Microcrystalline Wax

Microcrystalline Wax molecular structure

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Microcrystalline Wax?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 3 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Microcrystalline Wax is generally considered safe for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

For newborns and infants (0–6 months) this wax is generally low risk but we are more cautious because some studies show mineral oil/wax components can build up in body tissues. A little occasional use on healthy skin is unlikely to cause problems, but regular heavy use or use on broken skin is not recommended for babies.

What to Do

If you need a product with this ingredient for your baby: use it sparingly, only on healthy skin, and avoid large-area or long-term occlusive applications (for example thick layers under wraps or diapers). Do a small patch test on a tiny area first and wait 24–48 hours. Prefer products made for infants with simpler ingredient lists when possible. Keep creams and balms away from baby’s mouth and eyes to prevent ingestion.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for any redness, rash, swelling, or changes in feeding or breathing after using a product with this ingredient. Scientific reports (studies from 2015 and 2017) have noted that mineral-oil-type waxes can accumulate in tissues, and Environment Canada has flagged persistence and moderate bioaccumulation concerns — these are the reasons for extra caution in infants. Also note that some product-safety certification programs restrict or require extra proof for use of this ingredient; if you prefer to avoid any uncertainty, choose products without microcrystalline wax for babies under 6 months.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Builds Up: Research on mineral-oil-based waxes found wax components can collect in animal organs and have been measured in human tissues. A government review also flagged moderate persistence and bioaccumulation for this material (2015 human tissue study; 2017 rat study; Environment Canada review).
Absorbed: Although used on the skin, studies have detected mineral-oil hydrocarbons from similar waxes inside body tissues and in lab animals, which means topical contact can lead to absorption into the body (2015 human tissue study; 2017 rat study).
Organ Risk: A regulatory assessment classified this class of petroleum waxes as a medium human-health priority and noted non-reproductive organ system toxicity concerns, indicating potential harm to organs with repeated exposure (Environment Canada assessment).
Long-Term Risk: Because the ingredient can persist and build up in tissue over time, long-term or repeated exposure may raise health concerns later in life. This is supported by measurements of accumulated hydrocarbons in people and regulatory concern about persistence (2015 human tissue study; Environment Canada review).
Environmental: Reviews have raised concerns about moderate persistence and bioaccumulation in the environment for these petroleum-derived waxes, meaning they may linger and affect wildlife or ecosystems (Environment Canada review).

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Microcrystalline Wax

This ingredient may also be listed as:

microcrystalline waxcera microcristallinaCera MicrocristallinaMicrocrystalline waxWAX, MICROCRYSTALLINE, HYDROGENATEDHYDROGENATED WAX, MICROCRYSTALLINEMICROCRYSTALLINE HYDROGENATED WAXHYDROTREATED MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX; HYDROTREATED MICROCRYSTALLINE WAXHYDROCARBON WAXES (PETROLEUM), HYDROTREATED MICROCRYST.HYDROGENATED MICROCRISTALLINE WAXHYDROGENATED MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Microcrystalline Wax

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Microcrystalline Wax or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Microcrystalline Wax

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Microcrystalline Wax?

Yes, Microcrystalline Wax is generally considered safe for 0-6 month old babies based on current research.

What are the builds up risks of Microcrystalline Wax for newborns?

Builds up in the body over time with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the absorbed risks of Microcrystalline Wax for newborns?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the organ risk risks of Microcrystalline Wax for newborns?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the long-term risk risks of Microcrystalline Wax for newborns?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the environmental risks of Microcrystalline Wax for newborns?

Possible negative effects on the environment This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Microcrystalline Wax?

Microcrystalline Wax is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can infants start using products with Microcrystalline Wax?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 0-6 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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