and release agent prevention. As the fear towards ingestive entry into foods increases to become safety measures and ingestion of lubricants by FDA more difficult in nature, day-by-day ingestion of food-grade white mineral oil increases.
White mineral oil finds uses in drug excipients, ointments, and laxatives, and thus recording its steady growth rate in the market. The United States, Germany, and Japan have purity and safety standards for producing stringent pressure for high-quality refining pure white mineral oils.
Asia-Pacific will also pick up pace based on India, China, and South Korea's pharma and personal care sectors. North America and Europe are established on industrial application technology innovation, cosmetic formulation technology, and food-grade oil technologies.
| Attributes | Description |
|---|---|
| Estimated Global White Mineral Oil Industry Size (2025E) | USD 2,570.9 million |
| Projected Global White Mineral Oil Industry Value (2035F) | USD 3,626.5 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 3.5% |
Producers are keen to switch to cleaner, greener alternatives, with ultra-clean mineral oil and bio-based products being the options on the table under consumer and environmental pressure.
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The given chart indicates six-month volatility comparison of the year CAGR (2025) and base year CAGR (2024) of white mineral oil industry in the entire world. Such segmentation indicates volatility in performance in a very pictorial way and represents revenue realization trends and hence provides the stakeholders with a very clear picture of the growth trend of the entire year. Jan-Jun is H1, first half. Jul-Dec is H2, second half.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 3.2% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 3.3% (2024 to 2034) |
| H1 | 3.4% (2025 to 2035) |
| H2 | 3.5% (2025 to 2035) |
The company will increase in the first half (H1) of the 2025 to 2035 period by 3.4% CAGR, increasing slightly higher at 3.5% in the second half (H2) of the 2025 to 2035 period. The H1 2025-H2 2035 CAGR will be low growth. The industry increased 20 BPS in H1 2025 and 20 BPS above initially predicted in H2 2025.
With continuous product development, additional investment in pharmaceutical, personal care, and industrial lubricant applications, and altered consumer demand for extremely pure products, white mineral oil markets will see outstanding development in the decade to come. With more demand for compliant, multi-functional, and secure oil substitutes, industry leaders will be compelled to react to sustainable sourcing, increased refining levels, and diversification to the marketplace as they deal with coping with shifting opportunities.
Among the Tier 1 companies is a competitive group whose significance comes from their revenue, global supply chains, and dominance across core industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food processing, and plastics. Such companies have good brand equity and invest a lot in improving technologies, compliance with regulation (for example, USP, NF and FDA certifications) and global networks of distribution.
For instance, ExxonMobil Corporation is one of the major manufacturers of white mineral oils with high purity under the brand names Marcol and Primol, which are extensively employed in food and pharmaceutical formulations. These Tier 1 firms have the advantages of economies of scale, advanced refining processes (e.g., hydrocracking, dewaxing) and long-standing relations with our multinational clientele.
Tier 2 consists of companies having less revenue than Tier 1 companies but strong market penetration, primarily in regional markets or niche application domains. For instance, Seojin Chemical Co., Ltd. has a wide-water presence in Asia, including high-purity white mineral oils for cosmetics, personal care, and industrial use.
Royal Dutch Shell is also present in this sector but with more modified products (Ocean, Taro and similar brands) for industrial lubricants and specialty white oil uses, but not as specialized as Tier 1. Regional market know-how, competitive pricing, and tailored solutions for mid-sized manufacturers or niche applications are typically how these companies differentiate.
Tier 3 is made up of smaller and emerging players that specialize in specific markets or niche applications. Though these companies typically have modest worldwide footprint, they can provide significant advantages like flexibility, localized service or cost efficiency. For example, Nynas AB is a global player in naphthenic oils, but a growing company in white mineral oil for specialized industrial applications.
In selected markets, Petro-Canada Lubricants (a subsidiary of HollyFrontier) provides Puretol white mineral oils. These companies deploy regional refining facilities, B2B relationships, and nimble manufacturing capabilities to capture share - particularly in emerging economies or with smaller industrial customers.
Growing Demand from Food Industry for Lubrication and Coating Application
Shift: The food-grade lubricant market is fuelled by the demand for white mineral oil, owing to the non-toxic, stable, and pure form of the product. Widely used as lubricant in food processing machines, packaging and as a release agent.
Reportedly, food manufacturers are looking for NSF H1-certified oils that guarantee compliance with safety regulations, such as FDA 21 CFR and food-grade standards in the EU. This demand is increasing at a steady pace in North America and Europe, such as in the dairy, bakery, and meat processing industries.
Strategic Response: Sonneborn LLC broadened its Carnation white mineral oil line to encompass several viscosities tailored to food processing needs, which contributed to 12% industry growth in the food-grade segment. In Germany and France, Brenntag worked closely with food processing plants, providing them with tailored technical support and white oil formulations to drive a 7% volume growth.
Versagel food-safe gelled oils were also introduced by Penreco (Calumet Specialty), which is a safer, semi-solid alternative that can improve lubrication efficiency.
Use of Lethal Drugs Is on the Rise in Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products
Shift: White mineral oil is witnessing rising applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors on the account of its emollient, stabilizing, and inert characteristics. It is commonly found in ointments, creams, lotions, laxatives and baby oils. The growing consumer preference for safe hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products is contributing to the demand for USP-grade white oils. Notable growth is seen in Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India) and North America, with OTC product sales elevating.
Strategic Response: ExxonMobil strengthened its Marcol and Esso brands in the pharma and personal care segment, providing increased supply to leading Indian and Southeast Asian pharmaceutical manufacturers, which helped drive 8% year-on-year growth in medical-grade sales.
In South Korea and Japan, Sasol launched high-purity white oils for sensitive skincare applications in collaboration with cosmetics giants for formulation support. Inakita itself is now incorporating a hybrid personal care product that combines white mineral oil with natural extracts, prompting the 6% rise in their care chemicals business.
Shift Toward Regulatory Compliance and High Purity Standards
Shift: Regulatory pressure from the USA FDA, European Pharmacopoeia and REACH increasingly calls for minimum quality and safety standards for white mineral oil particularly used in food, pharma and cosmetics. Companies are slowly moving towards USP, NF, BP, EP, H1 and H2 compliant oils, guaranteeing low aromatic content, great UV transparency and chemical stability. This has especially risen in developed markets, where regulation is deeply scrutinized.
Strategic Response: H&R Group developed cutting-edge refining techniques to produce ultra-pure, pharmaceutical-grade white oils and entered Europe and North America. The new hydrotreatment facility that they opened in Germany contributed to a 15% jump in production capacity.
Nynas AB introduced low aromatic content white oil blends; is REACH compliant and has made inroads into the medical device lubricants and packaging materials. Binational Road Haulage also covered Petro-Canada Lubricants, which secured global food safety certifications and improved its foothold in international B2B growth markets.
Danfoss and Baumer have also partnered up for smart control of polymer processing
Shift: Flexible plasticiser, Mold Release Agent & Lubricant: In the plastic and polymer industry, white mineral oil is a polymer itself is used as a flexible plasticiser, mould release agent, lubricant for the polystyrene, PVC and thermoplastic elastomers production. There is an increasing demand in developing economies such as India, China, and Southeast Asian countries, where the automotive, construction, and packaging industries are growing rapidly.
Strategic Response: In 2019, Shell launched performance white mineral oils (WMO) specifically developed for polymer processing with a strengthened focus on the Asia-Pacific markets that are driving the next wave of plastic production. Their new distribution hub in Singapore has aided speedier supply chains and resulted in a 9% increase in sales of its polymer segment.
TotalEnergies teamed up with plastic product manufacturers in the Middle East to provide tailored formulations for flexible packaging and consumer goods, while Lukoil entered the PVC lubricants market in Eastern Europe with high-viscosity white oil grades, resulting in a 7% increase in industrial lubricant sales;
“Bio-based” Alternatives Have Never Been More Attractive
Shift: With increasing environmental awareness among end-users and tighter regulations on carbon footprint, end-users are seeking bio-based, biodegradable white oil alternatives. Many industries are nevertheless still reliant on very highly refined, sustainably-produced mineral oils for cost and performance reasons. Mineral oil use has not been abandoned: responsible sourcing, energy-efficient refining, and carbon-neutral operations should address sustainability goals.
Strategic Response: Neste Corporation started R&D in bio-based white oil substitutes and performed trials in cosmetics and food packaging. On a similar note, ExxonMobil and Sonneborn were able to deliver 20% fewer emissions, thanks to the new ISO 14001-certified manufacturing processes they have adopted.
Sasol unveiled a “Green Initiative”, promising to reduce energy consumption in refining, while committing to “greater transparency in the sourcing of its products”. It was these steps that enabled Sasol to land long-term supply contracts with multinational FMCG brands.
Utilization of digital transformation and Supply Chains
Shift: Gulfood revealed that the globalization of supply chains and increasing needs for real-time inventory tracking are driving the next wave of adoption of digital tools in white mineral oil distribution and logistics. Around the world companies are investing in AI-based demand forecasting and smart logistics, and digital customer engagement platforms. It enables you to deliver on time, ensure quality, and provide traceability in any sector where product integrity is crucial, such as pharma and food.
Strategic Response: Brenntag responded with a digital order management system and white oil quality tracking app, simplify its service across Europe & North America, enhance customer satisfaction by 18%. Joining forces with SAP for supply chain automation to improve lead time by 10% and warehouse management. These tools used blockchain-based traceability for food and pharma-grade white oils, enhancing buyer trust and improving contract retention rates for TotalEnergies.
The following table shows the estimated growth rates of the top five territories. These markets are set to experience high consumption through 2035.
| Country | CAGR, 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| USA | 3.3% |
| Germany | 3.7% |
| China | 3.4% |
| Japan | 3.2% |
| India | 3.8% |
Rising application of white mineral oil as a base for ointments, lotions and creams in pharmaceutical and personal care industry is propelling demand for the product in the USA Technological improvements in the production process along with stringent of quality standards has assisted manufactures to meet the increasing demand for high-purity colorless and odorless oils.
Furthermore, the growing utilization of white mineral oil in the food processing sector, especially as a lubricant and food-grade release agent, has bolstered market growth. Moreover, the proliferation of e-commerce and retail channels has widen the availability of superior quality mineral oils.
In Germany, the well-regulated pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry makes wide use of white mineral oil in medicinal formulations, personal care products, and food-grade products. With its strong compliance with EU standards, the products produced are of top quality with a safe end product for the consumer, white mineral oil has become the preferred choice of manufacturers.
Moreover, increasing preference for sustainable packaging and green formulations is driving innovation in the refining process, thereby complementing the market growth.
The rapid industrialization of China and the flourishing of the cosmetics market have spurred demand for white mineral oil. White mineral oil is being increasingly adopted as a critical ingredient in skin care, baby care, and pharmaceutical products. Its use in manufacturing is also thanks to booming food processing and lubricants industry. Most of this is due to the growth of e-retail platforms, which in turn helps increase the availability and understanding of high-purity mineral oils.
The gradual demand of white mineral oil is due to Japan's concentration on high-grade and safe cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Market growth has been driven by the country’s aging population and rising demand for premium skincare and medicinal formulations.
White mineral oil is commonly found in anti-aging formulations, medical ointments, and, while food-grade, originates from a petroleum source. In Japan, stringent quality control measures guarantee the use of only top-grade mineral oils, promoting consumer confidence and market consistency.
The growth of India’s pharmaceuticals sector, as well as the increasing requirement for food-grade lubricants and personal care products, has driven the growth of the white mineral oil industry in the region. Rising use of cosmetics, ayurvedic preparations and processed food have impacted the consumption of white mineral oil for a number of applications.
The increasing e-commerce and retail channels have also improved accessibility, resulting in the availability of high-quality white mineral oil in a wider consumer base. India is witnessing a booming market due to the increasing middle class population and product safety awareness.
| Segment | Value Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| By Type | 62.4% |
The market is segmented into Food, Pharmaceutical and Technical grades. Also known as Food Grade White Mineral Oil, this mineral oil is highly refined, with strict safety regulations, making it suitable for processing and packaging food, and as a lubricant for machinery in food processing. It is utilized in food coatings, bakery release agents, and as an anti-sticking agent in confectionery and baked products.
Food-grade mineral oil is also used in beverage bottling and dairy processing to lubricate the machinery owing to its non-toxic and colorless nature. This growth is primarily attributed to the rising need for clean-label and food-safe lubricants.
The Pharmaceutical Grade White Mineral Oil is the highest purity level, complying with strict USP (United States Pharmacopeia) and BP (British Pharmacopeia) requirements. Thanks to its hypoallergenic and non-reactive qualities it is commonly found in ointments, laxatives, creams and baby oils. It is also used as an active pharmaceutical ingredient in drug formulations, nasal sprays, and ophthalmic solutions.
Growing demand for natural and skin-friendly pharmaceutical products is projected to drive the segment. Technical Grade White Mineral Oil: The Technical Grade White Mineral Oil is used in industrial applications, such as, lubricants, adhesives and chemical processing. It is widely used in metalworking, textile lubrication, and polymer production.
This grade is commonly used in rubber processing and automotive industries where its low volatility and chemical stability have rendered it an important industrial lubricant. With increasing industrialization applications and polymer processing growth, this segment is projected to have significant demand.
| Segment | Value Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| By Application | 62.4% |
White Mineral Oil Market is categorized into Plastic and Polymer, Food, Pharmaceutical, Textiles, Personal Care, Adhesive, and Agriculture, with different applications. Plastic and Polymer segment leads the market share owing to their application as a lubricant and processing aid in plastic production. It also works to enhance the flexibility, durability, and transparency of polyethylene, PVC, and other plastic products. It is also used as a release agent in molding rubber and plastics.
As the need for plastic packaging and medical-grade polymers continues to grow, this segment is likely to accelerate. In the Food segment, they take advantage of white mineral oil's food-safe and non-toxic nature. It is commonly used as an additive in foods, as a glazing agent and for coating food such as fruits, vegetables and confectionery.
Due to these properties, it is also used in the lubrication of food machinery, while being compliant with FDA and EU food safety standards. The increased demand for food grade lubricants and safe food processing solutions are anticipated to fuel growth.
The Pharmaceutical segment has high demand for white mineral oil as an emollient and laxative in medical formulations. Because it is non-allergenic and odorless, it is used in ointments, capsules, and personal care products. This sector is also expected to grow steadily as the health care and cosmetics industries continue to develop.
The Textiles segment employs white mineral oil as a lubricant during both spinning and weaving processes, minimizing both friction and static buildup in fibers. It is therefore important for the textile industry, especially in fabric finishing and artificial fiber processing. As more textile manufacturing and synthetic fiber production go up, this segment will also blossom.
Non-greasy and hypoallergenic features of the compound make it widely used in skin creams, hair oils, and moisturizers, which can be utilized in the Personal Care segment. It is a common ingredient in baby care items, sunscreens and therapeutic balms. This segment is growing with the increasing demand for organic and skin-friendly cosmetics.
The White Mineral Oil Market is fragmented due to the presence of both regional and global companies. With several high-grade white mineral oils utilized in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, food processing, and plastics, these companies are the major players driving consumer preference.
Such a wide range of applications keeps them competitive among other specialty oil producers. Companies are emphasizing product innovation and packaging improvement to enhance their market dominance.
Such as, odorless, colorless, and customizable viscosity grades are being developed to meet the strict-league quality standards of these healthcare and personal care industries. Moreover, the introduction of bulk and tamper-proof packaging solutions is promoting product safety and prolonging shelf life, thus attracting industrial buyers.
For instance:
The global white mineral oil market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period.
The market is estimated to reach approximately USD 3,626.5 million by 2035.
The pharmaceutical and personal care segment is expected to witness the fastest growth due to increasing demand for high-purity mineral oils in skincare, cosmetics, and medicinal formulations.
Key growth drivers include rising applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, increasing demand for safe and non-toxic lubricants, and expanding use in industrial and manufacturing processes.
Leading companies in the market include Exxon Mobil Corporation, Chevron Corporation, Total S.A., BASF S.E., Huntsman Corporation & Clarion Co. Ltd.
Market segmented into Food, Pharmaceutical, and Technical.
Market segmented into Plastic and Polymer, Food, Pharmaceutical, Textiles, Personal Care, Adhesive, and Agriculture.
Market segmented into Online and Offline.
Market segmented into North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Japan.
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White Mineral Oil Market
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