Copernicia cerifera (Carnauba) wax
AKA “Carnauba Wax
Wax
Ingredient Facts
Copernicia cerifera (Carnauba) wax
AKA: Carnauba Wax
Wax · Exfoliant · EWG: 1
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Exfoliant
Wax
Clean
Science: Origin: Botanic/Natural Safety Ratings: CIR: Safe as used
Family
Arecaceae (Palm family)
Plant Part
Leaf
Lifeform
Tree
Climate
Seasonally dry tropical
CAS #
8015-86-9
Form
Wax
See origin →
Functions
Exfoliant
Removes dead skin cells so fresh ones can come through. Chemical exfoliants (acids) are generally gentler than physical scrubs.
Depilatory
Film-Former
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Thickener
Physical Exfoliant
Epilating
Exfoliating
Removes dead skin cells to reveal fresher, smoother skin underneath
Creates Protective Barrier
Antioxidant Protection
Fights Bacteria
Traditional Use
Harvested from the leaves of the carnauba palm native to Brazil for centuries by indigenous peoples. Introduced to global cosmetics in the 19th century as a natural wax for polishes, lip balms, and skin products due to its hardness and glossy finish.
Skin Types
all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
1
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
ewg-1
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
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Extended Re-review Summary: Safety Assessment of Beeswax, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, and Rhus Succedanea Fruit Wax as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Candelilla Wax, Carnauba Wax, Japan Wax, and Beeswax
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Dimethiconol Carnaubate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Carnauba Wax
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Verified Feb 2026
Data: Kew POWO · CosIng · EWG · CIR