Paraffin

Paraffin molecular structure

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Paraffin?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Paraffin 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 infants 6–12 months old, paraffin used on the skin is usually low risk when used a little and on healthy skin. It helps lock in moisture and is commonly found in baby creams and ointments.

What to Do

Use only a small amount on dry spots or chapped skin, and don’t apply to open cuts or raw skin. Prefer products that say they use well-refined paraffin or petroleum wax. Avoid daily heavy slathering over large areas and do not use paraffin-containing products meant to be licked or eaten (like lip products) where baby may ingest them.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for redness, ongoing irritation, or any change in breathing after use. Some government reviews (Environment Canada) and scientific reviews have raised concerns about certain waxy petroleum materials accumulating in body tissues with repeated exposure, and industry reviewers note gaps in long-term data and recommended limits. Also note that some product verification programs restrict or require documentation to allow paraffin in certified products—so if you prefer verified or certified baby items, check the product label.

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

Can older babies safely use Paraffin?

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

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

Paraffin 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 Paraffin?

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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