Microcrystalline Wax
CₙH₂ₙ₊₂ (branched/cyclic) | CAS: 63231-60-7 | HS: 27122000
Product Description
Microcrystalline Wax is a petroleum-derived wax with a finer crystal structure than paraffin due to its higher proportion of branched and cyclic alkanes — resulting in higher melting points (60–90°C), greater flexibility, better adhesion, and improved compatibility with oils and other waxes. These properties make it the preferred wax for cosmetic formulations requiring flexibility and skin adhesion (lipsticks, mascara wax formulations, depilatory wax) and for hot-melt adhesives and industrial sealants. In packaging, it is used as a high-performance moisture barrier coating. MITCHEM supplies refined and technical grades.
Applications by Industry
Key structural wax in lipstick formulations — provides the stick structure, flexibility, and skin adhesion that paraffin alone cannot achieve; also used in mascara wax and depilatory wax formulations.
Incorporated in hot-melt adhesive (HMA) formulations to improve flexibility, tack, adhesion, and blocking resistance in packaging, bookbinding, and industrial adhesive applications.
Higher-melting microcrystalline wax grades provide superior ozone protection in tyre sidewalls compared to paraffin, with slower bloom rate and better durability in outdoor conditions.
Applied as a coating or blend component in corrugated packaging, food cartons, and specialty paper coatings requiring superior moisture vapour transmission rate (MVTR) versus paraffin alone.