PARAFFIN · CAS 8002-74-2 · Occlusive Mineral Wax · Structural Emollient
Khushk Mome (خشک موم) — Pakistan's most reliable structural wax. Fully hydrotreated cosmetic-grade mineral wax with nominal 64°C melting point for heat stability in Lahore's 45°C summers. Powers lip balms, pomades, ointments, heel creams, and depilatory waxes. EU Cosmetics Regulation permitted, clear Halal certification, 5+ year shelf life. Complete scientific, safety & formulation reference.
TEWL reduction 40–70% — forms impermeable barrier on stratum corneum surface; no systemic absorption; zero sensitisation risk
EU / FDA Status
✓ EU Permitted (fh grade) — Not in Annexes II, III, IV, V, VI · FDA 21 CFR 347 skin protectant · DRAP Pakistan: no restriction
Origin / Production
Petroleum distillate fraction; catalytic hydrotreatment removes PAHs & aromatics; China (Sinopec), Middle East, Europe supply chains
Urdu / Pakistan Name
Mome (موم) — wax · Khushk Mome (خشک موم) — hard/dry wax · Modern equivalent of traditional marham (مرہم) ointment base
Shelf Life
5+ years sealed — essentially indefinite. No oxidation, no rancidity, no moisture pick-up. No special storage conditions required in Pakistan
Introduction
Khushk Mome — The Structural Wax of Pakistani Formulation
Paraffin Wax 64fh is the workhorse structural wax of the cosmetic formulator's toolkit — a reliable, inexpensive, and chemically stable mineral wax that enables the production of hundreds of essential cosmetic product formats. From the humble lip balm sold in Karachi's Empress Market to the professional cold cream in a Lahore dermatology clinic, paraffin wax provides the essential physical scaffold that holds anhydrous formulations together, creates moisture-sealing barriers on skin, and gives solid cosmetics their characteristic structure and stability. In the global cosmetic industry, paraffin wax appears in approximately 15–20% of all personal care product formulations — making it one of the most widely used cosmetic raw materials by volume worldwide. It functions primarily as an occlusive emollient and structuring agent in lip balms, body butters, ointments, creams, depilatories, hair pomades, and massage candles.
For Pakistani formulators, Paraffin Wax 64fh represents a particularly valuable ingredient because of its unusually high melting point. Pakistan's summer temperatures routinely reach 40–45°C in Lahore and 35–42°C in Karachi — conditions that cause many standard waxes (beeswax at 62°C, soy wax at 52°C) to soften and formulations to lose structure. The 64fh grade, with its nominal 64°C melting point and fully hydrotreated quality assurance, provides exactly the temperature resistance needed for stable year-round product performance. Its Halal status is unambiguous: derived entirely from petrochemical sources via catalytic hydrotreatment, it contains no animal-derived components, no ethanol, and no fermentation products. Traditional Unani medicine in Pakistan recognises paraffin wax as an acceptable halal equivalent of beeswax (mome zard) in marham preparations, making it culturally resonant as well as functionally superior in a hot-climate market.
Bio Shop™ Pakistan — Sourcing Note
Bio Shop™ Pakistan stocks Paraffin Wax 64fh in cosmetic grade, fully hydrotreated (PAH-compliant per EU Directive 2005/90/EC). Supplied as white to translucent solid blocks. Certificate of Analysis (CoA) confirming melting point 62–66°C, oil content ≤0.5%, Saybolt colour ≥10, and IP 346 PAH test passage available upon request. Typical use: 5–15% in lip balms, 3–10% in body butters, 10–30% in hair pomades and ointments. No special storage required in Pakistan — solid at all ambient temperatures. Visit bioshop.pk/products/paraffin-wax-64fh for current stock and pricing.
Molecular Identity
Chemical Identification
INCI NamePARAFFIN
IUPAC DescriptionComplex mixture of C20–C40 straight-chain and slightly branched saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes); no single IUPAC name
CAS Number8002-74-2 (primary); 64742-51-4 (hydrotreated heavy naphtha)
Structural MotifCH3—(CH2)n—CH3 where n = 18–38 (C20 to C40) · Orthorhombic crystal structure at 25°C; rotator phase near MP
Natural OccurrenceNot naturally occurring in refined form — petroleum distillate product. Geological origin from ancient biological material transformed by pressure and heat
Urdu / PakistanMome (موم) — wax · Khushk Mome (خشک موم) — hard mineral wax · Shamea (شمع) — classical Unani excipient term
Grade & Purity Profiles
Four Commercial Grades
Paraffin wax is available in numerous grades differentiated by melting point, oil content, and refining degree. For cosmetic use, the critical distinction is between "fully hydrotreated" (fh) or "fully refined" (FR) grade versus semi-refined or technical grade. Only fully refined or fully hydrotreated grades should be used in formulations where the product contacts human skin. Bio Shop™ Pakistan stocks cosmetic grade 64fh — the correct specification for all skin-contact cosmetic applications.
"The professional standard for all skin-contact cosmetics. Water-clear when melted at 70°C; odourless; firm and brittle at 25°C. Bio Shop™ Pakistan primary stock with CoA available. Use level: 5–15% lip balm; 10–30% pomade; 3–10% body butter. IP 346 PAH test passed — EU export compliant."
Lower chain distribution (C18–C30) · More spreadable feel
"Softer, more spreadable texture; better for creamy body lotion texture modification and soft cream formulas. Less heat-stable than 64fh — may soften above 40°C in Pakistan summer conditions. Available at bioshop.pk. Choose 64fh for all lip and pomade applications."
F-T synthesis produces pure straight-chain alkanes with no aromatic impurities
"Premium alternative where 'non-petroleum-derived' label claim is commercially valuable for EU or North American natural-market positioning. Molecularly identical to petroleum paraffin; olfactorily and functionally equivalent. Higher cost (2–4×). For Pakistan domestic and Gulf export markets, petroleum 64fh is fully appropriate and halal."
&warning; Avoid Without Verification
Technical / Candle Grade
Pakistan grey market · Candle production grade · PAH not tested · Yellow/amber colour
PAH Status
Unknown
IP 346 test not performed · Oil content possibly >1% · May have petroleum odour
"Pakistan's paraffin market has significant grey trade with technical candle-grade wax sold as cosmetic grade. Signs of substandard material: amber/yellow tint when melted; petroleum odour; oil sweating at warm temperature. Do NOT use in skin-contact cosmetics without IP 346 PAH test documentation. Potential carcinogen risk from residual PAHs."
Use Level Science
Concentration Behaviour
Paraffin Wax 64fh behaves as a structural threshold ingredient: below approximately 3%, it provides subtle texture improvement and mild occlusivity; above this level, a coherent occlusive film develops on skin. Product format determines the appropriate use range — lip balm sticks need 5–15% for firmness, while depilatory waxes use 30–60%. The 64fh grade's 64°C melting point is the structural "ceiling" for any formula: products remain solid below 62°C, providing 17°C of safety margin above Lahore's 45°C summer peak.
1–3% (O/W Cream / Lotion)Texture Modifier
Subtle texture improvement in O/W emulsions; slight occlusivity; minimal TEWL reduction. Add melted to oil phase before homogenisation. Suitable for lightweight body lotions as a texture modifier without making the product feel heavy
3–7% (Face Cream / Body Cream)Measurable Occlusivity
Measurable TEWL reduction; improved skin softness; good film coherence in semi-solid products. Suitable for night creams for dry skin, cold cream bases, body creams targeting Lahore's winter dry skin conditions (November–February)
5–15% (Lip Balm / Hand Cream)Strong Barrier Film
Strong occlusive barrier; significant TEWL reduction; produces the characteristic solid lip balm texture that melts on application. Heat-stable at Pakistan summer temperatures — will not melt at 40–45°C ambient. Ideal for lip balms, hand/foot creams, therapeutic ointments
Full solid structure at room temperature; ointment-level occlusion; hard hold for pomades. The melted-on-skin behaviour creates a smooth, spreading application experience. Ideal for hair pomades (Pakistani barber shop culture), therapeutic heel ointments, cold cream bases
15–30% (Heel Crack Ointment)Therapeutic-Grade Seal
Therapeutic-grade moisture sealing for severely cracked skin; clinically comparable to petrolatum at these levels. Particularly relevant for Pakistan's prevalent heel cracking problem in barefoot/sandal culture. Combine with humectants and emollients for maximum effect
Hard solid product at room temperature; suitable for depilatory waxes, massage candles, hair wax strips. Pakistani women's waxing market (dhaaga culture) represents significant commercial opportunity for domestic depilatory wax production using paraffin 64fh at 40–60%
EU Cosmetics Reg. 1223/2009 · Functional Analysis
Functional Performance Profile
Mechanism 1 · Physical Barrier
Occlusive Barrier Formation
Paraffin wax's primary cosmetic mechanism is purely physical: it forms a continuous, impermeable lipid film over the outermost stratum corneum (SC) surface, physically blocking the evaporative pathway through which water escapes from deeper skin layers. Unlike biologically active ingredients, paraffin does not interact with skin receptors, enzymes, or cell signalling pathways — it acts as a passive mechanical seal. This physical occlusion mechanism is EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 compliant under the function category of "skin conditioning" and "emollient" as defined by CosIng. The all-alkane structure (no unsaturated bonds, no heteroatoms) means the occlusive film is chemically inert, non-reactive with any formulation component, and contributes zero sensitisation risk — confirmed by the CIR Expert Panel's safety assessment of PARAFFIN.
TEWL Reduction 40–70%
Mechanism 2 · Moisture Retention
SC Hydration & Barrier Repair
By reducing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) by 40–70% (Loden et al., 2003), paraffin wax allows the skin's natural moisture to accumulate in the stratum corneum, leading to progressive softening, improved corneocyte hydration, and resolution of dry, flaky, cracked skin conditions. This is clinically relevant for Pakistan's population: during Lahore's winter dry season (November–February), rapid humidity drops combined with sun exposure create severe epidermal dehydration across Fitzpatrick III–V skin types that are endemic to the subcontinent. A single overnight application of a 15–25% paraffin ointment on cracked heels or hands creates a measurable improvement in SC water content within 2 hours, consistent with clinical studies on paraffin-based occlusive therapy. The onset of TEWL reduction is essentially immediate (<5 minutes) upon application of a coherent film.
Onset < 5 min
Mechanism 3 · Structure Provision
Structural & Film-Forming Action
As a structuring agent, paraffin wax provides the physical scaffold that gives anhydrous solid formulations their characteristic firmness at room temperature and their melt-on-application behaviour. The 64fh grade's C22–C36 carbon chain distribution produces an orthorhombic crystal lattice at 25°C that maintains mechanical integrity up to the wax onset melting temperature (~58–60°C). This crystalline structure is the basis of lip balm stick firmness, hair pomade hold strength, and depilatory wax mechanical grip. In film-forming applications (cosmetics requiring adhesion), the crystalline network creates a coherent, non-tacky surface film with 6–12 hours substantivity on unwashed skin — superior in persistence to petrolatum (softer, tackier) and competitive with beeswax (softer, lower MP). Crystal size and smoothness are formulation-controllable via cooling rate and co-wax blending.
MP 62–66°C (ASTM D-87)
Mechanism 4 · Pakistan Climate Performance
Heat-Stable at Pakistan Temperatures
The 64fh designation directly addresses Pakistan's critical formulation challenge: maintaining product solidity and structural integrity at ambient temperatures that reach 40–45°C in Lahore (May–August) and 35–42°C in Karachi year-round. With a melting onset at 58–60°C and complete melting by 66°C, paraffin 64fh provides a 17°C safety margin above Lahore's peak temperature — ensuring that a lip balm in a consumer's bag, a pomade in a barber's drawer, or an ointment in a pharmacy cabinet remains solid and structurally intact throughout Pakistan's harshest months. Lower-MP alternatives (soy wax at 52°C, beeswax at 62–65°C) lack this safety margin; soy wax products visibly sweat and deform above 40°C. In Karachi's high coastal humidity (75–90% RH), paraffin's complete non-hygroscopic nature means that humidity has zero effect on wax quality — a critical advantage over hygroscopic actives and plant-derived ingredients.
Three production-ready formulas from the Bio Shop™ Pakistan reference document — exact weights, exact percentages, Python-verified totals. All ingredients available at bioshop.pk. Formula 1 is a rose lip balm stick (anhydrous, halal, no preservative required). Formula 2 is a premium barber pomade. Formula 3 is an intensive heel & foot repair ointment inspired by traditional Pakistani marham culture.
Mome-e-Gulab · موم گلاب
Rose Lip Balm Stick · Anhydrous, no alcohol · 100g batch · Lip balm tube · Pakistani women 18–40, Eid gifting
⚠ Formula corrected: Castor Oil increased from 25% to 35% (+10g) to reach 100g total. Source document arithmetic error corrected. • Melt Paraffin 64fh, Beeswax, Candelilla Wax at 75°C. Add Castor Oil, MCT, Shea Butter, Almond Oil; stir until uniform melt at 70°C. Cool to 50°C. Add Vitamin E, Essential Oils, Allantoin, Rose Powder, Vitamin A. Pour into pre-warmed lip balm tubes at 52–55°C. Cool rapidly at 10–15°C for 30 min for smooth texture. pH: Not applicable (anhydrous). Preservation: Not required (anhydrous). Target retail: PKR 350–650 per 5g tube.
Shiner Pro · شائنر پرو
Premium Barber Pomade · High-Hold, Medium-Shine · 100g batch · Pakistani men 18–40, barbershop professional + retail
Formula verified at 100g ✓ • Melt Paraffin 64fh and Beeswax at 75°C. Add Mineral Oil and Petrolatum; stir to uniform melt. Stir in Dimethicone at 70°C. Add BHT pre-dissolved in a few drops of mineral oil. Cool to 50°C. Add Fragrance, Vitamin E. Add Distilled Water dropwise with rapid stirring (creates slight emulsion for non-greasy texture). Pour into metal tins at 55°C. Allow 24 hours to fully crystallise. Adjust hardness: +2% Paraffin 64fh for firmer hold; -2% for softer. Retail target: PKR 450–850 per 60g tin.
Paya Marham · پایا مرہم
Intensive Heel & Foot Repair Ointment · Anhydrous · 100g batch · Adults 25+, both genders · Winter pharmacy distribution
⚠ Formula corrected: Petroleum Jelly increased from 25% to 29% (+4g) to reach 100g total. Source document had two arithmetic errors; corrected values verified with Python. • Melt Paraffin 64fh, Petrolatum, Stearic Acid at 75°C. Add Mineral Oil, Shea, Cocoa, IPM at 70°C. Cool to 45°C. Add Allantoin (pre-dispersed in warm IPM), Vitamin E, Vitamin A, essential oils, Neem, Kalonji, Rosemary Extract, BHT. Mix thoroughly. Pour into wide-mouth jars at 50°C. pH: Not applicable (anhydrous). Preservation: Not required. Retail target: PKR 280–480 per 50g jar.
Synergies
Classic Pairings
Paraffin Wax 64fh is chemically compatible with essentially all cosmetic ingredients. The following pairings represent the most commercially proven and technically validated combinations for Pakistani cosmetic formulation, drawn from the reference document.
Smoother, more flexible texture; emollient esters add skin feel benefit; natural fragrance. Less brittle than paraffin
Melting Point / EU Status
MP 62–65°C — slightly less heat-stable than 64fh. EU Permitted. PAH-free by nature
Use With Paraffin 64fh
Classic duo: 8–12% each → pharmacy lip balm; beeswax modifies crystals, improves texture vs. paraffin alone
Pakistan Application
Higher cost (PKR 2,500–4,500/kg vs. PKR 350–600 paraffin); requires halal verification; excellent premium quality signal
Verdict: Best companion, not replacement. Together the classic duo creates superior texture to either alone. Choose beeswax addition for premium natural positioning; choose paraffin alone for cost-efficiency and clearer halal documentation. Available at bioshop.pk/products/beeswax-pastilles
Petrolatum / Vaseline
Mineral Gel · Mixed Alkane Hydrocarbons · Semi-Solid at 25°C
Texture vs. Paraffin 64fh
Semi-solid, greasy, tacky texture; cannot form firm sticks; no structural rigidity. More occlusive but aesthetically inferior
MP / Occlusivity
No defined MP (amorphous); melts above 37°C on skin. Highest TEWL reduction of any occlusive but too greasy for most applications
Ideal in heel ointments and cold creams alongside paraffin. Pomade base: 20% petrolatum softens the wax-mineral oil blend. Available at bioshop.pk
Verdict: Maximum occlusivity without structure — use when softness and barrier are priorities over firmness. Paraffin 64fh + petrolatum combination covers both needs simultaneously. Available at bioshop.pk/products/pure-petroleum-jelly
Candelilla Wax
Plant Wax · Euphorbia cerifera · MP 68–73°C · Vegan
Texture vs. Paraffin 64fh
Harder, more brittle than paraffin; finer film; higher gloss in lip formulas. Must be used at lower % alongside a soft butter
MP / EU Status
MP 68–73°C — higher heat stability than 64fh; EU Permitted; vegan; more expensive (2–3× paraffin)
Use With Paraffin 64fh
Vegan upgrade: 5–8% candelilla + 8–10% paraffin + 15–20% shea = halal vegan lip balm with comparable texture to paraffin/beeswax
Pakistan Application
For halal-vegan certified products targeting premium international markets; domestic Pakistan: paraffin 64fh is more cost-effective
Verdict: The vegan upgrade path. When halal vegan certification is required and beeswax cannot be used, candelilla + paraffin + shea replicates the classic texture. Available at bioshop.pk/products/candelilla-wax
Creamier, more frosted texture; opaque white; softer; excellent for candle applications. Poor heat stability for Pakistan skin care
MP / Heat Stability
MP 49–57°C — INADEQUATE for Pakistan conditions; will soften above 40°C. Suitable only in blends or candle applications
Use With Paraffin 64fh
Massage candle blending: 20–30% soy wax lowers the system MP for body-safe candle oil; structural wax still paraffin 64fh
Pakistan Application
Do NOT use as primary structural wax in lip balms, pomades, or body butters in Pakistan — will melt in summer. Suitable for indoor candles only
Verdict: Inappropriate as primary structural wax for Pakistan skin care. Its low MP is a disqualifying limitation at 40–45°C ambient temperatures. Available at bioshop.pk/products/soy-wax for candle applications.
Safety & Regulations
EU Cosmetics Reg. & Safety Overview
Educational summary of publicly available regulatory data as of 2024. Always consult current EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 texts, current REACH documentation, FDA guidelines, and the ingredient Safety Data Sheet before commercial formulation. Pakistan formulators should review DRAP cosmetic notifications where applicable. This document does not constitute regulatory or safety advice.
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EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 — Permitted
PARAFFIN (CAS 8002-74-2) is a permitted cosmetic ingredient under EU Cosmetics Regulation when used in fully hydrotreated cosmetic grade. It is NOT listed in Annex II (Prohibited Substances), Annex III (Restricted Substances), Annex IV (Permitted Colorants), Annex V (Permitted Preservatives), or Annex VI (Permitted UV Filters). It can be used in EU-market cosmetics without quantitative restriction, provided the grade meets the PAH specification of EU Directive 2005/90/EC and passes the IP 346 DMSO extraction test. For Pakistani manufacturers exporting to EU: the "fully hydrotreated" (fh) grade distinction is legally significant — always retain IP 346 test documentation from Bio Shop™ Pakistan on request.
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FDA (USA) — Permitted Skin Protectant & Food Additive
The FDA recognises paraffin as a permitted skin protectant active ingredient under 21 CFR 347 (Skin Protectant Drug Products) at 1–30% in OTC skin protectant products, enabling "skin protectant" claims in the US market. Additionally, paraffin is listed as a permitted direct food additive under 21 CFR 172.886 for coating on fresh fruits and vegetables — confirming its exceptional food-contact safety profile. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has assessed PARAFFIN and confirmed it safe for use in cosmetic products when used as directed.
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Pakistan DRAP & Halal — Fully Compliant
No current restriction under Pakistan's Drug Regulatory Authority (DRAP) cosmetics guidelines. Pakistani formulators may use Paraffin Wax 64fh freely in domestic cosmetic products. Halal status is confirmed through the principle of istihalah (complete chemical transformation): crude petroleum undergoes such thorough refining that the resulting pure alkane wax is recognised as a transformed, halal substance by JAKIM (Malaysia), HFA (Halal Food Authority, UK), IFANCA (USA), and the Pakistan Halal Authority. No animal-derived materials, no ethanol, and no fermentation products are involved at any stage. Bio Shop™ Pakistan can provide halal compatibility documentation upon request from manufacturers.
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Human Safety Profile — CIR Assessed Safe
Acute oral LD&sub5;&sub0; in rats >5,000 mg/kg — practically non-toxic (WHO Category 5). Acute dermal LD&sub5;&sub0; (rabbit) >2,000 mg/kg. Skin irritation: non-irritant (cosmetic grade); historical extensive use since 1870s confirms tolerability. Sensitisation: not a skin sensitiser; no documented cases in literature. Carcinogenicity (external): cosmetic-grade fully hydrotreated paraffin is NOT classified as carcinogen (PAH-free). Mutagenicity (Ames test): Negative. Systemic absorption (topical): essentially zero — alkane molecules too large to penetrate the stratum corneum. No established maximum safe use level for external cosmetic applications. Paraffin wax spa treatments (submersion in 52–55°C molten wax) are distinct from cosmetic formulation — process safety requires PPE (gloves, eye protection) when handling molten wax at 70–75°C.
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PAH Risk — Grade Verification Critical
The primary safety risk associated with paraffin wax in cosmetics is not from correctly-graded cosmetic paraffin, but from the misuse of technical or candle-grade paraffin that has not passed PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) testing. PAHs present in incompletely refined paraffin are classified as potential carcinogens and skin sensitisers under EU Directive 2005/90/EC. Pakistani formulators must verify the fh (fully hydrotreated) grade designation and request IP 346 DMSO test documentation from any paraffin wax supplier. Visual test: cosmetic-grade paraffin is water-clear when melted at 70°C; any amber or brown colour when melted indicates inadequate refining. Odour test: cosmetic grade is odourless; any petroleum or solvent smell = technical grade. Never use unlabelled or market-purchased "candle wax" in skin-contact cosmetics.
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Acne-Prone & Oily Skin — Comedogenic Caution
Paraffin wax has no established comedogenicity rating in standard scales, but its highly occlusive nature creates a theoretical risk of pore occlusion in oily or acne-prone skin when applied to facial areas. For Pakistani consumers with Fitzpatrick III–V skin who are acne-prone, facial application of high-paraffin formulas is not recommended. The concern is not paraffin directly causing acne, but that occlusion of a sebum-congested follicle may trigger inflammatory acne lesions, which in melanin-rich South Asian skin can leave post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) marks. For dry, mature, and non-acne-prone skin on the face, paraffin in cold creams and night creams is fully appropriate and well-documented. Paraffin on non-facial body areas (hands, feet, heels, lips) carries no comedogenic risk for any skin type.
Handling & Storage
Storing in Pakistan's Climate
Temperature (General)
Chemically stable to >200°C. Physically solid at all Pakistan ambient temperatures. 64fh grade remains solid with 17°C margin above Lahore summer peak. No refrigeration required
Container Type
HDPE bags, sealed cartons, metal drums, or cardboard boxes. Reclose after use to prevent dust accumulation. Plastic-capped containers preferred in Karachi coastal areas to prevent rust on metal lids
Light Exposure
Minimal concern. Opaque packaging adequate for normal indoor storage. Avoid direct prolonged UV for extended outdoor storage. Far less light-sensitive than fragrance ingredients or vitamin actives
Shelf Life
5+ years sealed — essentially indefinite under normal storage. No oxidation, no rancidity, no hydrolysis, no moisture pick-up. Batch date is for record-keeping, not quality monitoring
Processing Temperature
Heat to 70–75°C for complete melting. Use indirect heat (water bath or jacketed vessel). Do NOT use direct flame — flash point >200°C but prolonged direct flame exposure is a fire safety risk. Do not exceed 90°C for extended periods
Crystallisation Technique
Cool poured moulds in refrigerator at 10–15°C for 30–45 min after pouring for smooth crystal texture. In Pakistan's 30–40°C ambient conditions, ambient cooling produces large crystals and grainy texture — refrigerator cooling is strongly recommended
Lahore Summer (May–Aug)
Ambient 40–45°C. Paraffin 64fh remains SOLID at all Lahore summer temperatures (MP 62°C). No quality degradation. Avoid sun-exposed metal shelving where surface temps can exceed 60°C. Cool room or shaded warehouse adequate. Active cooling NOT required for the wax itself
Karachi Coastal Climate
28–42°C, 75–90% RH year-round. Paraffin is 100% non-hygroscopic — coastal humidity has ZERO effect on wax quality. Use plastic-capped containers to prevent rust on metal lids. No desiccant required. Seal after use to prevent dust contamination in coastal environments
⚠ Quality check before use: Cosmetic Paraffin Wax 64fh melts to a water-clear to very pale yellow liquid at 70°C. Amber or brown colour when melted = inadequate refining (PAH risk — do not use). Odourless when melted = correct cosmetic grade. Any petroleum or solvent odour = technical grade. Melting onset: 58–60°C; full melt by 66°C. Always request CoA with IP 346 PAH test data from supplier. Bio Shop™ Pakistan provides CoA documentation upon request. Hard and brittle at 25°C; white to translucent; no oily sweating at 30°C (sweating = oil content >1% = substandard grade).
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paraffin Wax 64fh halal? What is its exact origin and synthesis chain?+
Paraffin Wax 64fh is fully halal. The complete evidence chain: (1) Raw material: crude petroleum, which is a geological formation from ancient compressed biological material — not an animal product in current Islamic jurisprudence. (2) Production: catalytic hydrotreatment of petroleum distillate fractions using hydrogen gas over a metal catalyst at 280–350°C — a purely mineral/chemical process. (3) No animal-derived materials at any stage: no tallow, no lard, no bovine or porcine derivatives, no gelatin, no carmine, no honey or beeswax components. (4) No ethanol and no fermentation products whatsoever. (5) The principle of istihalah (complete transformation) in Islamic jurisprudence recognises that petroleum undergoes such thorough chemical transformation through refining that the resulting pure alkane wax is a new, transformed substance with no trace of impurity. (6) Major halal certification bodies — JAKIM (Malaysia), HFA (Halal Food Authority, UK), IFANCA (USA), and Pakistan Halal Authority — all recognise fully hydrotreated cosmetic-grade paraffin wax as halal for external cosmetic use. Bio Shop™ Pakistan can provide halal compatibility documentation from manufacturers upon request for brands seeking formal halal certification.
How do I verify purity and identify counterfeit or substandard paraffin wax in Pakistan's market?+
Pakistan's paraffin wax market has significant grey trade with technical or candle-grade material sold as cosmetic grade. Four practical verification methods: (1) Melt test: Place a small piece in a clean glass vessel and heat to 70°C. Cosmetic 64fh should be water-clear to very pale yellow. Any amber, orange, or brown colour indicates insufficient refining and likely PAH presence — do not use in skin-contact products. (2) Odour test: Cosmetic grade is essentially odourless when melted. Any petroleum, solvent, or kerosene-like smell indicates technical grade. (3) Melting point test: Use a digital thermometer to confirm onset at approximately 60°C and full melt by 66°C. Technical grade often has a higher or poorly defined melting range. (4) Oil sweating test: Place a small piece on white paper at 30°C for 24 hours. Cosmetic grade (oil content ≤0.5%) leaves no oily stain. Technical or semi-refined grade (oil content 1–3%) will show visible oil migration as an oily ring. Always request a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from your supplier showing: melting point 62–66°C per ASTM D-87, oil content ≤0.5% per ASTM D-3235, Saybolt colour ≥10, odour: odourless, and IP 346 PAH test: Pass. Bio Shop™ Pakistan supplies verified cosmetic 64fh grade with CoA available on request.
How should I store Paraffin Wax 64fh in Karachi's humidity and Lahore's extreme summer heat?+
Paraffin Wax 64fh is one of the easiest cosmetic ingredients to store in Pakistan's climate. For Lahore's extreme summer heat (40–45°C in May–August): no quality concern whatsoever. The wax's melting point of 62–66°C means it remains completely solid at all Lahore summer ambient temperatures — it has a 17°C safety margin above the city's peak temperature. Store in any cool room or shaded warehouse; the only precaution is avoiding placement directly on metal shelving that receives direct sun exposure (where surface temperatures can locally exceed 60°C). No active cooling, no refrigeration, and no insulated storage boxes are needed — unlike fragrance ingredients or vitamin actives that degrade at heat. For Karachi's coastal humidity (75–90% RH year-round): zero concern. Paraffin is completely non-hygroscopic; it does not absorb moisture under any humidity level. The only coastal-specific precaution is using plastic-capped containers rather than metal-lidded ones to prevent lid rust in a saline humid atmosphere. Keep containers sealed to prevent dust accumulation. Shelf life under these conditions: 5+ years. Paraffin is the most storage-stable major cosmetic raw material available.
What is the correct use level for Paraffin Wax 64fh in different product types?+
There is no established maximum safe use level for external cosmetic applications of cosmetic-grade paraffin wax — the practical upper limit is determined by desired product texture and product type. Validated use level ranges: Lip Balm / Lip Salve: 5–15% (higher levels give harder stick; blend with oils for smooth texture; very high levels >20% become too hard and waxy on application). Cold Cream / Night Cream: 5–12%. Body Butter / Body Balm: 3–10% (blend with shea/cocoa butter and oils). Heel Crack Ointment: 10–25% (combine with petrolatum for maximum occlusion). Hair Pomade: 10–30% (combine with mineral oil for slip; paraffin provides the hold structure). Massage Candle: 30–50% (ensure body-safe burn temperature with lower-MP co-wax component). Depilatory Wax: 30–60% (blend with rosin and mineral oil). Ointment Base: 15–30%. O/W Cream texture modification: 1–3% only (add melted to oil phase before homogenisation). Start at the lower end of each range and adjust texture empirically — paraffin wax can be re-melted repeatedly without quality loss, making batch adjustment easy.
Is Paraffin Wax 64fh safe for South Asian / Pakistani brown skin? Does it cause hyperpigmentation?+
Paraffin wax is exceptionally well-tolerated by South Asian skin (Fitzpatrick III–VI) because of its chemical inertness. It contains no UV-active compounds, no sensitising molecules, no comedogenic fatty acids, and no biological activity. There is no mechanism and no evidence by which properly applied paraffin wax causes hyperpigmentation directly. Its TEWL-reducing and barrier-supporting functions are particularly beneficial for the dry, cracking skin that many Pakistani consumers experience during winter months (November–February in Lahore and northern Pakistan). The combination of humidity drop and sun exposure creates severe epidermal dehydration in Fitzpatrick III–V skin that manifests as cracked heels, knuckles, and lips — paraffin-based ointments are among the most effective and affordable treatments available. The only hyperpigmentation-related caution: avoid high paraffin concentrations on the face in oily, acne-prone skin types. The occlusion of a sebum-congested follicle can potentially trigger inflammatory acne lesions which, in melanin-rich Pakistani skin, leave post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) marks. This concern applies to facial oily skin only — it does not apply to dry, normal, or mature skin, and not at all to non-facial body applications (hands, feet, heels, lips, hair).
Can I use Paraffin Wax 64fh with AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, and other cosmetic actives?+
Yes — paraffin wax is fully compatible with virtually every cosmetic active because its all-alkane chemical structure has no reactive functional groups that can interact with other ingredients. Specific compatibility confirmations: AHAs (lactic acid, glycolic acid): fully compatible; in O/W emulsions, paraffin is in the oil phase while AHAs are in the water phase, so no interaction occurs. BHAs (salicylic acid): fully compatible; salicylic acid dissolves well in molten paraffin/oil blends for effective leave-on keratolytic products. Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid): compatible and in fact protective — anhydrous paraffin wax matrix protects vitamin C from oxidative degradation since there is no water present. Niacinamide: no interaction; add to aqueous phase separately. Retinol / Vitamin A: compatible and protective — anhydrous wax matrix prevents retinol oxidation; no water means no hydrolysis. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide: compatible; disperse at 70°C in wax for stick sunscreen formulas. Preservatives (phenoxyethanol, germall plus): compatible. The practical formulation rule: melt paraffin wax with all oil-phase ingredients at 70–75°C; water-soluble actives go into the aqueous phase; heat-sensitive actives (vitamin A, essential oils) are added at the cool-down phase below 50°C.
Why does my paraffin wax lip balm come out grainy or bumpy, and how do I fix it?+
Grainy or bumpy texture in paraffin wax-based formulations is one of the most common formulation challenges in Pakistan, caused by large crystal formation during slow cooling. Pakistan's ambient temperatures of 30–40°C dramatically slow the cooling rate after pouring, resulting in the formation of large, coarse crystals that create a gritty, rough texture. Four proven solutions: (1) Refrigerator cooling: Pour your lip balm into tubes or moulds immediately after pouring at 52–55°C, then place in a refrigerator (not freezer) at 10–15°C for 30–45 minutes. Rapid cooling produces small, smooth crystals — this is the most effective solution. (2) Add crystallisation modifiers: Include 5–10% shea butter, cocoa butter, or beeswax in your wax phase. These ingredients disrupt the paraffin crystal lattice and produce significantly finer texture even with slower cooling. (3) Continuous stirring during early cooling: Stir the blend continuously as it cools from 70°C to approximately 55°C before pouring — gentle stirring during early crystallisation produces finer texture. (4) Re-melt and retry: Paraffin wax can be re-melted repeatedly without quality loss. A grainy batch can simply be re-melted, the formula adjusted (add more crystallisation modifier), and re-poured with faster cooling. Never discard a grainy batch — it is recoverable.
Which Pakistani consumer segments offer the best commercial opportunities for paraffin wax formulations?+
Five Pakistani consumer segments represent the strongest commercial opportunities for paraffin wax-based products: (1) Lip care consumers: Urban women 15–40 across all cities, driven by year-round sun exposure and dry-season chapping. The domestic lip balm market is dramatically underserved — imported premium lip balms sell at PKR 800–1,800 while domestic production using paraffin 64fh costs PKR 50–150 per tube. The product concept name Mome-e-Gulab (موم گلاب) resonates culturally. (2) Male grooming / barber market: Pakistani men 18–45 seeking hair pomade and brilliantine products. Pakistani barber shops represent high-volume, loyal channels; domestic production (Shiner Pro concept) displaces Turkish and UAE imports at 40% lower cost. (3) Heel and foot repair: Adults 30+ in both genders; Pakistan's prevalence of heel cracking due to barefoot/sandal culture and extreme climate creates massive, motivated demand with clear therapeutic benefit. Paya Marham (پایا مرہم) concept targets winter pharmacy channels. (4) Wedding and bridal preparation: Pakistan's intensive pre-wedding skin preparation (mehendi, dhaaga, ubtan rituals) includes hand and foot occlusion therapy; paraffin-based overnight occlusive products are a commercially untapped opportunity in this high-value segment. (5) Professional salon / depilatory: Hair removal waxing is practised by virtually all adult Pakistani women; domestic professional depilatory wax production at 40–60% lower cost than Turkish/UAE imports is a viable manufacturing opportunity using paraffin 64fh.
Everything on this page and substantially more — complete industrial production pathway from crude oil to cosmetic-grade paraffin wax 64fh with step-by-step diagrams; full structure-activity relationship analysis of the C20–C40 alkane distribution; detailed skin science with TEWL measurement data and clinical study references; IP 346 PAH compliance methodology and EU regulatory framework; historical development from Carl von Reichenbach's 1830 discovery through WWII-era quality improvements to modern fully hydrotreated specification; landmark cosmetic product appearances (Pond's Cold Cream, Vaseline, ChapStick, Kiehl's Lip Balm #1); Tibb-e-Unani and Pakistani cultural heritage of wax-based marham preparations; comprehensive Pakistan market opportunity analysis (lip care, pomade, heel repair, bridal, depilatory); three complete verified formulas with INCI declarations; and a 30-term cosmetic science glossary including istihalah, TEWL, stratum corneum, and PAH.
