Paraffin

Paraffin molecular structure

5+ year old childrenSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this kid-friendly to use Paraffin?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Paraffin is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children when used in topical products. Kids may have different tolerance levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For children 5 years and older, paraffin (a petroleum wax) is usually safe to use on the skin in creams and ointments. It helps soften and protect dry skin and is commonly found in many over‑the‑counter moisturizers.

What to Do

Use paraffin-containing products exactly as the label says. Put a small amount on a clean patch of skin (forearm) first and wait 24 hours to check for a reaction. Avoid putting thick layers over large areas for long periods, and do not use on open cuts or irritated skin. Keep products out of a child's mouth and do not let them eat or lick the product. If you prefer, choose moisturizers made for children from trusted brands.

⚠️Warnings

Some government reviews (Environment Canada) have raised concerns that paraffin/wax components can build up in body tissues, and industry reviewers (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) note data gaps and recommend limits on impurities and concentrations. Because of those findings, avoid heavy, long-term occlusive use and avoid applying to broken or inflamed skin. Stop use and see a clinician if you notice redness, rash, swelling, or breathing problems. Sources of these warnings: Environment Canada and Cosmetic Ingredient Review.

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 kid-friendly to use Paraffin?

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

What are the builds up risks of Paraffin for children?

Builds up in the body over time with repeated use.

What are the absorbed risks of Paraffin for children?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream.

What are the organ risk risks of Paraffin for children?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.

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

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.

What are the environmental risks of Paraffin for children?

Possible negative effects on the environment

What products contain Paraffin?

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

When can kids start using products with Paraffin?

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

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