Product 03
Microcrystalline Waxes
High-flexibility, high-cohesion waxes — soft cosmetic grades to hard industrial grades, including USP options
Product description
Microcrystalline waxes are high-performance petroleum-derived waxes distinguished from paraffin waxes by their significantly higher content of branched (iso-alkane) and cyclic (cyclo-alkane) hydrocarbons. This unique molecular architecture produces a fine, dense microcrystalline structure that delivers properties paraffin waxes simply cannot match: superior flexibility, higher oil-binding and oil-retention capacity, stronger cohesion, and elevated melting points typically ranging from 60°C to 95°C. These characteristics make microcrystalline waxes the preferred choice wherever crack resistance, adhesion, and long-term stability are critical — including cosmetic formulations, rubber compounding, sealants, and high-performance adhesive systems. WME supplies microcrystalline waxes in a range of hardness grades — from soft, pliable types used in cosmetics and rubber to harder, high-melting variants used in industrial coatings and protective applications — available in pastilles, flakes, and slab form, with USP-grade options for pharmaceutical and personal care use.
Microcrystalline vs paraffin — key differences
Paraffin wax
- Mostly linear structure
- Larger crystals
- Lower flexibility
- Limited oil binding
- Moderate melt point
- More economical
Microcrystalline wax
- Branched / cyclic structure
- Fine microcrystals
- High flexibility & ductility
- Excellent oil binding
- Higher melt point (60–95°C)
- Premium performance
Key technical properties
Molecular structure
Branched / cyclic
Melting range
60°C – 95°C
Flexibility
High
Oil binding
Excellent
Cohesion
Superior
Crack resistance
High
Grade types
Available grades
Soft grades (60–75°C)
Pliable and tacky. Ideal for cosmetics, ointments, and rubber compounding applications.
Medium grades (75–85°C)
Balanced hardness and flexibility. Used in adhesives, sealants, and candle formulations.
Hard grades (85–95°C)
High melting point and firmness. Preferred for industrial coatings and protective applications.
USP grade
Pharmaceutical-grade purity. Compliant with USP and Ph. Eur. standards for personal care and pharma use.
Applications