Is Refined Paraffin Wax Safe?

What is paraffin wax?

Paraffin wax is a soft, colorless, solid wax derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale. It consists of a mixture of hydrocarbon molecules containing between 20 and 40 carbon atoms, with the majority being C25H52. Common sources include slack wax which is separated from crude oil, low-melting point microcrystalline wax separated from residual oil, and the mineral-based montan wax.

Paraffin wax is highly refined and purified through a de-oiling process that removes all the oil. This produces paraffin wax meeting the specifications for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic grade – containing less than 0.5% oil content with negligible impurities. Paraffin wax can be classified into three types:​

• Fully refined paraffin wax – meets US FDA standards for direct and indirect food contact.
• Semi-refined paraffin wax – slightly higher oil/impurity content, used in candles, wax blends, and cardboard coating.
• Crude paraffin wax – requires further refining before use in products.

Thanks to its properties of being colorless, odorless, chemically inert and non-toxic, highly refined paraffin wax has widespread uses ranging from food processing to beauty products.

Refining and purification process

Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum through a refining and purification process. Crude oil is first separated into various fractions through a process called fractional distillation. The lighter fractions like gasoline, kerosene and diesel are removed, leaving behind the heavier fractions suitable for making wax. These heavy fractions undergo additional processing called solvent dewaxing and catalyst treatments to remove oils, asphaltenes, and other impurities. What results is a highly purified and refined paraffin wax composed almost entirely of straight chain hydrocarbons known as alkanes. The refining process removes aromatic hydrocarbons like benzene as well as sulfur, nitrogen and oxygen containing compounds. Modern manufacturing methods utilize advanced technologies like molecular sieves and activated carbon filters to maximize the purity of paraffin wax, resulting in food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade versions safe for human consumption and use.

Regulations and standards

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies refined paraffin wax as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) for use in food. Paraffin wax that comes in contact with food must meet purity standards outlined in Title 21 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

Specifically, paraffin wax must contain no more than 0.5% oil and have a melting point between 126–165°F according to 21CFR172.886. It also cannot contain polynuclear compounds at levels considered toxicologically harmful. In the European Union, paraffin wax as a food additive must comply with E number E905 standards.

For cosmetic use, paraffin wax must meet the same purity criteria outlined in 21CFR172.886. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) expert panel has assessed paraffin as safe in cosmetic products when formulated to avoid irritation. The EU also allows paraffin wax in cosmetics when it meets E905 purity standards.

Uses in Food

Refined paraffin wax is commonly used as a coating for various foods including cheese, fruits, and candies. The wax provides a protective barrier that helps retain moisture and prevents the food from drying out. It also gives the food products a shiny and appetizing appearance.

Cheese producers often coat cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and edam with paraffin wax. The wax seals the cheese and prevents moisture loss, allowing the cheese to ripen and develop flavor properly. It also helps prevent mold growth on the cheese’s surface. The wax coating gives cheeses their recognizable shiny exterior.

Fruits like apples, pears, and citrus are sometimes coated in paraffin wax to give them a glossy and fresh look. The wax seals in moisture and slows down the drying process. It helps extend the shelf life of fruits by protecting them from bruising, respiration, and mold growth. Wax coatings also help retain the fruits’ natural waxes that are lost during cleaning and transportation.

Candies and confections like jelly beans, soft mints, and gumdrops are often coated in paraffin wax. The wax gives them a smooth, polished finish. It also prevents stickiness, clumping, and moisture loss. The wax coating helps extend the shelf life of candies by protecting them from environmental factors.

Uses in beauty/health products

Refined paraffin wax has many uses in beauty and health products. It is commonly found in lotions, ointments, cosmetics, and other personal care items. This is because it has emollient properties that help soften and moisturize skin. Paraffin wax creates a barrier on the skin, trapping moisture and preventing dryness. It also gives products a smooth texture and consistency.

In lotions and creams, paraffin wax helps control the rate of water loss by forming a protective film on the skin. This allows the lotion or cream to keep skin hydrated for longer. The emollient properties of paraffin soften rough patches and soothe dry, cracked skin. Paraffin-based lotions are often recommended for treating extremely dry skin conditions like eczema.

In cosmetics, paraffin wax is used to give products like lipsticks, chapsticks, and eyeliner a smooth, glide-on application. It helps the color adhere uniformly to skin and keeps makeup from drying out. The waxy nature of paraffin helps it bind pigments and oils in cosmetics together in a solid form that can be swiped or rubbed on.

Overall, refined paraffin wax is widely used in beauty and skincare products for its hydrating, softening, and smoothing properties. It helps creams glide on easily, prevents drying of products, and moisturizes skin.

Is refined paraffin wax safe to ingest?

Paraffin wax is considered safe for ingestion and is used as an ingredient in chewing gum, candy, and some foods. The FDA has approved its use, stating that paraffin wax is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice.

However, there have been some concerns raised about the safety of consuming paraffin wax. A few animal studies from decades ago linked ingesting paraffin wax to health issues like inflammation in rats. But more recent research has found little to no risk of harm to humans from eating paraffin wax in food.

A 2006 study looked specifically at the ingestion of paraffin wax in chewing gum. Researchers had 12 volunteers chew gum containing paraffin wax every day for two weeks. They found no significant changes in blood values or adverse effects, concluding that paraffin wax in chewing gum did not present any health risks.

Overall, modern toxicology studies support that highly refined paraffin wax has a low order of toxicity for humans. At normal food-grade usage levels, ingesting small amounts of paraffin wax does not appear to pose significant health risks.

Is refined paraffin wax safe in beauty products?

Refined paraffin wax has been used extensively in cosmetics and skin care products like moisturizers, lipsticks, and lotions. However, some dermatology studies have raised concerns about its safety when applied topically to the skin.

A number of studies have found that refined paraffin wax can potentially clog pores and cause inflammatory reactions in certain individuals. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Dermatology examined the skin effects of paraffin wax on 20 participants over 4 weeks. It found that paraffin wax caused statistically significant increases in skin roughness, scaling, and erythema compared to the control group.

Another 2013 study in the journal Contact Dermatitis looked at paraffin allergy patch testing in eczema patients. Around 6% of the 307 patients showed positive allergic reactions to paraffin wax, indicating its potential to provoke contact dermatitis in sensitive skin types. However, the study noted that allergy was relatively uncommon.

Overall, research suggests refined paraffin wax is likely safe for most people when used in cosmetics and skincare. But for a small subset of individuals with very sensitive skin, it may potentially cause adverse effects like inflammation, clogged pores, or contact dermatitis. Those with known skin sensitivities may want to avoid paraffin-based products or proceed with caution.

Cancer Concerns

Links to Cancer Risks?

There has been some concern that refined paraffin wax exposure may be linked to increased cancer risk. However, the evidence is inconclusive. Here’s a brief overview of the scientific research:

Some studies have found that paraffin wax workers may have increased risk of certain cancers, like skin and lung cancer. However, these studies focused on occupational exposure to unrefined paraffin wax fumes at very high levels over long periods. They don’t necessarily apply to occasional refined paraffin wax exposure in consumer products.

Refined paraffin wax itself is considered non-carcinogenic by major health organizations. But there has been controversy over contamination issues. In the past, refined paraffin wax could contain impurities like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from the crude oil refining process. Significant PAH exposure is linked to higher cancer risk. However, modern purification methods have reduced PAH levels to trace amounts in food/cosmetic-grade paraffin wax.

Overall, most health organizations consider refined paraffin wax safe for approved uses based on current evidence. But some people prefer to avoid it as a precaution until more research is done on modern refined versions. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk factors and whether avoidance makes sense for you.

Environmental Impact

Refined paraffin wax raises some concerns in terms of its environmental impact and biodegradability. As a petroleum product, paraffin wax production contributes to fossil fuel extraction and refining processes that have associated environmental costs. There is also concern that paraffin wax residues may persist in the environment.

Once refined paraffin wax is released into the environment, it is not readily biodegraded by microorganisms. This means it can potentially accumulate in ecosystems and food chains. Since paraffin wax is derived from crude oil, there are concerns that its manufacture and disposal may lead to water and soil pollution if accidental spills or leaks occur at facilities.

However, paraffin wax is generally considered less toxic than many other petroleum products. The environmental risks depend substantially on manufacturing and disposal processes. With proper practices, paraffin wax production may have lower ecosystem impacts compared to other fossil fuel products.

There are also some promising biodegradable alternatives to paraffin wax derived from plants, like soybean and palm oil. These alternatives could help reduce the overall environmental footprint of wax products. However, their production has its own ecological impacts that must be considered.

Alternatives to Refined Paraffin Wax

For those concerned about the potential health or environmental impacts of refined paraffin wax, there are alternatives to consider.

Some natural waxes can be used as substitutes in products where refined paraffin is typically used. Beeswax, for example, has moisturizing properties that make it a common ingredient in lotions, lip balms, and other cosmetics. Soy wax made from hydrogenated soybean oil is another option used in candles and cosmetics. Other natural waxes include carnauba wax from palm leaves and candelilla wax from a desert shrub.

Synthetic waxes are another alternative. These are made from petrochemicals like polyethylene and Fischer-Tropsch waxes. They have properties similar to paraffin wax but may use different manufacturing processes. Polyethylene glycols are common in cosmetics and food. Microcrystalline waxes are used in cosmetics, ink, paint, and adhesive products.

Ultimately, refined paraffin wax is widely used in industry because it is inexpensive, versatile, and effective. But for consumers or manufacturers concerned about health issues or sustainability, utilizing alternative natural or synthetic waxes is an option in many applications.