murphyParaffin
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Mineral oil, Paraffin oil, Liquid paraffin
Synthetic
Fragrance
Skin Conditioner
Clean
OriginDerived from crude oil, a fossil hydrocarbon source processed through petroleum refining. Produced through fractional distillation and purification of crude oil into solid wax fractions.
Paraffin is a solid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum characterized by relatively large crystals.
CAS #
8002-74-2, 64742-51-4
Form
Powder
State
Solid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Perfuming
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Viscosity Controlling
Locks in moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
2 studies / 2 not sensitizing (CIR 205)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
5 studies / 2 irritating / 1 mixed / 2 not irritating / reactions mild (CIR 205 and 935)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
15 studies / 5 irritating / 1 mixed / 9 not irritating / reactions minimal to severe (CIR 205 and 935)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.01–18.6%
Rinse-off0.45–21%
0%50%100%
Reg. limit 100%
CIR reported use · 2022 survey
FDA OTC limit: 100% (Skin Protectant). 50-100% standalone; 30-35% when combined with colloidal oatmeal Source: FDA OTC Monograph, 21 CFR 347.10.
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR