Oil, the ubiquitous fossil fuel that powers our vehicles and warms our homes, also plays a surprising role in numerous everyday items. Petrochemicals derived from oil and natural gas have become essential components in a wide range of products, from food additives to personal care items.
1. Chocolate
Unbeknownst to many, chocolate may contain food-grade paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum. This wax helps create a glossy sheen upon hardening and keeps chocolate solid at higher temperatures due to its low melting point. It also prevents chocolate from sticking to molds, easing the removal of the finished product.
2. Toothpaste
Toothpaste often contains polyethylene glycol, a petroleum derivative, which serves several purposes. It imparts flavor, antibacterial properties, and texture to the paste. Additionally, some manufacturers use sodium saccharin, an artificial sweetener derived from petroleum, and sodium lauryl sulfate, a foaming agent also derived from petroleum, to enhance the toothpaste’s effectiveness.
3. Perfumes and Colognes
Many fragrances utilize petroleum-derived oils instead of natural essential oils. For instance, Iso E Super provides a woody, amber-like aroma, while hedione offers a jasmine scent. Ambroxan, another synthetic oil, is known for its long-lasting base note.
4. Paints
Adding plastic polymers to paint makes them water-resistant and more durable, and plastic is made from oil. Plastic-based paints adhere well to surfaces and crack less than other natural options. Synthetic oils also allow for a broader range of colors. However, as paint ages or dries, it may flake off, releasing microplastics into the environment.
5. Pills
Many pills contain synthetic components to make swallowing easier and prevent them from sticking together. These components also protect active ingredients from degradation, extending the product’s shelf life. While natural alternatives exist, synthetic components remain prevalent due to their effectiveness and versatility.
6. Food Flavorings
Synthetic flavors, commonly derived from petroleum, are often used in food flavorings. They can be engineered to replicate specific flavors, providing a consistent taste profile across batches. Their low cost and versatility make them a popular choice for meeting consumer demand. Ethyl maltol (almond flavor) and vanillin (vanilla flavor) are examples of petroleum-derived food flavorings.
7. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly, widely used for skin protection and moisturizing, is derived from natural gas and oil. Crude oil is distilled to separate various components, including a heavy, waxy substance called petrolatum. This substance is further refined and purified to create the familiar petroleum jelly.
8. Laxatives
Polyethylene glycol, a petroleum product, is a common ingredient in laxatives. It draws water into the colon, softening stool and easing bowel movements. Some laxatives also contain mineral oil, another petroleum derivative, which forms a slippery film in the intestines, facilitating stool passage.
9. Shaving Cream
Shaving cream often contains isopentane, a petroleum-derived hydrocarbon. Isopentane helps break down sebum, an oily substance on human skin, and causes hair to stand up, making them easier to shave. Shaving products may also include polyethylene glycol, which creates a protective barrier on the skin to reduce friction and irritation.
10. Air Fresheners
Petroleum-derived oils are frequently used in air fresheners to create scents that last longer and are more consistent than natural oils. These synthetic oils are designed to mimic popular fragrances and can be formulated to release gradually over time, providing a long-lasting scent.
