Market Overview
| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Market Volume (2025) | 1.51 Million tons |
| Market Volume (2030) | 1.61 Million tons |
| Growth Rate (2025 - 2030) | 1.25% CAGR |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia-Pacific |
| Largest Market | Asia-Pacific |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0. |
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White Oil Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The global white oil market stood at 1.51 million tons in 2025 and is projected to expand to 1.61 million tons by 2030, reflecting a 1.25% CAGR over 2025-2030. Quiet topline growth conceals fast-moving shifts in product purity demands, regional sourcing strategies, and end-use mix reshaping industry margins. Asia Pacific anchors the white oil market with heavy consumption in personal care, pharmaceuticals, and plastics processing, while Europe steers worldwide quality benchmarks through MOAH/MOSH limits that require higher purity grades. Personal care remains the largest application and the fastest-growing lane, helped by the region’s taste for light, transparent skincare bases. Group II feedstocks dominate supply despite the tighter availability of low-sulfur vacuum gas oil after IMO-2020, driving refiners toward hydro-processing upgrades and selective investments in GTL pathways. Competition stays moderate in concentration, with ExxonMobil, Shell, and Sinopec defending high-purity niches and regional firms carving value in technical grades, especially across India, China, and the Gulf.
Key Report Takeaways
- By grade, pharmaceuticals accounted for a 66% share of the white oil market size in 2024, and is expanding at a 1.29% CAGR.
- By base oil, Group II held 67% of the white oil market size in 2024, rising at a 1.69% CAGR to 2030.
- By viscosity, low-viscosity oils captured 51% of the white oil market share in 2024 and are progressing at a 1.35% CAGR.
- By application, personal care led with 25% of white oil market share in 2024, advancing at a 2.08% CAGR through 2030.
- By geography, Asia Pacific commanded 63% of the white oil market in 2024, advancing at a 1.29% CAGR.
Global White Oil Market Trends and Insights
Driver Impact Analysis
| Drivers | (~) % Impact on CAGR | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surge in APAC biologics fill-finish lines demanding USP-grade white oils | +0.5 | APAC, particularly China, India, and South Korea | Medium term |
| Europe MOAH/MOSH limits accelerating switch to food-grade white oils in packaging | +0.3 | EU, with spillover to global export markets | Short term |
| Indian Ayurvedic cosmetics boom fuelling light-paraffinic white-oil usage | +0.4 | India, with expansion to Southeast Asia | Medium term |
| Expansion in Polymer and Plastic Processing | +0.2 | Global, with a concentration in APAC | Long term |
| GCC pharma capacity build-out boosting imports of high-purity grades | +0.3 | Saudi Arabia and the UAE primarily | Medium term |
Source: Mordor Intelligence
Surge in APAC Biologics Fill-Finish Lines Driving USP-Grade Demand
Biologics manufacturers across China, South Korea, and India are scaling sterile fill-finish lines that require USP-grade white oils for precision lubrication of plungers, stoppers, and integrated conveyors. Facilities specify aromatic contents lower than USP thresholds to eliminate extractables that could trigger protein aggregation. Curia Global’s recent fill-finish expansion typifies the trend, with dedicated lubricant audits embedded in technology transfer packages.
Europe’s MOAH/MOSH Regulations Reshaping Food Packaging Standards
The European Food Safety Authority confirmed carcinogenic risk from MOAH fractions containing three or more rings, pushing converters to adopt food-grade white oils with ultra-low aromatics for coatings, inks, and greases. Maximum MOAH limits of 0.5 mg/kg in vegetable-oil packaging and 0.1 mg/kg in infant formula boards become binding by early 2026, effectively exporting EU purity norms to global supply chains[1]European Food Safety Authority, “Update of the Risk Assessment of Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons (MOH) in Food,” efsa.europa.eu.
Indian Ayurvedic Cosmetics Boom Fueling Specialized Formulations
Light-paraffinic white oils that carry herbal extracts without discoloration are gaining traction as Ayurvedic brands upscale. Demand rises for low-odor oils aligned with both traditional Ayurvedic texts and ISO-compliant cosmetic GMP, positioning India as a development hub that radiates standards across Southeast Asia.
Expansion in Polymer and Plastic Processing
High melt-flow thermoplastic elastomers need processing aids that lower shear heat while enhancing flex performance. Technical-grade white oils supply solvency and compatibility benefits, spurring incremental volume gains each time capacity is added in Asia’s footwear, appliance, and automotive component lines.
Restraint Impact Analysis
| Restraints | (~) % Impact on CAGR | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU Micro-plastic Directive curbing mineral-oil-based cosmetic formulations | -0.4 | EU, with global brand spillover | Medium term |
| North American infant food players pivoting to bio-based esters | -0.3 | North America, with expansion to the EU | Medium term |
| IMO-2020 sulfur caps tightening high-quality feedstock supply | -0.2 | Global, with emphasis on Group II producers | Short term |
Source: Mordor Intelligence
EU Micro-plastic Directive Reshaping Cosmetic Formulations
The Commission’s drive to cut micro-plastic release by 30% by 2030 accelerates reformulation away from mineral-oil ingredients in leave-on skincare. Nordic Swan and EU Ecolabel criteria already ban select mineral derivatives, and brand owners adopt plant-derived substitutes to secure ecolabel compliance, squeezing demand for cosmetic-grade white oils[2]Nordic Ecolabelling, “Cosmetic Products – Nordic Swan Ecolabel,” nordic-swan-ecolabel.org.
North American Infant Food Manufacturers Embracing Bio-based Alternatives
Consumer scrutiny of ingredient decks has spurred infant-formula firms to trial fatty-acid esters that act as plasticizers for packaging yet deliver antioxidant functionality. USDA support for the biobased economy through grants and tax credits underpins wider commercial rollout, tempering outlook for food-contact white oils among premium brands.
Segment Analysis
By Grade: Technical Streams Support Scale, Pharmaceutical Grades Capture Margin
Pharmaceutical grade delivered 66% of the white oil market size in 2024. Pharmaceutical-grade oils fetch premiums multiple times above technical variants, yet grow from a smaller base. Compliance with USP, EP, and JP monographs and bacterial endotoxin testing raises entry barriers, concentrating supply among a few global refiners. Demand tracks expansion in biologics, ophthalmic gels, and medical-device lubricants, supporting a 1.29% CAGR over the forecast window. Strategic investment in gas-to-liquids trains gives players such as Shell a differentiation edge thanks to virtually sulfur-free feed.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Base Oil: Group II Sustains Dominance Amid Feedstock Tightness
Group II oils commanded 67% of the white oil market in 2024 and are slated for a 1.69% CAGR through 2030. Hydro-processing removes hetero-atoms, producing colorless, odorless stocks that satisfy most technical and mid-tier pharmaceutical applications. New capacity in Shandong and Yeosu offsets some supply pinch born from IMO-2020’s diversion of sweet crudes into LSFO pools, yet refiners still juggle run plans to protect feedstock streams.
Group III volumes remain lower but edge up as EU and US buyers tighten aromatic thresholds. Heavier hydro-cracking plus isomerization yields base oils under 6 ppm aromatics, suited for food and infant-care uses where MOAH is tightly regulated. Naphthenic oils stay niche, filling low-temperature processing and textile spin-finish roles. Concawe’s research confirms that refining severity rather than crude origin primarily governs the toxicological profile.
By Viscosity: Light Cuts Retain Preference
Low-viscosity grades below 20 cSt at 40 °C represented 51% of the white oil market in 2024 and are pacing at a 1.35% CAGR. They disperse pigments rapidly, spread thinly on skin, and clean easily from equipment, key factors for personal care and pharma plants pursuing shorter turnaround times. Digital viscometry confirms that slight temperature shifts produce steep flow changes, making tight control essential during batching.
Medium-viscosity oils between 20 cSt and 60 cSt balance penetration with film strength, anchoring use in polymer compounding, and textile finishing. High-viscosity grades, less than 10% of volume, deliver tack and longevity where processing chains or lubricated contacts run hot and heavy, such as wire drawing. Each viscosity class sees incremental tightening of color and purity limits as downstream audits grow rigorous.
By Application: Personal Care Leads Growth and Volume
Personal care accounted for 25% of the white oil market share in 2024 and is on course for a 2.08% CAGR to 2030, the strongest among all uses. The segment benefits from consumer preference for transparent, hypoallergenic bases that disperse actives evenly and leave minimal residue. The growing popularity of gel-cream formats in the Asia Pacific keeps demand tilted toward low-viscosity grades. Ingredient suppliers emphasize white oils' non-comedogenic profile and oxidation stability when paired with retinoids and ceramides.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE import high-purity lots to feed new fill-finish lines under Vision 2030 programs. Presence in regulated drug dossiers secures stable, price-inflexible volume that supports margins across cycles. Consequently, the white oil market size attributed to pharmaceutical applications stands resilient against shifts in discretionary spending.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
Geography Analysis
Asia Pacific owns 63% of the white oil market in 2024, with China, India, and South Korea combining heavy draw from personal care, pharmaceutical fill-finish, and polymer processing. Regional suppliers escalate hydrotreater throughput, yet rising quality specs keep premium imports attractive for drug and infant-nutrition plants. Government stimulus for advanced manufacturing, plus demographic expansion, sustains a 1.29% CAGR for the region.
Europe follows at a distance but wields outsized regulatory influence. Implementation of MOAH caps reshapes grade definitions globally, prompting multinational converters to standardize on European purity even for factories in Latin America and Africa. The region also consumes higher shares of pharmaceutical and topical personal-care oils, supported by aging populations and innovation in derma-cosmetics.
North America holds a stable slice, pivoting toward premium and sustainable options. Infant-formula producers trial bio-based crop-ester plasticizers, trimming mineral oil content in packaging. Nevertheless, stringent FDA references to USP and EP monographs keep pharmaceutical-grade demand unwavering. United States-based refiners benefit from shale-derived feed but face rising costs to desulfurize residual streams.
Competitive Landscape
The white oil market features moderate fragmentation. Global majors ExxonMobil, Shell plc, and China Petrochemical Corporation maintain integrated refining and distribution chains that secure constant feedstocks and drive innovation in low-aromatic products. Strategic moves center on backward integration, purity-driven line extensions and regional blending hubs.
White Oil Industry Leaders
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Exxon Mobil Corporation
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China Petrochemical Corporation
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Shell plc
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HF Sinclair Corporation
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Calumet, Inc.
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Recent Industry Developments
- June 2025: Brenntag SE and Exxon Mobil Corporation signed a distribution agreement for white oils to expand to regions such as DACH, CEE, and the Baltics to include Iberia, the Netherlands, and Israel.
- December 2024: APAR Industries signed an MoU with Saudi Aramco Base Oil Company, named Luberef, to study a transformer oil and white-oil plant at the LubeHub complex in Yanbu.
Global White Oil Market Report Scope
White oils are highly refined paraffinic or naphthenic base oils with minimal aromatic content. These oils are colorless, tasteless, odorless, and hydrophobic and do not change their color over time. They are also known as light mineral oils, light liquid paraffin, and light paraffin oils in different parts of the world. White oils were prepared as by-products of sulfonate production, formed when paraffinic or naphthenic base oils were treated with sulfuric acid.
The white oil market is segmented by grade, base oil, viscosity, application, and geography. By grade, the market is segmented into technical/industrial grade and pharmaceutical grade. By base oil, the market is segmented into group I, group II, group III, and naphthenic. By viscosity, the market is segmented into low, medium, and high. By application, the market is segmented into plastics and elastomers, adhesives, personal care, agriculture, textile, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, metalworking applications, and other applications (Household Products). The report also covers the market size and forecasts for the white oil market in 8 countries across major regions. For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts are done on the basis of volume (tons).
| By Grade | Technical/Industrial Grade | ||
| Pharmaceutical | |||
| By Base-Oil | Group I | ||
| Group II | |||
| Group III | |||
| Naphthenic | |||
| By Viscosity | Low | ||
| Medium | |||
| High | |||
| By Application | Plastics and Elastomers | ||
| Adhesives | |||
| Personal Care | |||
| Pharmaceuticals | |||
| Food and Beverage | |||
| Agriculture | |||
| Textile | |||
| Metalworking Applications | |||
| Other Applications (Household Products) | |||
| By Geography | Asia-Pacific | China | |
| India | |||
| Japan | |||
| South Korea | |||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
| North America | United States | ||
| Canada | |||
| Mexico | |||
| Europe | Germany | ||
| United Kingdom | |||
| Italy | |||
| France | |||
| Nordics | |||
| Rest of Europe | |||
| South America | Brazil | ||
| Argentina | |||
| Rest of South America | |||
| Middle-East and Africa | Saudi Arabia | ||
| Rest of Africa | |||
| Rest of Middle-East and Africa | |||
By Grade
| Technical/Industrial Grade |
| Pharmaceutical |
By Base-Oil
| Group I |
| Group II |
| Group III |
| Naphthenic |
By Viscosity
| Low |
| Medium |
| High |
By Application
| Plastics and Elastomers |
| Adhesives |
| Personal Care |
| Pharmaceuticals |
| Food and Beverage |
| Agriculture |
| Textile |
| Metalworking Applications |
| Other Applications (Household Products) |
By Geography
| Asia-Pacific | China |
| India | |
| Japan | |
| South Korea | |
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |
| North America | United States |
| Canada | |
| Mexico | |
| Europe | Germany |
| United Kingdom | |
| Italy | |
| France | |
| Nordics | |
| Rest of Europe | |
| South America | Brazil |
| Argentina | |
| Rest of South America | |
| Middle-East and Africa | Saudi Arabia |
| Rest of Africa | |
| Rest of Middle-East and Africa |
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Key Questions Answered in the Report
What is the current size of the white oil market?
The white oil market size is 1.51 million tons in 2025 and is forecast to reach 1.61 million tons by 2030.
Which application segment leads in the white oil market?
Personal care leads with 25% share and is also the fastest-growing segment at a 2.08% CAGR through 2030.
Why are Group II base oils dominant in white-oil production?
Group II feedstocks strike the optimal balance of purity, performance and cost, giving them 67% share of supply in 2024 and underpinning a 1.69% CAGR.
How do EU MOAH/MOSH rules influence the global white oil market?
The upcoming MOAH caps force packaging and food companies worldwide to adopt higher-purity white oils that meet EU thresholds, effectively raising quality standards across regions.
