Description
Description
Carnauba Wax is a high-melting plant wax obtained from the leaves of Copernicia cerifera. It contains long-chain wax esters, alcohols, acids, and hydrocarbons and is one of the hardest natural cosmetic waxes. Its principal value is structural: hardness, payoff control, thermal resistance, and gloss in sticks, balms, and anhydrous systems.
Chemical & Technical Profile
| INCI / Identity | Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax |
|---|---|
| CAS No. | 8015-86-9 |
| Molecular Formula | Complex wax ester mixture |
| Molecular Weight | Not applicable |
| Physical Form | Hard yellow to pale yellow flakes/powder |
| Solubility | Oil-soluble when melted; insoluble in water |
| Functional Category | High-melting plant wax / structuring agent |
Mechanism of Action / Technical Function
The wax forms a crystalline network as the molten oil phase cools. This network immobilizes liquid oils and increases yield stress, hardness, and melting resistance. Crystal morphology depends on cooling rate, concentration, and interaction with other waxes; performance is therefore a function of the complete wax/oil matrix rather than wax percentage alone.
Formulation Guidelines
Melt fully in the oil phase, typically above its melting range, and hold only long enough to obtain a homogeneous phase. Combine with softer waxes or butters to avoid brittleness. Control cooling rate because rapid or uneven cooling can create cracking, sinkholes, or variable payoff in sticks. In emulsions, use only where the emulsifier system can accommodate the increased oil-phase structure.
Compatibility & Stability
Monitor hardness, melting behavior, syneresis, bloom, cracking, and sensory drag. Heat/cool cycling is essential for stick products. Excess carnauba can produce brittle texture and poor spreadability.
R&D, Scale-Up & Quality Control
Carnauba Wax should be qualified against Carnauba Wax identity, melting range, color, and particle/flake consistency, using a retained reference where visual change is relevant. During scale-up, document complete melting, wax/oil ratio, filling temperature, and cooling profile and reproduce the laboratory sequence without unplanned thermal or shear exposure. A practical release gate is confirmation that sticks or balms meet hardness/payoff specifications without bloom, cracking, or sinkholes.
Packaging, Shipping & Storage
Supplied in a sealed aluminum pouch. Store tightly closed, cool, dry, and protected from excessive heat and contamination.
Estimated Delivery: 10–15 Business Days
Applications
Lip balms, lipstick bases, deodorant sticks, salves, solid perfumes, hair waxes, anhydrous balms, and structured emulsions.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.