Japan Wax

Japan Wax 1
AKA: Japanese wax, Sumac wax, Rhus verniciflua wax
Plant-Derived
Skin Conditioner
Wax
Not Clean
Japan wax hydrogenated
Form
Wax
Functions
Binding
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Viscosity Controlling
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
A traditional plant wax extracted from the berries of Toxicodendron vernicifluum (sumac tree) used in Japan for centuries. Historically used in candles and traditional cosmetics; modern use in cosmetics as a thickening and structuring agent.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Mild Irritant
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️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