Microcrystalline waxes are made up of saturated hydrocarbons with a fine-grained crystal structure, making them much more flexible than paraffin waxes. They are derived from the dewaxing of base oil in the refining process. Microcrystalline waxes have a more branched molecular structure and longer hydrocarbon chains than refined paraffin waxes (higher molecular weight). As a result, microcrystalline wax has a significantly finer crystal structure than paraffin wax, and has a direct impact on all of its physical properties. Microcrystalline waxes have a higher melting point than paraffin wax and are tougher, more flexible, and more durable. Microcrystalline wax's fine crystal structure also allows it to bind solvents or grease, preventing compositions from sweating out.