Paraffin

adults • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Paraffin?

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YES - Generally Safe

Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)

Quick Answer: Paraffin is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults: Paraffin (a petroleum‑derived wax) is generally low risk when used on the skin in creams and ointments. Most studies and reviews show low concern for cancer, allergy, or effects on reproduction for normal topical use.

✅What to Do

Use products from reputable brands that list 'cosmetic or pharmaceutical grade' paraffin or 'hydrogenated/paraffin wax'. Follow the product directions and do not apply heavily to large areas of skin for long periods. Avoid using industrial or non‑refined waxes. Stop use if you get skin irritation, and check with your doctor if you are pregnant or have a chronic health condition.

⚠️Warnings

Evidence to watch: some scientific studies (for example, 2015 and 2017 analyses) have measured mineral‑oil hydrocarbons accumulating in human and animal tissues after long‑term exposure, and a Government of Canada review flagged possible organ toxicity concerns. Industry reviews (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) note data gaps and recommend limits and impurity controls. Also, some product verification programs restrict use of this ingredient unless manufacturers provide safety substantiation. Do not use melted paraffin in unsupervised home treatments (burn risk) and avoid applying on open or badly damaged skin. If you notice redness, itching or other irritation, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.

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 safe for adults to use Paraffin?

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

What are the builds up risks of Paraffin for adults?

Builds up in the body over time with repeated use.

What are the absorbed risks of Paraffin for adults?

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

What are the organ risk risks of Paraffin for adults?

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

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

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

What are the environmental risks of Paraffin for adults?

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 adults using products with Paraffin?

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.

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