Industrial lubricants are oils, greases and other substances designed to reduce friction, binding or wear. Specialized characteristics may enhance thermal conduction or reduce electrical resistivity. Other industrial lubricants can provide sealing against moisture. Industrial lubricants are available in many forms such as low viscosity oils, high viscosity greases, waxes and solid lubricant powders. Lubricating oils often consist of natural oils, synthetic silicone oils, petroleum based compounds, or combinations with wax.

Industrial lubricants additives are chemical substances that are added to fluids to improve specific properties. Extreme pressure (EP) lubricants, for example, use active additives to provide a layer capable of withstanding high loads. Greases are thick, high viscosity substances that do not run off surfaces. Micro-dispersions are oils or lubricating fluids that contain solid lubricant particles in an oil base. Solid lubricants are designed to reduce friction, binding or wear; exclude water; or provide other special characteristics.