Shellac
AKA: Lac Resin, Shellac Resin
Synthetic
Emollient
Occlusive
Skin Conditioner
Clean
Shellac. A resin secreted by Laccifer lacca, Coccidae
CAS #
9000-59-3
Form
Powder
Functions
Binding
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Hair Fixing
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
Resinous substance secreted by the lac beetle, traditionally used in India and Southeast Asia for centuries as a natural varnish and in traditional medicine; later adopted in cosmetics as a film-forming agent in nail polish.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR