Brazilian Palm Tree Wax; Carnauba Wax

(in 6,174 products)

1. Emollient - Softens and soothes the skin. Helps with skin conditioning.

2. Glazing Agent - A waxy coating which provides protection and prevents water loss

3. Occlusive (Cosmetics) - Forms a protective layer to retain skin hydration

Carnauba wax also called as Brazil wax and palm wax, is a plant native to and grown only in the northeastern Brazilian states. It is known as "queen of waxes" and in its pure state, usually comes in the form of hard yellow-brown flakes. It is obtained from the leaves of the carnauba palm by collecting and drying them, beating them to loosen the wax, then refining and bleaching the wax.

Carnauba wax can produce a glossy finish and as such is used in automobile waxes, shoe polishes, dental floss, food products such as sweets, instrument polishes, and floor and furniture waxes and polishes, especially when mixed with beeswax and with turpentine.

Because of its hypoallergenic and emollient properties as well as its shine, carnauba wax appears as an ingredient in many cosmetics formulas where it is used to thicken lipstick, eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow, foundation, deodorant, various skin care preparations, sun care preparations, etc. It is also used to make cutler's resin.

As a food additive with E number 903, it is used as glazing agent and can be found in chewing gum, confectionery, coffee and bakery products. It is approved to use as food additive in EU and generally recognized as safe food substance in US.

1. EU Approved Food Additive [2018]

- E903

2. Canada List of Permitted Food Additives

- List 8 - Carnauba Wax

3. US FDA Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) Food Substances (21 CFR 184) [2017]

- § 184.1978 - Carnauba wax