Carnauba Wax

Carnauba wax is a hard, high-melting plant wax harvested from the leaves of the Copernicia prunifera palm. It's used to build structure and glossy payoff in sticks, balms, and mascaras, improving stability, mold release, and glide in warmer conditions.
Like this ingredient?

Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A hard plant wax that adds structure and shine to sticks and balms.
Category
Barrier Support, Skin Conditioning
Type
Film Former

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

Low

Skin Benefits

Improves rigidity and sheen while helping products keep their form in warmer conditions, and improves smudge resistance for longer-lasting wear.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Common in solid lip products, brow pomades, and cake eyeliners to thicken textures and boost shine.

Comedogenic Rating

Carnauba Wax has a comedogenic rating of 2. It has a low likelihood of clogging pores but may not suit all skin types.

Safety

Low irritation potential and typically non-comedogenic for most users. Very occlusive layers may feel uncomfortable on highly reactive or very oily skin, so adjust usage if congestion or heaviness is noticed.

Is Carnauba Wax a Good Ingredient?

Its high melting point and film-forming properties improve structure, gloss, and wear with a low likelihood of sensitization, which earns it a Good rating; it reliably supports stick and balm formats without notable instability.

Products with Carnauba Wax

Related Ingredients