Petroleum, also known as oil, has a wide range of applications in medicine, pharmacy, cosmetics, food, clothing, sports, and communication devices. Surprisingly, 80% of cosmetics are made from petroleum derivatives.
What is Petroleum?
Crude oil is a thick liquid found in nature in burnt brown, green, and black colors, and is known as the main source of energy in the world. The word petroleum is derived from Latin words – petra meaning rock, oleum meaning oil. So, petroleum means rock oil.
Scientists theorize that oil originated from plants and animals that lived millions of years ago, thriving in or near warm, shallow seas. Upon their death, these organisms settled on the seabed, where they were gradually buried under layers of sand and clay. Over millennia, the immense pressure and heat transformed these sediments into rock, while the organic matter trapped within metamorphosed into a viscous black liquid—crude oil.
This oil, encapsulated in the earth's crust, occasionally finds pathways to the surface. Geological movements, such as the uplifting of the earth's crust, can convert seabed into dry land. In such regions, crude oil occasionally seeps through the surface, revealing its presence and providing a vital clue to humans about the rich, hidden reserves of this natural resource.
Beyond the fact that over 70% of crude oil is refined and used for transportation, there are many products derived from oil that you might not be aware of! petroleum serves as a primary ingredient in a multitude of products that we come across in our daily lives. Below, we have gathered a few examples of how crude oil is utilized in everyday life.
The applications of crude oil in daily life
It's interesting to know that crude oil is used in a wide range of applications beyond the obvious, including in fields like medicine and pharmaceuticals, the food industry, cosmetic products, sports equipment, and even in the manufacturing of musical instruments.
1- Beauty and Personal Care Products
You might not know that petroleum products constitute up to 80% of the ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products. Oil is used as a raw material for the production of Vaseline, perfumes and colognes, hair dye, various types of soap, shampoo and hair conditioner, and lipsticks.
2- Lipsticks
Many lip products use petroleum as their base. You'll find paraffin wax in cosmetics because it quickly dissolves into your skin and provides deep moisture and skin protection.
Paraffin wax, an essential component, forms the structure of lipstick tubes and guarantees their smooth and creamy texture. This wax, a malleable, colorless or white substance, is sourced from crude oil or coal. The use of paraffin extends beyond lipsticks, featuring in an array of products like candles, chocolate wrappers, and even paintball pellets.
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3- Perfumes and Colognes
Interestingly, two primary ways we make ourselves smell good involve spraying or applying fossil fuels on our skin. In the production of deodorants and antiperspirants, as well as perfumes and colognes, propylene glycol is commonly used. It's a petroleum derivative that provides an inexpensive way to smooth out products for easier application. Perfume and cologne manufacturers frequently utilize synthetic chemicals and petroleum derivatives for “ensuring long-lasting scents while also reducing costs.” These petroleum-based substances work with moisture to effectively retain pleasant aromas on the skin.
Propylene glycol isn't found only in perfumes; it's used in a wide range of products derived from petroleum. Some of the applications of propylene glycol include antifreeze, shampoo, and paints. However, it's important to note that just because propylene glycol is a common ingredient doesn't mean that shampoo can be used as a substitute for antifreeze, or that paint can clean your hair!
4- Hair Dyes
When hair dyes first came out, the main ingredient used in coal-tar dyes caused allergic reactions in some people. Most hair dyes now are made from petroleum sources. But the FDA still considers them to be coal-tar dyes. This is because they have some of the same compounds found in these older dyes.
5- Deodorant and Antiperspirant
Interestingly, two of the most common ways we control body odor involve applying petroleum derivatives to our skin. This occurs when we use deodorants and antiperspirants. A common ingredient in deodorants is propylene glycol, which is used to emulsify the product and create a smooth application feeling. This ingredient is used as an affordable way to enhance the smoothness and ease of application of these products.
6- Cleaning Products
You might be surprised to learn that petroleum products are a common ingredient in many cleaning products. Petroleum have long been used in cleaning products, such as detergent bases and laundry additives. Before World War II, detergents were made from natural oils and fats from plants and animals. However, the use of petroleum products has become more common in recent years. For instance, you'll often find glycerin, a petrochemical product, used in the production of cleaning products.
7- Asphalt
Asphalt is primarily derived from petroleum, making it a crucial component in road construction. It is created by mixing bitumen, a petroleum-based semi-solid substance, with stones generated in the distillation of coal.
8- Fuel
Petroleum is the primary source for producing gasoline, diesel fuel, and jet fuel.
9- Synthetic Rubber
Synthetic rubber, a man-made elastomer, is primarily derived from crude oil. Over 70% of all rubber used today is synthetic. These polymers are synthesized from petroleum byproducts and find versatile applications in various industries. From making computers, mobile phones, cameras, sports equipment, shoes, car tires, and even serving as insulation for wires and cables, synthetic rubber is a versatile material with widespread applications.
10- Oils
Petroleum serves as an essential ingredient in the production of a wide range of lubricants that are integral to our daily lives. These lubricants, including motor oil, grease, and paraffin wax, play a crucial role in reducing friction, protecting machinery, and ensuring smooth operation.
11- Plastics
The vast majority of plastics are derived from petrochemical products and have become ubiquitous in our daily lives. Unfortunately, they are also recognized as environmental pollutants with harmful and toxin effects on ecosystems and wildlife. Furniture, most kitchen utensils, and even water and soda bottles are examples of plastic products that have become commonplace in our lives.
12- Chewing Gum
Did you know that chewing gum contains petroleum-based polymers? The chewable and soft texture of gum is partially attributed to these petroleum derivatives. While the packaging often simply labels them as "gum base", these components also include waxes, citric acid, glycerin, lanolin, and other ingredients. So, the next time you head to the gas station or indulge in a pack of gum, remember that you and your car share a common ancestry in the realm of fossil fuel-derived products. And as you ponder the countless times you've swallowed gum, consider the unique journey it's taken from petroleum to your tummy.
13- Contact Lenses
The soft, comfortable, and breathable contact lenses that have revolutionized vision correction are made possible by petroleum-derived polymers. These polymers, with their unique combination of flexibility and oxygen permeability.
14- Dentures
Modern dentures often rely on carbon-based pigments to achieve their desired shades. These pigments, sourced from coal, crude oil, or certain plant extracts, are widely used in the food industry and are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You might decide to double your dental care to avoid the need for such petroleum products. Some individuals may prefer a more natural alternative. Fortunately, silkworms provide a remarkable solution. These delicate creatures produce a naturally occurring dye that imparts a captivating pink hue to dentures, offering a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing option.
15- Toothpaste
Toothpaste manufacturing involves a substantial consumption of petroleum products, with toothpaste factories having a threefold crude oil consumption compared to other industries.
A key ingredient in toothpaste is Poloxamer 407, a petroleum derivative that facilitates the interaction between toothpaste's oil-based components and water-based solvents. Moreover, petroleum-derived pigments are also used in toothpaste.
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16- Food Products
Petroleum-derived products are crucial components in the production of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The ammonia used in these products, a key ingredient for plant growth, is derived from petroleum-based feedstocks. Additionally, petrochemical-based compounds are used in the development of food preservatives, flavorings, and food colorings.
17- Pharmaceuticals
A significant portion of pharmaceuticals, including painkillers like aspirin, cortisone, and anesthetics, are derived from benzene, a compound produced from oil. Notably, a vast array of painkillers, including these examples, rely on petroleum as their source. Additionally, numerous vitamin supplements, including vitamins A, B6, and B9, are also derived from petroleum products.
18- Musical Instruments; Guitar Strings
Nylon guitar strings are widely used in modern guitars. This synthetic material was invented in 1935 by Wallace Carothers at DuPont, who was searching for a substitute for natural silk, which had become scarce during the war.
19- Sports Equipment
Sports equipment is one of many products that rely heavily on petroleum, without which the development of various sports would undoubtedly not be as advanced as it is today. The production of modern golf balls, soccer nets, artificial turf, basketballs, tennis rackets, rugby balls, and more are all made possible by oil and its derivatives.
Even in the sport of fishing, oil plays a vital role in every aspect, from the bait and fishing rods to life jackets, fishing boats, and special coolers for storing fish. The nylon line and float used to attach bait to hooks are also derived from oil.
20- Color Pencils
Petroleum has left an indelible mark on our childhood memories, particularly in our color pencil drawings at school or at home. These colorful creations are made possible by paraffin wax, a solid hydrocarbon derived from petroleum. Paraffin wax also finds its way into candles, and even into the world of food preservation, shining apples and chocolates.
21- Crayons
Petroleum has played a significant role in shaping the vibrant hues of childhood drawings, with each crayon in our drawing boxes containing paraffin.
22- Synthetic Fabrics
Petroleum-based feedstocks play a pivotal role in producing synthetic fibers, the cornerstone of modern clothing manufacturing. Synthetic fibers, such as nylon, spandex, acrylic, and polyester, have become ubiquitous in our wardrobes due to their versatility and affordability. Beyond their primary use in clothing, petroleum-based resins also find their way into hangers.
23- Wrinkle-resistant Clothes
Cotton fabric is a popular choice for everyday wear, but polyester is increasingly used in trousers, blouses, and other garments that demand wrinkle and stain resistance. These exceptional properties are derived from polyester's petroleum origins. Fortunately, polyester's recyclability is a boon for the environment, as it can be transformed into high-quality new polyester fibers.
24- Solar Panels
While solar panels have revolutionized energy production, their reliance on petroleum-based resins and plastics raises environmental concerns. Fortunately, the industry is embracing sustainability by developing innovative bio-resins and bioplastics that can effectively replace petroleum-based components. These bio-based materials promise to enhance the environmental profile of solar panels while maintaining their efficiency and durability.