Comparing E905C - Petroleum wax vs E905 - Synthetic wax

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Overview

E905C - Petroleum wax

Petroleum wax (E905c) is a food-grade wax refined from petroleum. It is used in tiny amounts to coat or glaze foods, reduce stickiness, and help products keep their shape and moisture. You’ll most often find it on the outside of foods rather than mixed in.

E905 - Synthetic wax

Synthetic wax (E905) is a highly refined, petroleum‑derived wax used in tiny amounts to give foods a smooth, glossy finish or to keep them from sticking. It shows up most often on the outside of confections and in chewing gum coatings, and it is regulated with strict purity and use limits in both the U.S. and the EU. It does not add flavor or nutrition; it’s there to protect texture and appearance.

Synonyms

E905c

Petroleum wax

E905

Synthetic wax

Hydrocarbon wax

Fischer-Tropsch wax

Functions

glazing agent

Origins

Mineral

Synthetic

Mineral

Products

Found in 25 products

Found in 1,468 products

Search rank & volume

#402150 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#317510 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.90

normal

×0.05

under-aware

Search volume over time

Search history data is not available.

Interest over time for 4 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions

How can a petroleum-based curl wax not hurt your paint on your car?
Microcrystalline petroleum wax (E905c) is chemically inert and non‑solvent, so it typically won’t attack fully cured automotive paint; any risk comes from other ingredients (e.g., solvents or dyes) in the curl product. Wipe off promptly and spot‑test in an inconspicuous area.
How do you put petroleum jelly and wax on cotton balls?
Gently melt microcrystalline wax (E905c) in a double boiler, soften the petroleum jelly, then knead a small amount into the cotton until the fibers are lightly coated and let it cool to set. Avoid overheating and open flames.
How to deal with petroleum smell of jubilee wax?
The odor is from residual light hydrocarbons; apply very thin coats, allow thorough curing with good ventilation, and the smell will dissipate. Choosing fully refined, food‑grade microcrystalline wax (E905c) products can reduce odor.
How to make non petroleum jelly using castor wax?
Make a petroleum‑free gel by melting hydrogenated castor oil (castor wax) into a neutral plant oil at about 1:3–1:4 by weight, then cool to set; add a little candelilla or beeswax if you need it firmer. This avoids petroleum‑derived E905c entirely.
How to make petroleum wax?
E905c microcrystalline wax is produced industrially by de‑oiling petrolatum from lubricating‑oil refining and then further refining (e.g., filtration or hydrotreating) to meet purity specs. It isn’t practical to make at home—purchase certified food‑grade material instead.