Carnauba Wax

Carnauba wax is a natural, plant-based wax obtained from the leaves of the Copernicia prunifera palm, native to northeastern Brazil. Often called the “Queen of Waxes,” it is harvested by collecting, drying, and beating the palm leaves to release a fine wax powder, which is then refined into flakes or blocks. Because it is renewable, biodegradable, and approved for food use, carnauba wax is widely valued across industries ranging from food and cosmetics to pharmaceuticals and automotive care.

Unique Properties

Very high melting point (≈ 82–86 °C): much higher than most natural waxes, making it ideal for heat-resistant applications.
Exceptional hardness: one of the hardest natural waxes, providing strong surface protection.
High gloss and polishability: creates a durable, shiny finish, especially useful in coatings and cosmetics.

Excellent water resistance: forms a protective, moisture-repellent barrier.
Natural and non-toxic: safe for food contact, vegan, and environmentally friendly.
Good emulsifying and film-forming ability: useful in stabilizing formulations and improving texture.

Applications

Food Industry

Glazing agent for fruits (apples, citrus) to reduce moisture loss and improve appearance
Coating for candies and chewing gum

Cosmetics & Personal Care

Lipsticks and lip balms (adds structure and shine)
Mascara and eyeliner (improves film strength and wear resistance)
Creams and lotions (texture enhancement)

Pharmaceuticals

Tablet and capsule coatings
Controlled-release formulations

Applications

Industrial & Consumer Products

Automotive waxes and polishes
Floor and furniture polishes
Shoe polish and leather care products

Sustainable Materials

Bio-based coatings and packaging
Natural alternatives to synthetic polymers in surface treatments

Carnauba Wax vs Other Common Waxes

Feature	Carnauba Wax	Beeswax	Paraffin Wax	Candelilla Wax
Source	Plant (palm leaves)	Animal (bees)	Petroleum	Plant (shrub)
Melting Point	Very high (82–86 °C)	Medium (62–65 °C)	Low–medium (46–68 °C)	High (68–73 °C)
Hardness	Very hard	Medium	Soft–medium	Hard
Gloss	Very high	Medium	Low–medium	High
Sustainability	Renewable, biodegradable	Renewable, animal-based	Non-renewable	Renewable, biodegradable
Typical Uses	High-gloss coatings, cosmetics, food glazing	Balms, candles, creams	Candles, packaging	Vegan cosmetics, coatings

Our Natural Waxes Portfolio

HCO: Hydrogenated Castor Oil (natural origin, plant-based)
Bio PE Wax: Bio-based Polyethylene Wax (partially renewable, derived from sugarcane or other biofeedstocks)
Sugar Cane Wax: Wax extracted from sugarcane leaves or bagasse (fully natural)
Soybean Wax: Hydrogenated soybean oil (plant-based, natural origin)
Organic Palm Wax: Hydrogenated palm oil (natural, plant-based)
Rapeseed Wax: Hydrogenated rapeseed oil (plant-based)
Rice Bran Wax: Wax extracted from the outer layer of rice bran (natural, plant-based, used for cosmetics, candles, coatings)
EBS: Ethylene Bis Stearamide (synthetic, technically not a natural wax but often grouped with waxes for lubrication and release purposes)