Synthetic Wax

Synthetic Wax molecular structure

0-6 month old newborns • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

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

⚠️
USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 4 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Synthetic Wax use with caution for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

For newborns and babies 0–6 months: synthetic wax is generally seen as low risk in adults, but there is some research showing related waxes can collect in body tissues. Because a baby’s skin is very thin and they absorb more from products, it’s better to be careful.

✅What to Do

If possible, choose baby-specific products that do not list synthetic wax. If you must use a product with synthetic wax, use it sparingly, only on small areas, avoid using it every day over large parts of the body, do not apply to broken or irritated skin, and avoid lip products that baby could lick or put in their mouth.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for redness, rash, or any change in your baby’s skin where a product was applied. The caution comes from animal studies and human tissue analyses that found mineral-oil-type waxes can accumulate in the body, and from safety reviews that note data gaps and restrictions (sources: studies on mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons, human tissue analyses, Cosmetic Ingredient Review, Environment Canada). If you see skin problems or are unsure, stop use and talk with your pediatrician.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Builds Up: Lab and tissue analyses show components of these waxes can collect in body fat and organs over time. Animal studies and human tissue work found mineral-oil hydrocarbons that do not clear quickly, and the ingredient is flagged for possible persistence and bioaccumulation (low–moderate). This means repeated use could lead to higher levels in the body.
Absorbed: Tests have measured wax-related hydrocarbons inside animal and human tissues, which means parts of the ingredient can enter the body rather than stay only on the skin. Because it can get into tissues, there is a route for internal exposure from topical use.
Environmental: Some assessments note possible persistence and tendency to build up, raising concern for the environment if released widely. While other regulatory reviews have not found it to be clearly persistent, the mixed findings mean there is a real, if modest, environmental worry about long-term build-up.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Synthetic Wax

This ingredient may also be listed as:

synthetic waxSYNTHETIC WAXPARAFFIN WAX FUME (ACGIH)PARAFFIN WAX FUMEPARAFFIN WAXES AND HYDROCARBON WAXESPARAFFIN; PARAFFIN; PARAFFIN WAX; PARAFFIN WAX; PARAFFIN WAXES; PARAFFIN WAX (PETROLEUM); POLY(METHYLENE)WAX; SYNTHETIC PARAFFIN WAX, FISCHER-TROPSCH; WAX EXTRACT

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

Products Containing Synthetic Wax

This ingredient is found in the following products:

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

Common Questions About Synthetic Wax

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Synthetic Wax?

Use caution with Synthetic Wax for 0-6 month old babies. Some safety concerns have been identified.

What are the builds up risks of Synthetic 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 Synthetic 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 environmental risks of Synthetic 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 Synthetic Wax?

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

When can infants start using products with Synthetic 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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