Paraffin Wax: Types & Uses

Paraffin wax is made from saturated hydrocarbons and is a colourless soft wax. It moisturises your skin and can also be used for heat therapy. Like any other wax, paraffin wax melts and has a low melting point, so touching it while it’s in liquid form won’t harm you.

In this thorough guide, as one of the leading paraffin wax manufacturers, we will discuss what paraffin wax is, the types of paraffin waxes and their different uses.

Let’s get started.

What is paraffin wax?

When you distill or heat crude oil (petroleum), you get paraffin as a byproduct. It is made from saturated hydrocarbons. It is translucent and this solid wax is widely used to make candles.

Paraffin wax has various other uses such as:

Used as a hardening agent. Paraffin wax is used in creams and ointments.
It can be used on your feet, hands, and cuticles for spa treatments and to soften the skin.
Paraffin wax can be used to help relieve pain caused by sore muscles or joints.
It is used to make crayons.
It can be used for lubrication.
It can be used to treat arthritis.

Types of paraffin wax

In this section, we will discuss the various types of paraffin waxes:

Semi & Fully Refined Paraffin Wax

Semi-refined or fully refined paraffin wax is most commonly used in the manufacture of candles. Its colour can be any colour between the manufacturer’s wax types and is also used in the manufacture of wax paper.

Paraffin Wax in Granulated Form

Granulated paraffin wax is white in colour and has a melting point of 58 to 62 degrees Celsius. The most common uses for this wax include use in the manufacture of tyres, art applications, the manufacture of candles and cosmetics.

Mineral Oil

Mineral oil, also known as white oil or liquid paraffin, is a type of paraffin that is odourless, tasteless and colourless. The most common use of liquid oil is in the manufacture of cleansing creams and hair care related products used for cosmetic purposes.

This is due to its properties of softening and eliminating moisture loss. It is also used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and food products.

The Petroleum Jelly

Vaseline is also a type of paraffin wax. This Vaseline is a paraffin wax that is tasteless and odourless. This wax has a semi-solid texture and is widely used in hair waxes and ointments.

It locks in moisture and provides skin protection and it is also added to various skin conditioning products.

Fischer–Tropsch Wax ( Synthetic Paraffin Wax )

Fischer-Tropsch wax is a by-product wax produced during the production of liquid fuels and other products from coal and natural gas. It is synthesised from carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

Uses for Fischer-Tropsch Wax – Pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, coatings and polymer processing.

What are the uses of Paraffin Wax

Used to make candles
The most common use of paraffin wax is to make candles. It is an excellent ingredient for making custom scented candles, and they also burn brighter than other types of candles. Candle makers use different types of paraffin wax to make different candles.
For waterproof products
Water resistance is a natural property of paraffin wax. As such, it can be used to coat and waterproof a variety of items such as wood, bottles and matches.
Manufacture of crayons
Paraffin wax is used as the main ingredient when making crayons. Crayons have a waxy texture because of the presence of paraffin wax. To make crayons, paraffin wax is mixed with different colours and moulded into different shapes.
As a friction reducer
Paraffin wax acts as a lubricant and is used in many products to reduce friction. Many skateboarders and snowboarders use paraffin wax on the bottom of their boards to reduce friction.
Creating a Shiny Effect
Have you noticed the shiny surfaces of chocolates and candies? Paraffin wax is added to these and other foods to give them a nice shine. The type of paraffin used in these foods must be approved by the FDA to ensure that it is edible and safe to eat.
Many fruits and vegetables are also coated with paraffin to retain moisture and extend shelf life.
In Cosmetics
Paraffin wax has been proven to be very beneficial to the skin as it moisturises and protects your skin. This is the reason why paraffin wax has become a common ingredient in the cosmetics and beauty industry. Paraffin is also used in a variety of personal care products due to its property of being absorbed by the skin.
In building materials
Paraffin wax is commonly used in a variety of building supplies. Materials as diverse as drywall, PVC pipes and plasterboard all contain paraffin.
Paraffin wax serves to protect these materials from corrosion or damage from other causes. It also helps in treating already porous materials.
Medical uses
The use of paraffin wax for various medical purposes is also common. This wax has several therapeutic properties and is an important ingredient in many medicines. Paraffin wax is also used to treat inflammation, massage, dry skin, joint pain and muscle stiffness.

In conclusion

As discussed in the article above, paraffin wax has a variety of uses, such as being used as a skin moisturiser as well as a treatment for arthritis. Paraffin wax can soothe aching muscles and help relieve swollen joints. We hope you’ve learned what paraffin wax is and how you can use it in a variety of ways in your daily life.If you want to buy paraffin wax, please fill out our form to contact us!

Candle Making Industry

Concrete Additives

Lithium Battery Electrolyte Solvent

Nonionic / Anionic Surfactants

Other Chemical

Coconut Wax For Candle Making

Dongke Group——A world’s leading supplier of paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax