Comparing E905CII - Paraffin wax vs E908 - Rice bran wax

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Overview

E905CII - Paraffin wax

Paraffin wax (E905CII) is a food-grade mixture of solid hydrocarbons refined from petroleum. It is mainly used as a protective, glossy coating and as a component of chewing gum base, helping foods keep moisture and resist sticking. It is closely related to microcrystalline wax and other approved food waxes.

E908 - Rice bran wax

Rice bran wax (E908) is a hard, plant‑based wax taken from rice bran oil. Food makers use it in tiny amounts to give candies and fruits a smooth, glossy coating and to keep sticky foods from clumping.

Synonyms

E905cii

Paraffin wax

E908

Rice bran wax

Functions

glazing agent

Origins

Synthetic

Mineral

Plant

Products

Found in 2 products

Found in 10 products

Search rank & volume

#8429K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#340360 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×606.12

over-aware

×3.84

over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions

Is paraffin wax toxic?
Food-grade paraffin wax (E905CII) is considered non-toxic at permitted levels; it is largely inert and poorly absorbed. Regulatory specs limit impurities such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and excessive ingestion may act as a laxative but is not expected to be poisonous.
What is paraffin wax made of?
It consists mainly of straight-chain alkanes roughly 20–35 carbons long that are crystallized and purified from petroleum distillates, then further refined (e.g., deoiled, filtered) to meet food-grade specifications.
Is paraffin wax edible?
Yes—food-grade paraffin wax is allowed as a surface treatment on fruits, confectionery, and cheese, and in chewing gum bases. It passes through the digestive tract undigested, so only small incidental amounts should be consumed.
What does paraffin wax do?
In foods it provides gloss, reduces stickiness, and slows moisture loss on products like candy, fruit, and cheese; it can also function as a release agent and component of chewing gum bases.
What does paraffin wax do for feet?
In spa treatments melted paraffin wax traps heat and moisture, softening skin and offering temporary relief for stiff joints. Use cosmetic- or medical-grade wax at safe temperatures to avoid burns.