Oil, the ubiquitous fossil fuel, plays a key role not only in powering cars and heating homes, but is also a hidden ingredient in many everyday objects.
Petrochemicals derived from oil and natural gas are used in the production of more than 6,000 products that we use every day. From food to beauty products, oil is found in things you might not expect.
Oil is used in a wide variety of industries. Apart from the obvious application in transportation, where it is processed into gasoline, diesel and kerosene, petroleum is the basis for many products in the chemical industry. With the help of oil derivatives, plastics, rubber, synthetic fibers and even medicines are produced.
In agriculture, it is used for the production of fertilizers and pesticides, while in construction, it is indispensable for the production of asphalt and other building materials. Oil is also used to produce petrochemicals that are an integral part of many everyday items.
Many things are made from oil
For example, plastics used in food packaging, clothing textiles, paints, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals contain petroleum-derived components. Even products like soaps, detergents and waxes have their roots in petroleum.
Live Science writes about some items and foods that are made from petroleum, which many people are unaware of, and points out that there are many foods and things that contain petroleum.
Chocolate – Chocolate coatings often contain food-grade paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum, coal, or shale oil. When added to chocolate, this wax creates a brilliant shine and helps keep the chocolate firm at higher temperatures because it has a low melting point. It also prevents the chocolate from sticking to the molds, making it easier to remove the finished product. Although wax remains undigested in the body, a 2023 study by the European Food Safety Agency did not reveal any safety concerns related to its consumption.
Toothpaste – Toothpaste may contain petroleum derivatives, such as polyethylene glycol, which are used for aroma, antibacterial properties and texture. Some manufacturers use poloxamer 407, a petroleum derivative, to make the toothpaste water-soluble, while sodium saccharin, an artificial sweetener derived from petroleum, is used to fight plaque.
Just some of the things
Perfume – When you apply perfume or cologne, chances are you’re using petroleum-derived oils instead of natural essential oils. For example, Iso E Super gives a woody aroma, hedione gives a jasmine scent, and Galaxolide is known for its long-lasting base note.
Tablets – Many tablets are coated with plastic to make them easier to swallow and prevent sticking. Synthetic components also protect the active ingredients from degradation, extending the shelf life of the product. Although natural alternatives exist, synthetics are often used for altered release, environmental protection and taste masking.
Vanilla Ice Cream – Synthetic petroleum oils are often used in food flavors, such as vanilla, almond, and lemon. These synthetic compounds allow for a consistent flavor profile across different batches. Benzaldehyde (almond flavoring) and vanillin (vanilla flavoring) are examples of petroleum-derived flavors.
Shaving cream – Shaving cream contains oil in the form of isopentane, derived from crude oil. Isopentane helps break down sebum on the skin and raises hair, making shaving easier. Also, shaving products often use polyethylene glycol, which is versatile and stable and creates a protective barrier on the skin, reducing friction and irritation.
