Snapshot
- Overview
- A hard plant wax that adds structure and shine to sticks and balms.
- Category
- Barrier Support, Skin Conditioning
- Type
- Film Former
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?
Our take
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.
What it does
Skin Benefits
Improves rigidity and sheen while helping products keep their form in warmer conditions, and improves smudge resistance for longer-lasting wear.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
Common in solid lip products, brow pomades, and cake eyeliners to thicken textures and boost shine.
Before you use it
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.
Products with Carnauba Wax
