Paraffin

Paraffin molecular structure

1-2 year old toddlersSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this toddler-safe to use Paraffin?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Paraffin is generally considered safe for 1-2 year old toddlers when used in topical products. Watch for toddler-specific sensitivities.

ℹ️General Overview

For toddlers (1-2 years) paraffin used on the skin is usually low risk and is commonly found in creams and ointments as a moisturizer. It is considered low concern for cancer and allergies, but some studies and government reviews note it can build up in body tissues over time, so we stay cautious.

What to Do

Use products that are made for children and say they are safe for toddlers. Apply a thin layer only where needed (dry patches, small areas). Don’t let your child lick products meant for skin (avoid lip balms or ointments they can eat). If you use a paraffin product a lot (large area or daily for a long time), check with your pediatrician.

⚠️Warnings

Avoid putting paraffin on large broken skin or open wounds and avoid heavy, full-body or daily thick applications on a toddler. Watch for any new redness, rash, or signs your child is uncomfortable and stop use if these happen. These cautions come from government reviews and scientific studies that reported tissue accumulation and noted organ-system concerns (Environment Canada; lab/animal studies 2015 and 2017), and from industry safety reviews that mention use limits (Cosmetic Ingredient Review and FDA notes).

Confidence: HIGH

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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 toddler-safe to use Paraffin?

Yes, Paraffin is generally considered safe for 1-2 year old toddlers based on current research.

What are the builds up risks of Paraffin for toddlers?

Builds up in the body over time with repeated use. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the absorbed risks of Paraffin for toddlers?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the organ risk risks of Paraffin for toddlers?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the long-term risk risks of Paraffin for toddlers?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the environmental risks of Paraffin for toddlers?

Possible negative effects on the environment Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What products contain Paraffin?

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

When can toddlers using products with Paraffin?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 1-2 year old toddlers. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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