Microcrystalline Wax

Microcrystalline Wax molecular structure

adults • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Microcrystalline Wax?

✅
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 0 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Microcrystalline Wax is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults, microcrystalline wax used on the skin is generally safe when used in normal amounts. It helps products feel thicker and stay on the skin. Serious health concerns are uncommon.

✅What to Do

Use products that list this wax normally (lotions, balms, creams) as you would any other skin product. Do not apply to large raw or broken areas of skin. If you use products that reapply many times a day over large areas (for example heavy body balms), consider alternating with lighter products occasionally.

⚠️Warnings

Some scientific studies found that waxy mineral oil components can accumulate in body tissues after long-term exposure (see studies: "Mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) in female Fischer 344 rats; accumulation of wax components; implications for risk assessment (2017)" and "Mineral oil in human tissues, part II: characterization of the accumulated hydrocarbons... (2015)"). Because of those findings, some product-certification programs limit use of this ingredient unless manufacturers provide safety data. For adults this is mainly a concern only with very heavy, repeated use or use on broken skin. Stop use and talk to a doctor if you notice persistent redness, irritation, or any unusual skin changes.

Confidence: MEDIUM

Are you holding the product?

Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.

Scan the full label for free
Get instant analysis of all ingredients together

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

Is this safe for adults to use Microcrystalline Wax?

Yes, Microcrystalline Wax is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

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

Builds up in the body over time with repeated use.

What are the absorbed risks of Microcrystalline Wax for adults?

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

What are the organ risk risks of Microcrystalline Wax for adults?

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

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

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

What are the environmental risks of Microcrystalline Wax for adults?

Possible negative effects on the environment

What products contain Microcrystalline Wax?

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

When can adults using products with Microcrystalline Wax?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

📱

Want to scan another product?

Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels

Scan Another Product