Carnauba Wax

AKA: Brazil wax, Palm wax
Plant-Derived
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Wax
Clean
Hydrolyzed Carnauba Wax is the hydrolysate of Copernicia Cerifera Wax derived by acid, enzyme or other method of hydrolysis
CAS #
63231-63-0
Form
Wax
Functions
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
Harvested from the leaves of the Brazilian carnauba palm tree for centuries by indigenous peoples for waterproofing and protective applications. Adopted by cosmetic manufacturers in the early 20th century as a natural wax for lipsticks, polishes, and protective creams.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
ewg-1
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Mild Irritant
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR