Questions on Waxes, Paraffin, and Non-Staining Colorants

Asked by: hiter555 On: April 09, 2016 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

I have several questions about cosmetic ingredients:

  1. Microcrystalline Wax has a melting point of 76-84°C. If it cools down to 20°C, will it solidify quickly?
  2. Does Cera Alba (Beeswax) have a hard texture?
  3. Do you sell Paraffin here? (Please clarify if you mean Paraffin Oil, Paraffin Wax, or Paraffin Jelly).
  4. If I want to add color to a product using a colorant that provides good color but does not stain the skin when applied, what type of colorant should I use?
  5. Are there waxes that melt at 65-75°C and solidify quickly at 20-25°C? If so, which ones?

Answer

Cosmetic Formulation Questions

Here are the answers to your questions regarding cosmetic ingredients:

1. Microcrystalline Wax Solidification

Microcrystalline Wax with a melting point between 76-84°C will solidify as the temperature drops below its melting point. While it won't harden instantly at 20°C, it will gradually become solid as it cools down from its molten state. The speed of solidification depends on the specific wax grade and the cooling rate of the environment or product.

2. Cera Alba (Beeswax) Hardness

Natural White Beeswax (Cera Alba) is solid at room temperature. Compared to some other waxes like Carnauba Wax, it has a softer texture and a lower melting point (around 62-63°C). While it provides thickening and emollient properties, if a very hard texture is required in a formulation (like a solid lipstick), it is often used in combination with harder waxes rather than alone.

3. Availability of Paraffin

Yes, we offer paraffin-based ingredients, specifically Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum) and Petroleum Jelly (Petrolatum). Petroleum Jelly is also sometimes referred to as Paraffin Jelly. Mineral Oil is available in different viscosities (e.g., Heavy, Very Light). If you are looking for Paraffin Wax, other mineral waxes like Microcrystalline Wax or Ceresin Wax might be suitable depending on the desired melting point and properties.

4. Non-Staining Colorants

To add color to products without staining the skin, you should consider colorants designed for easy wash-off or pigments that sit on the surface. Our range includes EasyWash™ colors, which are specifically formulated not to stick to the skin and are easy to wash off. Another option is using Mica Powder, which provides color and shimmer without staining the skin as it is a pigment that disperses in the formula.

Avoid using HiStain™ colors if you do not want the color to adhere strongly to the skin, as these are designed for long-lasting effects.

5. Waxes Melting at 65-75°C with Fast Solidification at 20-25°C

Finding a wax that solidifies instantly at 20-25°C after melting in the 65-75°C range is challenging, as solidification is a cooling process that takes time. However, several waxes have melting points within or close to the 65-75°C range and will be solid at 20-25°C. The rate of solidification will depend on the specific wax and how quickly the product cools.

Waxes available in this melting point range include:

  • Ozokerite Wax (Melting Point 63-71°C)
  • Ceresin Wax (Melting Point 75°C)
  • Certain grades of Microcrystalline Wax (e.g., Melting Point 70°C)
  • Natural White Beeswax (Melting Point 62-63°C) is also close to this range.

These waxes will solidify as they cool below their respective melting points.