Common Name(s): Cera microcristallina,microcrystalline wax,structuring wax occlusive emollient

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Structures lip balms and anhydrous formulations through the wax crystal network, provides occlusive barrier protection reducing tewl, and conditions skin with the emollient fatty acids and esters in the wax composition.

Why It's Used: Plant-derived wax providing cosmos-acceptable structuring for vegan formulations replacing beeswax.

How It Works: Microcrystalline wax forms a crystalline wax network above its melting point (beeswax ~62°c; carnauba ~83°c; candelilla ~68°c). on cooling, wax crystals nucleate and grow forming a three-dimensional network that immobilises liquid oils — providing semi-solid stick structure. wax melting point determines temperature stability range for product use conditions.

Typically Found In: Lip care,anhydrous balms,emulsions

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emollient

Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 1%–30%

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 (highest melting wax at ~83°c) provides the hardest, most heat-stable wax structure; beeswax (~62°c) provides more pliable, skin-compatible structure; candelilla (~68°c) provides the vegan beeswax alternative used in certified natural and vegan formulations.

Last Verified: 2026-03-12

Primary Sources: Cosing database,natural wax structuring emollient review