Paraffin

Paraffin 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 Paraffin?

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

ℹ️General Overview

For infants (0-6 months): Paraffin is generally considered low risk, but because baby skin is very delicate and can absorb or trap things more easily, it’s best to be careful. Some studies and government reviews have found that paraffin/mineral oil components can build up in the body after repeated use.

What to Do

If you choose to use a product with paraffin on a newborn or baby: use very small amounts, only when needed, and avoid frequent or heavy application. Don’t put it on broken or irritated skin, and don’t cover treated areas tightly (no thick dressings). Prefer products made for infants and follow package guidance. If you see redness, a rash, or any change in your baby’s breathing or behaviour, stop use and talk with your pediatrician.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin irritation, rashes, or persistent residue on the skin. Published studies (2015 and 2017) reported that some mineral oil and wax components can accumulate in tissues after repeated exposure, and Environment Canada has noted possible organ system concerns at some levels of exposure. Industry reviews also note data gaps and limits on safe concentrations. Some product verification programs restrict paraffin unless manufacturers provide safety evidence—keep this in mind when choosing "verified" baby products.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Builds Up: Scientific work found waxy mineral oil components can collect in animal tissues and in human tissues, so paraffin-based waxes can build up in the body over time (studies from 2017 and 2015).
Absorbed: Tests that looked at human tissues found mineral oil hydrocarbons present, which shows paraffin-type materials applied to skin can get into the body.
Organ Risk: A national health agency evaluated paraffin/mineral-wax substances and listed them as expected to be toxic or harmful and as a medium human-health priority, meaning repeated exposure may harm organs (non-reproductive organ-system toxicity).
Long-Term Risk: Because paraffin-like waxes can be absorbed and build up, experts note data gaps and safety limits that rely on industry assessments — together this raises concern for possible health effects after years of use.
Environmental: Some research flags persistence and bioaccumulation of mineral-wax components as a low-to-moderate concern, so there is potential for environmental buildup even though some government reviews report low environmental toxicity.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Paraffin

This ingredient may also be listed as:

paraffinhard paraffinWAXES, PARAFFINPETROLEUM WAX, CRYSTALLINEPARAFFIN WAXLOW MELTING POINT PARAFFINHIGH MELTING POINT PARAFFINPARAFFIN WAXESCRYSTALLINE PETROLEUM WAXPARAFFIN WAXES (PETROLEUM), HYDROTREATEDHYDROTREATED PARAFFIN WAX; HYDROTREATED PARAFFIN WAXPARAFFIN WAXES (PETROLEUM) HYDROTREATEDPARAFFIN

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

Products Containing Paraffin

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Paraffin or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Paraffin

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Paraffin?

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

What are the builds up risks of Paraffin 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 Paraffin 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 Paraffin 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 Paraffin 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 Paraffin for newborns?

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

What products contain Paraffin?

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

When can infants start using products with Paraffin?

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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