Skip to content
CarCareTruthProducts · Ranked

Mineral Spirits

  • Aliphatic solvents
  • CAS 64742-88-7
  • IUPAC: Naphtha, petroleum, hydrotreated heavy

Mineral Spirits (CAS 64742-88-7) appears in 3 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026), 1 of which carry a DANGER signal word on their published Safety Data Sheet. It is listed on California's Proposition 65 and classified as a VOC.

WARNING signal word in products using mineral spirits as a primary component (20-25%). Eye irritation (H320 Cat 2B) at use-level concentration is the main acute concern. Inhalation risk is low from aqueous/cream-form products at room temperature (vapor pressure <2 mmHg at 20°C). Prolonged or repeated dermal exposure can cause irritant contact dermatitis. The stoddard-solvent fraction (CAS 64742-88-7) contains trace aromatic hydrocarbons including cumene, a California Prop 65–listed carcinogen.

Mineral spirits (CAS 64742-88-7) — also marketed as Stoddard Solvent or hydrotreated heavy naphtha — is a mid-boiling-range petroleum distillate used as a carrier solvent and abrasive dispersant in polishes, waxes, and cleaners. It is distinct from odorless mineral spirits (CAS 64741-65-7, which has lower aromatic content) and from hydrotreated light petroleum distillates (CAS 64742-47-8).

In glass and paint polishes, mineral spirits suspends abrasive particles (cerium oxide, aluminum oxide) and facilitates their release onto the substrate during polishing. It evaporates slowly, giving working time, and typically does not leave residue on well-buffed surfaces.

The Prop 65 listing traces to trace aromatic hydrocarbons — particularly cumene (isopropylbenzene, a listed carcinogen) — present in the stoddard-solvent fraction of the complex petroleum mixture. The hydrotreatment process removes many polynuclear aromatics but does not fully eliminate lighter aromatics like cumene. Compliant brands display the Prop 65 "Cancer and Reproductive Harm" warning.

Aquatic toxicity at ingredient level is documented: LC50 (fish, 96hr) 45 mg/L emulsified in EPA data. The mixture-level classification in finished products depends on dilution and formulation.

Health & environment profile

VOC
yes
Prop 65 listed
yes
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
yes
Biodegradable
no
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
yes
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
2/5
Purpose: Carrier solvent, abrasive dispersant, cleaning and degreasing agent in polishes and waxes

Common questions about Mineral Spirits

What is Mineral Spirits used for in car care?
Carrier solvent, abrasive dispersant, cleaning and degreasing agent in polishes and waxes
Is Mineral Spirits a VOC?
Yes. Mineral Spirits is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Mineral Spirits on California's Proposition 65 list?
Yes. Mineral Spirits appears on California's Proposition 65 list.

3 products contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.