Paraffin - Uses

• Candle making

• Coatings for waxed paper or cloth.

• Coating for many kinds of hard cheese, like Edam cheese.

• Preparing specimens for histology.

• Solid propellant for hybrid rockets

• Sealing jars, cans, and bottles

• In dermatology, as an emollient (moisturizer)

• Surfing, for grip on surfboards as a component of surf wax.

• The primary component of glide wax, used on skis and snowboards.

• As a food additive, a glazing agent with E number E905

• The paraffin test is used in forensics to detect granules of gunpowder in the hand of a shooting suspect.

Food-grade paraffin wax is used in some candies to make them look shiny. Although edible, it is not digestible; it passes right through the body without being broken down. Non-food grade paraffin wax can contain oils and other impurities which may be toxic or harmful.

Impure mixtures of mostly paraffin wax are used in wax baths for beauty and therapy purposes.