A solid, nontoxic waxy substance used to make candles or in home maintenance. Available at hardware stores.
An oil produced from petroleum, forming the base of some ointments, and also used for heating and light.
One of a series of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. Paraffin wax (hard paraffin), a whitish mixture of solid hydrocarbons melting at 45-60°C, is used in medicine mainly as a base for ointments; it is also used for embedding specimens for microscopical study. Liquid paraffin is a mineral oil, which has been used as a laxative.
The general name used to designate a series of saturated hydrocarbon compounds derived from petroleum. Liquid paraffin is used in the treatment of constipation. Externally, the hard and soft paraffins are used in various consistencies, being very useful as ointments and lubricants.
A waxy, white, tasteless, odorless mixture of solid hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum; used as an ointment base or wound dressing.
A petroleum by-product that has excellent sealing properties (barrier qualities) to hold moisture in the skin.