Microcrystalline Wax

Microcrystalline Wax molecular structure

2-5 year old preschoolers • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Safe for preschoolers to use Microcrystalline Wax?

✅
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 0 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Microcrystalline Wax is generally considered safe for 2-5 year old children when used in topical products. Consider preschooler activity levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2-5): microcrystalline wax is generally safe when used on the skin. It acts as a protective, waxy layer and is not linked to cancer or allergies in the reviewed information. Some studies and reviews do note that related mineral-oil components can build up in body tissues, so we take a few simple precautions.

✅What to Do

Use products made for children or simple moisturizers that list this ingredient. Do not put thick amounts on large broken or irritated skin. Avoid giving products with this wax to a child who will eat or lick them often (for example, avoid letting a toddler repeatedly eat a lip balm). If trying a product for the first time, do a small patch test on the arm and watch for redness or rash for 48 hours.

⚠️Warnings

Stop use and talk to your pediatrician if you see rash, persistent redness, or other irritation. The cautious advice comes from scientific studies and regulatory reviews that found mineral-oil-type waxes can sometimes accumulate in tissues (see the 2017 study on mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons, a 2015 tissue analysis, and reviews by Environment Canada). Also note some product verification programs require extra testing before this ingredient is allowed in verified children’s products. Keep products out of reach to avoid accidental eating.

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

Safe for preschoolers to use Microcrystalline Wax?

Yes, Microcrystalline Wax is generally considered safe for 2-5 year old children based on current research.

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

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 Microcrystalline Wax for preschoolers?

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 Microcrystalline Wax for preschoolers?

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 Microcrystalline Wax for preschoolers?

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 Microcrystalline Wax for preschoolers?

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

What products contain Microcrystalline Wax?

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

Is this suitable for preschoolers to using products with Microcrystalline Wax?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 2-5 year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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