Many cutting board waxes and board butters rely on mineral oil, beeswax, or a blend of both. These ingredients are common in wood care products, but they may not be the best fit for every customer, especially those seeking a fully plant-based, petroleum-free, and vegan-friendly option for kitchen surfaces.

Mineral oil is widely used in food-contact applications, and food-grade (white) mineral oil is listed by the FDA for several food additive and indirect food-contact uses. However, mineral oil is still derived from petroleum. The federal regulation for white mineral oil describes it as a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. For customers who want to reduce fossil-fuel-derived ingredients in their homes, especially on surfaces used for food preparation, that matters. RMP Finishes’ Cutting Board Wax offers a 100% plant-based alternative that uses renewable, plant-derived ingredients instead of petroleum-derived oil.

The refining level of mineral oil also matters. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies untreated or mildly treated mineral oils as carcinogenic to humans, while highly refined mineral oils are not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans. This does not mean food-grade mineral oil is the same as untreated mineral oil. It simply explains why some customers prefer an option that avoids petroleum-based ingredients altogether. Our goal is to offer a clean, effective, plant-based choice for people who want dependable cutting board protection without mineral oil.

Beeswax is another common ingredient in traditional board creams. It can create a protective layer on wood, but it is produced by bees, which means it is not vegan. For customers who avoid animal or insect-derived ingredients, beeswax does not align with a strictly plant-based lifestyle. Our Cutting Board Wax uses plant waxes instead, making it a better fit for vegan kitchens, plant-based homes, and eco-conscious customers who prefer pollinator-friendly products.

Instead of mineral oil and beeswax, our food-grade Cutting Board Wax uses refined almond oil, carnauba wax, rice wax, and castor wax. This plant-based blend creates a smooth, hard, satin finish that helps repel moisture, fill tiny knife marks, and protect wooden cutting boards from everyday washing and use. It can be applied directly to raw wood or used as a protective topcoat over our Organic Cutting Board Oil to complete the care routine.

Organic Cutting Board Oil helps nourish the wood from within, while Cutting Board Wax adds the protective outer layer. The oil penetrates the wood fibers to help prevent dryness, and the wax forms a surface barrier that encourages water to bead rather than soak in too quickly. Used together, they create a simple, food-safe care routine for wooden cutting boards, charcuterie boards, bowls, trays, and utensils without petroleum-based mineral oil or beeswax.