Paraffin Wax
Paraffin Wax: Chemical Formula, Properties and Uses
Paraffin wax is a solid mix of C20–C40 hydrocarbons made from crude oil. This guide covers its formula, melting point, density, flash point, grades, uses, tests, safety and buying tips.
What is Paraffin Wax?
Paraffin wax is a white, odorless solid made from crude oil. It is a mixture of saturated hydrocarbons, and each molecule has 20 to 40 carbon atoms. The general chemical formula is CnH2n+2. Paraffin wax melts at about 46–68 °C, and its density is close to 900 kg/m³.
In simple terms, paraffin wax is a refined petroleum wax. It is the main raw material for candles. It is also used in food coatings, paper packaging, cosmetics, electrical insulation and many other products.
This guide answers the questions that buyers and students ask most often. You will find the formula, composition and structure, the key physical properties, the main grades, the common uses, the standard tests, and the rules for safe storage and handling.
| Property | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | CnH2n+2 (n = 20–40) |
| Melting point | 46–68 °C, depending on grade |
| Density (solid) | About 0.90 g/cm³ (900 kg/m³) |
| Flash point | Above 200 °C (typically 200–250 °C) |
| Boiling point | Above 370 °C |
What Does "Paraffin" Mean?
The word "paraffin" means different things in different countries and industries. This causes a lot of confusion. The table separates the five most common meanings.
| Term | What it is | State at room temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Paraffin wax (hard paraffin) | A solid mix of C20–C40 alkanes. This is the product on this page. | Solid |
| Soft paraffin | Petroleum jelly, used in ointments and skin care | Soft, semi-solid |
| Liquid paraffin | Mineral oil, a clear oil made of heavier alkanes | Liquid |
| Paraffin (UK, South Africa) | Kerosene, a fuel for heaters and lamps | Liquid |
| Paraffin (chemistry) | Another name for any alkane, from methane upward | Gas, liquid or solid |
If you searched for "liquid paraffin wax" or "soft paraffin wax", you probably want one of the middle rows. These products are not the same as solid paraffin wax. The wax we supply is the solid type in the first row.
Paraffin Wax Chemical Formula
The chemical formula of paraffin wax is CnH2n+2. The letter n is the number of carbon atoms in one molecule. In paraffin wax, n is between 20 and 40.
This means the smallest molecule is C20H42 and the largest is C40H82. Paraffin wax is a mixture, so it has no single formula. Many different molecules sit side by side in the same piece of wax. Many textbooks use C25H52 as a simple example.
Most candle wax is paraffin wax. For this reason, the chemical formula for candle wax follows the same rule: CnH2n+2.
The chain length controls how the wax behaves. Short chains make a softer wax with a lower melting point. Long chains make a harder wax with a higher melting point. The table shows this with four pure alkanes.
| Pure alkane | Formula | Melting point (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Eicosane | C20H42 | 37 °C |
| Pentacosane | C25H52 | 54 °C |
| Triacontane | C30H62 | 66 °C |
| Tetracontane | C40H82 | 82 °C |
Commercial waxes use a narrower cut of this range. This is why most paraffin waxes melt between about 46 and 68 °C.
Paraffin Wax Composition
Paraffin wax is mostly made of straight-chain alkanes, also called n-alkanes. Food-contact grades consist mainly of these straight chains. Other grades also contain some branched alkanes (iso-alkanes) and ring-shaped molecules (cycloalkanes).
The rest of the composition is oil. Oil is a lighter hydrocarbon that stays in the wax after dewaxing. Oil content is the main difference between grades. Fully refined wax has less than 0.5% oil, and semi-refined wax has more.
Paraffin Wax Structure
Each paraffin molecule is a long, zigzag chain of carbon atoms. Hydrogen atoms are attached to every carbon. In solid wax, the chains pack side by side, like pencils in a box.
Weak forces, called van der Waals forces, hold the chains together. Longer chains touch their neighbors over a bigger area. This makes them harder to separate, so the wax needs more heat to melt.
Paraffin wax forms large, well-shaped crystals. Microcrystalline wax is different. It has more branched molecules and much smaller crystals, so it is more flexible and sticky.
[H2] Paraffin Wax Properties
Buyers usually ask about four properties first. Each one affects how the wax behaves during storage, transport and production.
Paraffin Wax Melting Point
Most paraffin wax melts between 46 °C and 68 °C. Some soft grades start to soften at around 37 °C. Hard grades can melt a few degrees above 68 °C. The exact value depends on the chain length of the molecules in the wax.
Wax does not melt at one sharp temperature, because it is a mixture. It softens first and then becomes fully liquid over a few degrees. For this reason, suppliers state a melting point or a melting range, measured by ASTM D87.
Trade grades are often named by their melting range. A "58/60" grade, for example, melts between 58 and 60 °C. The table gives a general guide to what the melting point means in practice.
| Melting point | Behavior in practice |
|---|---|
| Lower (about 46–52 °C) | Softer wax. It melts and spreads easily, but it can soften in a hot warehouse. |
| Medium (about 52–60 °C) | Balanced wax. This is the most common range for general use. |
| Higher (about 60–68 °C) | Harder wax. It holds its shape in warm climates and gives a firmer coating. |
This matters during shipping. In hot weather, a wax with a low melting point can soften or stick together in the container. It is better to state the melting range and the storage conditions in your order.
Melting point and congealing point are close, but they are not the same. The congealing point is the temperature at which molten wax stops flowing as it cools. We cover both tests in the tests section below.
Paraffin Wax Density
The density of paraffin wax is about 900 kg/m³, or 0.90 g/cm³. Reference data gives a range of roughly 0.88 to 0.92 g/cm³ for solid wax. Water has a density of 1.0 g/cm³, so solid paraffin wax floats on water.
Wax expands when it melts. Molten wax is therefore less dense than solid wax. This is why wax shrinks as it cools. Candle makers and tank operators must allow for this change in volume.
Paraffin Wax Flash Point
The flash point of paraffin wax is above 200 °C for most grades. Reference sources give 200–240 °C. The fully refined specification on our types page shows a minimum of 250 °C (ASTM D92).
In normal use, molten wax stays far below this temperature. The danger starts when wax is overheated. Hot wax gives off vapor, and the vapor can ignite. Always keep heating equipment under temperature control.
Paraffin Wax Boiling Point and Freezing Point
The boiling point of paraffin wax is above 370 °C. In practice, you never get close to it. Overheated wax reaches its flash point much earlier.
The freezing point is the temperature at which molten wax turns solid again. Labs measure it as the congealing point (ASTM D938). It is usually very close to the melting point. Our fully refined sample specification, for example, shows a melting point of 67 °C and a congealing point of 66.8 °C.
Where Does Paraffin Wax Come From?
Today, almost all paraffin wax comes from crude oil. A small share is made synthetically from coal or gas. The first paraffin wax, however, did not come from oil at all.
The German chemist Carl Reichenbach discovered paraffin in 1830. He found it in the tar from the dry distillation of organic material, such as beech wood. Paraffin soon became important for candles, because it burned more cleanly than tallow.
Oil refineries later became the main source. The modern process has four main steps:
- Distillation. Crude oil is separated into fractions. The heavy fractions are used to make lubricating base oil.
- Dewaxing. Solvents remove the waxy part from the base oil. This waxy by-product is called slack wax.
- De-oiling. Slack wax still contains a lot of oil. Filtration separates the oil and leaves a harder, drier wax.
- Finishing. The wax is treated with hydrogen or clay to improve color and odor. This step gives the fully refined grade.
The two products are close, but they are not the same. Read how slack wax differs from paraffin wax for a full comparison
Types of Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is sold in three main types. They differ in oil content. Oil content decides the color, the hardness and the allowed uses.
| Type | Oil content | Appearance | Main use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fully refined | Below 0.5% | White, hard, odorless | Food, medicine, cosmetics, high-quality candles |
| Semi-refined | About 1–7%, depending on grade | White to off-white | General candles, paper coating, rubber, matches |
| Crude | Above 7% | Darker, soft, brittle | Matches, fiberboard, waterproofing |
Less oil means a harder, whiter and more transparent wax. Only the fully refined type is suitable for food and medicine. For the oil-content ranges and full specifications of each grade, read our paraffin wax types and grades guide.es.
Paraffin Wax Uses
Candle making is the largest use of paraffin wax. Many other industries also use it, because it repels water, melts easily and costs less than most alternatives. The table shows the main uses and why each one works.
| Use | How paraffin wax is used | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Candles | Main body of the candle | It burns cleanly and is easy to mold |
| Food coating | Coating for cheese, fruit and chocolate | It slows moisture loss |
| Paper and packaging | Waxed paper, cups and cartons | It adds water resistance and gloss |
| Electrical insulation | Impregnation of coils, transformers and inductors | It keeps moisture out and reduces noise |
| Medicine and labs | Tissue embedding, tablet coating, ointments | It is inert and easy to cut |
| Building and plastics | PVC pipe lubricant, wax emulsions in board | It repels water and reduces friction |
| Heat storage | Phase-change material | It absorbs heat when it melts |
Candle making:
Candle makers choose wax by melting point and oil content. Fully refined wax gives high-quality and decorative candles. Semi-refined grades are also widely used for general candles. Candle wax and paraffin wax are mostly the same material, so both follow the formula CnH2n+2.
Food, Medicine and Cosmetics:
Only fully refined paraffin wax should be used in these products. Food-contact grades are made to rules such as FDA 21 CFR 172.886, and the EU lists paraffin wax as additive E905. In pathology labs, tissue is embedded in wax before cutting, so that it is not damaged. Cosmetic creams, lip products and skin masks also use wax. For more on the grades behind these uses, see fully refined paraffin wax and its specifications.
Paper, Rubber and Other Industries:
Semi-refined wax is used for paper impregnation and coating. It gives paper water resistance, gloss and hardness. In rubber, the wax slowly moves to the surface and forms a thin film. This film helps protect the rubber against ozone. Other uses include:
- Matches and crayons
- Polishes and surfboard or ski wax
- Lubrication of machine parts and bicycle chains
- Glue and hygiene products
If you already know your use, tell us the melting range and oil content you need. Send us your specification and we will confirm the right grade.
Paraffin Wax Advantages and Limitations
Paraffin wax is popular for practical reasons. It also has limits that buyers should know before they choose a grade.
| Advantage | Limitation |
|---|---|
| Repels water and has low water vapor permeability | Low melting point, so it softens in heat |
| Stores heat: heat of fusion is about 190–210 kJ/kg | Flammable when overheated |
| Good electrical insulator | Brittle when cold |
| Chemically stable | Only the fully refined grade fits food and medicine |
| Low cost and easy to melt and shape | Supply and price follow the oil and base oil markets |
The heat-storage property is worth a closer look. Paraffin wax absorbs heat when it melts and releases it when it freezes. During melting, its temperature stays almost constant. For this reason, engineers use it as a phase-change material in thermal storage and temperature control.
Paraffin Wax Tests
Suppliers test paraffin wax with standard ASTM methods. These tests show whether a batch matches the specification in your order. The results appear on the certificate of analysis (COA). Before you buy, ask for the COA and the other export documents and certificates that apply to your shipment.
| Test | Method | What it shows |
|---|---|---|
| Melting point | ASTM D87 | The temperature at which solid wax becomes liquid. It defines the grade. |
| Congealing point | ASTM D938 | The temperature at which molten wax stops flowing as it cools. |
| Oil content | ASTM D721 | The share of oil in the wax. It separates fully refined from semi-refined. |
| Flash point | ASTM D92 | The lowest temperature at which vapors ignite. It is a fire-safety value. |
| Needle penetration | ASTM D1321 | Hardness. The result is the needle depth in tenths of a millimeter. |
| Kinematic viscosity | ASTM D445 | How easily molten wax flows. It matters for pumping and coating. |
| Density | ASTM D1298 | Density at a set temperature, measured on molten wax. |
| Odor | ASTM D1833 | An odor score from 0 (none) to 4 (very strong). It matters for food and cosmetics. |
| Color | ASTM D156 | The Saybolt color. A whiter wax usually means a higher degree of refining. |
The next three tests decide most buying specifications.
Melting Point Test
The lab heats the wax until it is liquid and lets it cool. It records the temperature at regular intervals. The melting point is then read from the cooling curve (ASTM D87). Because the melting point depends on molecular weight, it is the main value that defines the grade.
Congealing Point Test
The congealing point is the temperature at which wax stops flowing as it cools (ASTM D938). It is often called the freezing point. This test can also help show the purity of the wax.
Oil Content Test
This test measures how much oil the wax holds (ASTM D721). The lab dissolves a sample in methyl ethyl ketone and cools the solution to −32 °C. The wax crystallizes and the oil stays dissolved. The lab then filters the wax, removes the solvent from the oil and weighs it.
To understand this test better, click on the below link to see the steps:
Paraffin Wax Storage
Store paraffin wax below 40 °C, in closed packaging, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Slabs are commonly packed in 25 kg units, and bulk liquid is also available from some producers. Some producers suggest using packed slabs within one year.
Heat and light cause oxidation. Oxidation reduces the lifespan of the wax and can change its performance. Repeated melting and freezing can also change its physical properties, so avoid unnecessary heating cycles.
Do not use copper, brass or their alloys in tanks and pipes for paraffin wax. These metals can speed up oxidation. Keep storage tanks away from open flames and electrical coils. Heated tanks need accurate temperature control.
Paraffin Wax Handling and Safety
Handling
Molten wax is hot enough to cause serious burns. Use these basic rules:
- Wear heat-resistant gloves and eye protection when you work with molten wax.
- Use ventilation or respiratory protection when the wax is hot, because heated wax gives off vapor.
- Ground pumps and tanks. Molten wax in large amounts can build up static electricity, and a spark can start a fire.
- Never heat wax over an open flame. Use a controlled water bath, oil bath or electric heater.
Health and Fire Safety
Solid paraffin wax does not pose a danger in short-term contact. Long exposure can cause problems, however. Prolonged inhalation of wax mist can harm the lungs, and repeated skin contact can cause dermatitis. Swallowing a large amount can block the intestine.
For a fire, use foam, dry powder or CO₂. Do not use a direct water jet on burning molten wax, because it can spread the fire. Read the MSDS for the grade you buy before you handle it.
Buying Paraffin Wax
If you plan to buy paraffin wax, send us five details. They decide the grade and the quotation.
| Detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Melting range | It sets hardness and heat resistance |
| Oil content | It separates fully refined from semi-refined wax and decides food and medicine use |
| Color and odor limits | They matter for food, cosmetics and candles |
| Packaging | Slabs or bulk liquid affect handling and freight |
| Documents | COA, MSDS and any food-grade certificate |
We supply semi-refined paraffin wax in several oil-content grades, including semi-refined paraffin wax with 1–3% oil content, 2–4% oil content and paraffin wax with 3–5% oil content. Fully refined grades are available on request.
For current paraffin wax prices, see our price page. If you compare suppliers, our overview of paraffin wax manufacturers worldwide shows where the main producers are located.
Paraffin Wax FAQs
What is paraffin wax made of?
Paraffin wax is made of saturated hydrocarbons, mostly straight-chain alkanes with 20 to 40 carbon atoms. Producers get it from crude oil during lubricating oil refining. The wax also contains a small amount of oil, and the amount depends on the grade.
What is the chemical formula of paraffin wax?
The general formula is CnH2n+2, where n is between 20 and 40. Paraffin wax is a mixture, so it has no single formula. C25H52 is a common example.
What is the melting point of paraffin wax?
Most paraffin wax melts between 46 °C and 68 °C. The exact value depends on the grade and the chain length of its molecules. Suppliers measure it with ASTM D87.
What is the density of paraffin wax? Does it float?
Solid paraffin wax has a density of about 900 kg/m³ (0.90 g/cm³). This is lower than the density of water, so it floats.
What is the flash point of paraffin wax?
The flash point is above 200 °C for most grades. Fully refined grades are often specified at 250 °C or higher. The test method is ASTM D92.
Is paraffin wax the same as candle wax?
Most candle wax is paraffin wax, but not all of it. Some candles use other waxes, such as soy wax or beeswax. When a candle is made of paraffin, its chemical formula is CnH2n+2.
Is paraffin wax the same as kerosene or liquid paraffin?
No. In the UK and South Africa, "paraffin" means kerosene, which is a liquid fuel. Liquid paraffin is mineral oil. Paraffin wax is the solid product described on this page.
What is paraffin wax used for?
The main use is candle making. It is also used for food coating, paper and packaging, electrical insulation, medicine, cosmetics, rubber and heat storage. Each use needs a different grade.
Is paraffin wax safe for food and skin?
Fully refined, food-grade paraffin wax is accepted for food contact and cosmetics under rules such as FDA 21 CFR 172.886 and EU E905. Lower grades are not suitable for these uses. Always ask the supplier for the matching certificate.
Related guides
Need a quotation or a technical datasheet? Contact our team with your grade, quantity and destination.
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