Lubricants keep global industry moving, from automotive engines to industrial machinery. At their core, lubricants are made of two essential components: base oils and additives. While base oils provide the foundation, additives give lubricants their performance edge. But when it comes to recruitment in the lubricants sector, this technical difference matters a great deal. Employers often need highly specialised candidates depending on whether their business is focused on refining, additive development, or formulation.
Base oils make up 70–90% of a lubricant formulation. They are derived either from:
Petroleum refining (mineral base oils)
Synthetic processes (such as polyalphaolefins, esters, or GTL – gas-to-liquid)
Renewable feedstocks (emerging bio-based alternatives)
The American Petroleum Institute (API) categorises base oils into Groups I–V:
Group I: Solvent-refined mineral oils
Group II: Hydrotreated mineral oils
Group III: Highly refined mineral oils (sometimes marketed as synthetic)
Group IV: Polyalphaolefins (PAO)
Group V: Other synthetics (esters, PAGs, etc.)
Base oils define a lubricant’s viscosity, volatility, and oxidative stability. They set the foundation, but without additives, performance is limited.
Additives typically make up 10–30% of a lubricant. They are chemical compounds designed to enhance or modify performance characteristics. Examples include:
Detergents & dispersants – keep engines clean
Antioxidants – prevent oil breakdown
Anti-wear agents (e.g., ZDDP) – protect surfaces
Viscosity index improvers – maintain performance across temperature ranges
Friction modifiers – improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption
In short, additives are what transform a base oil into a high-performance lubricant tailored for specific applications like aviation, automotive, or heavy industry.
The distinction between base oils and additives directly impacts the skills and profiles employers look for:
Base oil companies often recruit engineers, refinery experts, and professionals experienced in supply chain and commodity trading.
Additives companies look for chemists, formulation scientists, and technical sales managers with deep knowledge of performance chemistry.
Hiring managers who don’t fully understand this divide risk mismatched hires. A candidate skilled in additive formulation won’t necessarily thrive in a base oil supply chain role and vice versa.
Talent shortages: Experienced formulation chemists and additive specialists are in short supply across Europe.
Sustainability skills: Employers increasingly seek chemists with knowledge of bio-based additives and sustainable base oils.
Global competition: Candidates with expertise in Group III/IV base oils or advanced additives are highly mobile and often in demand across multiple markets.
At Witan Search, we understand that lubricant additives vs base oils isn’t just a technical distinction — it’s a recruitment reality. Our sector expertise means we can:
Identify candidates with the exact chemistry, engineering, or commercial profile you need.
Access passive candidates not visible on job boards.
Shortlist quickly by leveraging industry networks across Europe’s lubricants supply chain and additives market.
What’s the difference between lubricant additives and base oils?
Base oils are the main component of lubricants, while additives are chemical compounds that enhance performance.
Why does this matter for hiring?
Base oil companies need refining and process experts, while additive companies require chemists and formulation specialists.
What roles are hardest to fill in the lubricants sector?
Formulation chemists, additive development scientists, and sustainability specialists are in particularly high demand.