Paraffin wax is different from paraffin oil.
Paraffin wax and paraffin oil may sound similar, but they are two different substances. Paraffin is a mineral wax mainly composed of a mixture of hydrocarbons with a carbon atom number of about 18-30. It is usually a white or light yellow translucent substance with a distinct crystal structure. It is a sheet-like or needle shaped crystalline substance obtained through processes such as petroleum distillation, solvent refining, and dewaxing. Paraffin is mainly used for manufacturing candles, waterproof materials, packaging materials, etc.
And paraffin oil, also known as mineral oil, is a colorless and odorless mixture obtained from crude oil distillation. Its main components are C16-C20 n-alkanes, which can be further divided into light mineral oil and general mineral oil based on viscosity and specific gravity. Paraffin oil is widely used in food, medicine, and industrial fields, and is often used as a smooth moisturizing agent in skincare products, as well as for makeup removal in makeup remover products.
In summary, although both paraffin wax and paraffin oil are derived from petroleum products, their chemical composition, physical properties, and uses are different. Paraffin wax mainly refers to a solid wax with a crystal structure, while paraffin oil is a colorless and odorless liquid mineral oil mixture, and the two should not be considered the same substance. |
