Petroleum. A complex combination of hydrocarbons. It consists predominantly of aliphatic, alicyclic and aromatic hydrocarbons. It may also contain small amounts of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur compounds. This category encompasses light, medium, and heavy petroleums, as well as the oils extracted from tar sands. Hydrocarbonaceous materials requiring major chemical changes for their recovery or conversion to petroleum refinery feedstocks such as crude shale oils, upgraded shale oils and liquid coal
CAS #
8002-05-9
Form
Oil
See origin →
Functions
Antifoaming
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Smooths skin texture
Traditional Use
Byproducts of petroleum refining used in cosmetics since the early 20th century as solvents and conditioning agents. Developed as cost-effective alternatives to natural oils and plant-based ingredients.