Paraffin wax
Paraffin wax is a hard, white, translucent wax made of mainly straight-chain saturated hydrocarbons from petroleum. It is separated from lube oil distillates by solvent dewaxing, then de-oiled and hydrotreated or clay-treated to remove color and aromatics. Cosmetic brands buy fully refined paraffin as slabs or pastilles, graded by melting point, for lipsticks, balms, stick products, depilatory waxes and hand-dip treatments.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Paraffin with low oil content meeting FDA or pharmacopeial specifications, the grade for cosmetics.
Paraffins sold in bands such as 52-54 °C or 58-60 °C, chosen for the stiffness of the finished product.
Paraffin with higher oil content for candles and industrial use; not suited to cosmetics.
Physical forms; pastilles melt and weigh more easily in production.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store paraffin wax in closed bags or boxes in a cool, dry area away from heat and direct sun. It is stable and does not oxidize readily at room temperature. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of appearance and melting point for older stock.
Record melting point, oil content and UV absorbance or PAH result for each lot. Melting point drifts between lots within the stated band, so adjust stick formulas if hardness changes. Rotate FIFO.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists paraffin wax (CAS 8002-74-2) with technical effects including masticatory substance, processing aid and surface-finishing agent.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 172.886 permits petroleum wax, a mixture of solid hydrocarbons, paraffinic in nature, derived from petroleum, in or on food when it meets set ultraviolet absorbance limits.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Accepted Uses permits paraffin wax as a coating agent on cheeses.
Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists paraffin (proper names include paraffin wax, CAS 8002-74-2) with non-medicinal purposes including coating agent and stiffening agent.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Watertown, CT
Connecticut wax company that refines and supplies beeswax, plant waxes, petroleum waxes, emulsifying waxes and esters for cosmetic, pharmaceutical and industrial uses.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include fully refined, food / pharmaceutical grade, grades by melting point, semi-refined and pastilles and slabs. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect melting point, oil content, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, color and odor, needle penetration and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store paraffin wax in closed bags or boxes in a cool, dry area away from heat and direct sun. It is stable and does not oxidize readily at room temperature. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of appearance and melting point for older stock.
FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists paraffin wax (CAS 8002-74-2) with technical effects including masticatory substance, processing aid and surface-finishing agent. 21 CFR 172.886 permits petroleum wax, a mixture of solid hydrocarbons, paraffinic in nature, derived from petroleum, in or on food when it meets set ultraviolet absorbance limits. Health Canada's List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Accepted Uses permits paraffin wax as a coating agent on cheeses. Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists paraffin (proper names include paraffin wax, CAS 8002-74-2) with non-medicinal purposes including coating agent and stiffening agent.
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