Microcrystalline Wax

Microcrystalline Wax molecular structure

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Microcrystalline Wax?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Microcrystalline Wax is generally considered safe for 6-12 month old babies when used in topical products. Monitor for any reactions in older babies.

ℹ️General Overview

For a baby 6–12 months old, microcrystalline wax in creams or balms is generally low risk when used in normal amounts. The biggest note from studies is that some petroleum-based waxes can slowly build up in the body with long-term heavy use.

What to Do

Use products with microcrystalline wax sparingly on a 6–12 month old. Apply small amounts only to intact (not broken) skin. Don’t use heavy, greasy films every day over large areas. If you can, choose baby products that clearly list ingredients and avoid multiple products that layer many petroleum-based ingredients.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin redness, rash, or irritation and stop use if these appear. Long-term accumulation concerns come from studies such as “Mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) in female Fischer 344 rats; accumulation of wax components” and analyses of mineral oil in human tissues, and some government reviews (Environment Canada) have noted persistence and moderate accumulation concerns. Also note some product verification programs restrict this ingredient unless its use is justified.

Confidence: HIGH

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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

Can older babies safely use Microcrystalline Wax?

Yes, Microcrystalline Wax is generally considered safe for 6-12 month old babies based on current research.

What are the builds up risks of Microcrystalline Wax for older babies?

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 Microcrystalline Wax for older babies?

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 organ risk risks of Microcrystalline Wax for older babies?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the long-term risk risks of Microcrystalline Wax for older babies?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the environmental risks of Microcrystalline Wax for older babies?

Possible negative effects on the environment This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

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 appropriate for older babies to using products with Microcrystalline Wax?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 6-12 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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