For the week ended January 16, 2026, the price of U.S. cosmetic-grade White oil on a CFR Texas price rose by 0.5%. This minor increase was mainly fueled by the increase in the price of feedstock crude oil, which rose by 3.0% and forced U.S. producers to adjust their prices.
The supply of cosmetic-grade white oil in the United States remained constant throughout the week, but the manufacturers faced mild pressure on the cost front. The refinery processing rates were held at stable levels—preventing shortages in the White oil market. However, an increase in the cost of feedstock crude oil by 3% increased the cost of production, forcing suppliers to revise their price accordingly.
White oil import volumes from Asian markets remained normal despite an increase in freight rates from Asia to the US, thanks to mild discounts provided by the suppliers to clear their own inventory.
Some small lead time delays were experienced due to the capacity constraints and scheduling adjustments in the few terminals, but they were not significantly enough to materially affect the reliability of White oil supplies. In general, the supplies and availability in the market were sound, and the small increase in White oil price for the week was driven by cost rather than supplies.
Demand for white oil for cosmetic applications trended in a stable, non-seasonal manner—driven by their constant use in the production of personal care products and OTC drugs. Manufacturers of lotions, baby oils, and topical creams boosted regular contract volume commitments without accelerating or slowing their purchases.
Additionally, wider consumption trends were driven by robust ecommerce activity, with U.S. ecommerce holiday sales totaling USD 257.8 billion in December 2025, while upscale personal care product categories posted 34%-unit volume gains to offset slower in-store traffic. Food processing use levels were maintained at baseline, with no evidence of stockpiling before months' end. Industrial/machinery business, too, held steady, with no issues stemming from downstream shutdowns or maintenance.
Nonetheless, overall purchasing appetite was adequate to absorb any supply in market action that lacked fervour to cause a meaningful pressure to move prices upwards in line with market performance for the week.
Looking forward, the market trend for cosmetic-grade white oils in America is likely to remain on a strong foundation with cost dynamics playing a crucial part. Furthermore, an increase in crude oils may spill over into increased costs of White oil production, compelling refineries to maintain their offers slightly higher. Demand originating from light industries and food processing is expected to offer a firm base, with other industries expected to maintain a stable level barring possible operational shutdown. The White oil market expects the pricing trends to remain stable to tight towards the end of January, with the key driver being the cost dynamics, particularly purchasing.
