Home › Paraffin Wax › Fully Refined vs Semi Refined Paraffin Wax
This guide compares fully vs semi refined paraffin wax to help you choose the right grade for your industry.
When sourcing paraffin wax for your business, the most important decision is: fully refined or semi refined? This guide by Zumrut International Kimya — a leading paraffin wax exporter from Turkey — covers everything you need to know about the differences in oil content, color, melting point, applications, and price.
Quick Answer: Fully refined paraffin wax has an oil content of 0.5% or less — white, odorless, food and cosmetic grade. Semi refined paraffin wax has an oil content of 1% to 7% — yellowish, slight odor, cost-effective for industrial use. The fully refined grade costs approximately 10–20% more per ton.
fully vs semi refined paraffin
Side-by-Side Comparison
Fully Refined vs Semi Refined — At a Glance
Here is a quick comparison of the two main grades of paraffin wax supplied by Zumrut International Kimya from Turkey.
Technical Data
Complete Technical Comparison Table
Detailed comparison of all key parameters for both paraffin wax grades as supplied by Zumrut International Kimya from Iskenderun Port, Turkey.
| Parameter | Fully Refined (≤0.5%) | Semi Refined (1–7%) |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Content | ≤ 0.5% | 1% – 7% (by grade) |
| Color | White to colorless | Yellowish to off-white |
| Odor | Odorless | Slight petroleum odor |
| Melting Point | 52°C – 62°C | 48°C – 60°C |
| Hardness | Hard, brittle | Softer, flexible |
| Purity Level | Very High (>99.5%) | Moderate (>98.5%) |
| Refining Process | Full deoiling + hydrofinishing | Partial deoiling only |
| FDA Compliance | ✅ 21 CFR 178.3710 | ❌ Not compliant |
| Food Contact | ✅ Suitable | ❌ Not suitable |
| Cosmetic Use | ✅ Suitable | ❌ Not suitable |
| Pharmaceutical | ✅ Suitable | ❌ Not suitable |
| Premium Candles | ✅ Ideal | ⚠️ Standard candles only |
| Rubber Industry | ✅ Suitable | ✅ Preferred (lower cost) |
| Cable Industry | ✅ Suitable | ✅ Preferred |
| Price Level | 10–20% premium | Cost-effective |
| MOQ (Zumrut) | 1 × 20ft container | 1 × 20ft container |
| Export Port | Iskenderun / Mersin, Turkey | Iskenderun / Mersin, Turkey |
Use Cases
Applications by Grade
Selecting the correct grade depends entirely on your end application. Here is a complete breakdown of which industries use each grade.
✅ Fully Refined — Best For
✅ Semi Refined — Best For
How to Choose
Which Grade Should You Buy-Fully vs Semi Refined Paraffin?
How to Choose Between Fully vs Semi Refined Paraffin
Use this quick decision guide to select the right paraffin wax grade for your application.
Choose Fully Refined If You Need:
- Food-contact or food-grade certification
- Cosmetic or personal care formulation
- Pharmaceutical applications
- Odorless and white appearance
- Premium or luxury candles
- FDA or EU food-contact compliance
- Investment casting process
Choose Semi Refined If You Need:
- Cost-effective industrial solution
- Rubber or tyre manufacturing
- Standard candle production
- Matches, fireworks, or torches
- PVC processing or cable industry
- Polish or coating manufacturing
- Waterproofing applications
Price Comparison
Paraffin Wax Price Comparison 2026
Prices vary based on grade, oil content, quantity, and destination. Below is a general overview of the pricing structure for grades exported from Turkey.
| Grade | Oil Content | Incoterm | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fully Refined 0.5% | ≤ 0.5% | FOB Iskenderun | On Request |
| Semi Refined 1–3% | 1% – 3% | FOB Iskenderun | On Request |
| Semi Refined 3–5% | 3% – 5% | FOB Iskenderun | On Request |
| Semi Refined 5–7% | 5% – 7% | FOB Iskenderun | On Request |
* Contact Zumrut International Kimya for current FOB or CFR quote based on your specific grade, quantity, and destination port.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ — Paraffin Wax Grade Comparison
Need a Quote for Paraffin Wax from Turkey?
Zumrut International Kimya exports fully refined and semi refined paraffin wax to 50+ countries from Iskenderun Port, Turkey. FOB & CFR prices available.
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