Mineral Oil vs. Synthetic Lubricants: What’s the Difference and When to Choose Each

A side-by-side comparison of performance, cost, and application-specific advantages in industrial and manufacturing environments, choosing the right lubricant is critical to ensuring efficient performance, longevity of equipment, and compliance with safety or regulatory requirements. Among the most commonly used options are mineral oils and synthetic lubricants—each with unique characteristics that make them ideal for different applications.

So how do you choose the best option for your operation? In this blog, we break down the key differences between mineral oil and synthetic lubricants to help you make an informed decision based on performance needs, cost considerations, and industry use cases.

What Is Mineral Oil?

Mineral oil is a colorless, odorless byproduct derived from the refining of crude oil. It’s commonly used in both food-grade and technical-grade applications and can be found in a variety of industries, including:

Food processing and packaging
Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
Agriculture and livestock
Plastics and chemical manufacturing

Mineral oils are categorized by their degree of refinement, with white mineral oil—like STEOIL’s Crystal Plus® products—offering the highest purity levels, meeting standards such as NSF H1, 3H, and FDA 21 CFR regulations.

What Are Synthetic Lubricants?

Synthetic lubricants are engineered fluids formulated from chemically modified compounds, often derived from petrochemicals. These lubricants are designed to provide high-performance benefits in extreme operating environments where mineral oils may fall short. Common types include:

Polyalphaolefins (PAOs)
Esters
Silicones
Fluorinated fluids

Synthetic oils are popular in aerospace, automotive, and high-temperature or high-pressure industrial settings.

Key Differences: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Mineral Oil	Synthetic Lubricants
Source	Refined from crude oil	Chemically engineered
Cost	Lower upfront cost	Higher cost due to complex formulation
Thermal Stability	Moderate (typically < 200°C)	Excellent (up to 300°C or higher)
Oxidation Resistance	Good (improved with additives)	Superior
Viscosity Range	Narrower	Broad and customizable
Food-Grade Availability	Yes (e.g., NSF H1, 3H)	Limited (special formulations only)
Environmental Impact	Biodegradable options available	May vary; some are not easily biodegradable
Application Focus	General-purpose, cost-effective	Specialty/high-performance environments

When to Choose Mineral Oil

Choose mineral oil when your application requires:

Regulatory compliance in food, pharma, or cosmetic production
Cost-efficiency for general lubrication or processing aid
Compatibility with existing legacy equipment
Non-toxic and non-reactive properties (especially important in food-grade applications) Examples: Food conveyor lubrication, plastic extrusion, livestock feed defoaming agents, personal care products

When to Choose Synthetic Lubricants

Opt for synthetic lubricants when your operation demands:

High thermal and oxidative stability

Extreme temperature or pressure performance

Longer lubrication intervals and extended equipment lifespan

Resistance to harsh chemicals or reactive environments Examples: High-speed machinery, jet engines, automotive gearboxes, high-load industrial bearings

Final Thoughts

Both mineral oil and synthetic lubricants serve important roles in industrial and commercial applications.

The best choice depends on your operating conditions, performance requirements, budget, and compliance needs.

At STE Oil Company, we specialize in high-purity white mineral oils that meet the most stringent quality and safety standards across industries. If you’re unsure which product is best for your business, our team is here to help.

Contact us today to discuss your lubrication needs or request a sample of our Crystal Plus® white mineral oil.