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Wax Lips are a popular candy made from food-grade paraffin wax, flavored and dyed red, resembling oversized lips. They were created by the American Candy Company in the early 1900s and are now produced by Tootsie Roll Industries under the label “Wack-O-Wax.” They are often used for pranks and Halloween costumes and should not be ingested in large quantities.
Wax Lips are a new candy made from food-grade paraffin wax that has been flavored, dyed red, and molded into the shape of an oversized pair of lips. This candy has been used in pranks since the early twentieth century, and many candy shops have some form of wax lips, especially if they specialize in nostalgic candy items. It’s also possible to order wax lips directly from a variety of candy dispensers, although you may want to consider the season when ordering, as this candy is very prone to melting.
The history of wax lips begins with the American Candy Company, founded in the late 1800s. In the early 1900s, the company carved out a niche for itself by producing an assortment of wax candies, designed to be enjoyed and then used as chewing gum. Wax lips proved to be a popular offering, and many people growing up in the mid-20th century remember wax lips with great fondness. In 2002, the company faced bankruptcy, due to changes in the confectionery industry, and was purchased by Canadian-based Concord Confections, which was acquired by Tootsie Roll Industries in 2002.
Tootsie Roll Industries makes wax lips under the label “Wack-O-Wax,” along with other wax gag gifts like wax fangs for would-be vampires. Lip sales tend to do particularly well around Halloween when they frequently appear in children’s costumes. Tootsie Roll wax lips are typically cherry flavored and have the same slightly grainy texture that many people associate with the American Candy Company’s original packaging.
The wax lip mold includes a flat bite plate at the back of the lips, making it easier to grip the lips between the teeth. The effect is often quite comical, especially on a small face, with the outrageously large lips looking rather silly and very out of proportion. Given the flavor and texture of wax lips, many people use them purely for enjoyment, discarding them when they’re finished rather than chewing them like gum.
The Wack-O-Wax lip formula is proprietary, although with a little hunting you can probably find several imitators on the market. In all cases, the paraffin wax they’re made with is designed to be safe to chew, but probably shouldn’t be ingested in large quantities. Because paraffin wax can’t be digested, it generally travels through the intestinal tract without creating a noticeable effect, but large chunks could cause discomfort. Edible paraffin, incidentally, is used in the production of many other candies and also for coating cheeses.
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