Emulsifying Wax N.F.

AKA: Polysorbate 60, Stearyl Alcohol

Plant-Derived

Emollient

Plant Oil

Wax

Not Clean

Emulsifying Wax N.F. is a cosmetic ingredient. Assessed as safe by the CIR.

Form

Wax

Functions

Emollient

Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.

Viscosity Controlling

Locks In Moisture

Traditional Use

A synthetic emulsifier blend developed in the 20th century to stabilize oil-water mixtures in cosmetics. Replaces historical plant-based emulsifiers like beeswax and created to provide more consistent and reliable emulsification in modern formulations.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

Restricted By

Credo Beauty Whole Foods Premium Body Care Beauty Heroes MADE SAFE EWG VERIFIED

CIR Safety Findings

medical-approval

all-shades-safe

Mild Irritant

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewednone on file

⚖️Regulatory0 listings

🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →

Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR