Carnauba wax

What is it? Carnauba wax is a hard, yellow wax from the leaves of the Copernicia Cerifera palm in Brazil. It is the hardest vegetable wax.
INCI Copernicia Cerifera Wax
Appearance Thin yellow flakes
Usage rate Typically 30% or less will be sufficient. Learn more here.
Texture When melted it creates very firm, glassy products. Learn more here.
Scent Mine smells like pretty much nothing, but I have heard from readers that theirs has a very strong scent that comes through in finished products. I would recommend sourcing a refined version and inquiring with the supplier about the scent before purchasing.
Absorbency Speed Average
Approximate Melting Point 80–85°C (176–185°F)
Solubility Oil
Why do we use it in formulations? Carnauba wax offers excellent, glassy hardening to our products, and thanks to its high melting point it can be an especially good choice for hot climates. I will sometimes blend it with beeswax to get the creaminess of beeswax and the glide of carnauba wax.
Do you need it? No; I’d recommend having one of the “C” waxes (candelilla or carnauba), but they’re similar enough that I don’t think you need both.
Refined or unrefined? I would recommend sourcing a refined version and inquiring with the supplier about the scent before purchasing.
Strengths Strong, glassy, glossy hardening wax.
Weaknesses Carnauba wax does not give the creamy consistency beeswax does, and as such it can be a bit disappointing in products if you are looking for a creamy end product.
Alternatives & Substitutions Candelilla wax is a good alternative.
How to Work with It Include it in the heated oil phase of your formula; it must be melted into the product.
Storage & Shelf Life Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, carnauba wax should last at least
Tips, Tricks, and Quirks Carnauba wax is sold in three different grades: T1, T3, and T4 (learn more here). You’ll want T1 for your cosmetics.
Recommended starter amount 50g (1.76oz)
Where to Buy it  Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier or Amazon.

Some Formulations that Use Carnauba Wax

Skills

Posted on

April 3, 2019