Common Name(s): Carnauba wax,brazil wax,palm wax
CAS Number: 8015-86-9
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides the hardest natural wax texture and high gloss for cosmetic sticks and makeup formulations.
Why It's Used: The hardest plant wax – provides temperature-stable, high-gloss structure for lipsticks, cosmetic sticks, and mascaras where softer waxes would melt.
How It Works: Very high melting point (82-86°c) from dense ester composition (primarily myricyl cerotate). provides hardest wax texture of common cosmetic waxes. ultra-high gloss from smooth crystalline surface when cooled. excellent stability up to 82°c.
Typically Found In: Lipsticks,cosmetic sticks,mascaras,natural vegan cosmetics
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – plant wax
Secondary Functions: Hardest plant wax,high gloss,temperature stability
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%–20%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required
Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low; formulation-dependent
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Carnauba wax's exceptional hardness (mohs hardness ~1 – comparable to talc but for organic wax) enables lipstick formulations that remain solid in tropical heat conditions. the combination of high melting point, hard texture, and natural plant origin makes carnauba the vegan alternative to beeswax in luxury cosmetics.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,cir safety assessment