Paraffin wax is a versatile hydrocarbon used in cosmetics, food, pharmaceuticals, and more. It softens skin, adds shine to food, and is a key ingredient in candles. Its thermoplastic property makes it useful in manufacturing, and it can protect sports equipment from moisture.
Paraffin wax, a type of alkane hydrocarbon, has many uses in a variety of products, including candles, food, adhesives, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This white, tasteless, odorless wax is also an effective lubricant. Paraffin wax is insoluble in water and has a melting point between 115° Fahrenheit (46° Celsius) and 154° F (68° C), making it useful in a variety of ways.
In cosmetics, wax is an ingredient that softens the skin and makes products creamy and shiny. Many lipsticks, creams and lotions contain paraffin. It is so well known for making skin soft and smooth that many stores sell paraffin baths for hands, elbows and feet. Some basketball players cover their hands with wax before games because soft hands allow them to better catch and throw the ball. The wax also covers pills and tablets to give them a glossy, easy-to-swallow finish and helps delay the release of the medicine.
Paraffin wax is used in food as a preservative and strengthener and adds shine. Some cheeses are encased in wax to protect them from moisture and mold. The wax will also extend the life and freshness of the fruit, and is a key ingredient in gum. Many chocolatiers add this type of wax to melted chocolate so when the chocolate dries, it has a delicious sheen and is soft enough to be easy to bite into and chew.
One useful property of this type of wax is that it’s a thermoplastic, meaning it’s solid at room temperature but, when applied to something while it’s hot and liquid, it will stick to the surface. As the wax cools, it creates a strong joint. This property was developed for use with high speed machinery in packaging, furniture, shoe making and cigarette manufacturing.
The largest industry that uses paraffin wax is the candle industry. The refined paraffin wax used for the candles is safe and complies with the strict regulations of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The high melting point of paraffin wax allows the wick to burn at a slow rate, burning only as the wax gradually melts.
Rubbing a bar of wax into the bottom of your skis or snowboard will help ensure a speedy descent down a snowy mountain. It will also help protect your gear from the resulting moisture. The wax on the bottom of a surfboard also protects the board from salt water.
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