Paraffin

Paraffin molecular structure

2-5 year old preschoolersSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Safe for preschoolers to use Paraffin?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Paraffin 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), paraffin used on the skin is usually low risk when used like a normal moisturizer or balm.

What to Do

Choose products made for children or that list refined/hydrotreat (hydrogenated) paraffin. Apply a thin layer to the area you want to treat, do not use on broken or very red skin, and avoid heavy, all-over daily layering. Keep the product away from your child’s mouth and eyes. Stop use and talk to your pediatrician if you see redness, rash, or persistent irritation.

⚠️Warnings

Some scientific studies and a government review (Environment Canada) report that paraffin-type waxes can build up in body tissues, and there are low-to-moderate concerns about effects on organs. Industry reviews (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) note data gaps and limits on purity and concentration. Also, some product verification programs restrict its use unless manufacturers provide safety data. Watch for skin irritation, recurring redness, or if your child frequently licks the product; for long-term or large-area use, check with your child’s doctor.

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

Safe for preschoolers to use Paraffin?

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

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

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.

Is this suitable for preschoolers to using products with Paraffin?

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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