5 Facts About Carnauba Wax (2024)

Carnauba wax is a natural plant wax used in many products and applications. Keep reading to learn five facts about this wax type.

1. Source

Carnauba wax comes from carnauba palm leaves. It is collected by drying out the leaves, beating them to loosen the wax, and refining and bleaching the wax to use in various applications. Since carnauba wax comes from a plant, it is considered a natural plant wax. It is also sometimes referred to as palm wax.

2. Properties

Carnauba wax is shiny, which is perfect for giving a glossy look to many products. It also has waterproofing qualities when applied to certain products. Carnauba wax is brittle when used alone, so it is often combined with another wax type.

3. Emulsions

Carnauba wax is a popular wax used in emulsions, which are stable mixtures of one or more waxes in water. This wax emulsion is often used in creams and ointments to thicken them.

4. Polishes

Since carnauba wax is shiny, it is often used in polishes, including car, shoe and floor polish. It is also used as a shiny coating on produce, like apples and cucumbers. The shiny wax coating does more than just make the floor or fruit look good, it also adds a protective layer.

5. Food – Can You Eat Carnauba Wax?

Food-grade carnauba wax is used in a variety of foods and candies, including fruit snacks, Skittles and M&Ms. The wax is used to give these candies a shiny appearance and help prevent them from melting quickly. It is safe to eat food-grade carnauba wax.

5 Facts About Carnauba Wax (2024)

FAQs

What is good about carnauba wax? ›

The layer offers damage protection to the paint by acting as a shield. The wax also reduces friction between anything that comes between the car, which helps to prevent paint chips. In addition, it keeps your car as clean as possible since you are able to wash off bugs, dirt, and grime easily.

What is carnauba wax made out of? ›

Carnauba wax is a natural, plant-based product that is prized for its ability to create a deep shine on painted surfaces. It is made from the leaves of the Copernicia prunifera, a Brazilian palm tree. Carnauba wax is harvested by hand and then refined to create a product that can be used on cars.

What are the benefits of carnauba wax in food? ›

In the food industry, carnauba wax plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and extending the shelf life of products. Carnauba wax coats candies and fruits, adding gloss and blocking moisture and air to prevent spoilage.

What are the effects of carnauba wax? ›

Potential side effects of Carnauba Wax include dry skin, acne, rashes, inflammation, dermatitis, dizziness, nausea, blurry vision, and dryness, irritation, or burning of the eyes.

Is carnauba wax waterproof? ›

Carnauba wax is shiny, which is perfect for giving a glossy look to many products. It also has waterproofing qualities when applied to certain products. Carnauba wax is brittle when used alone, so it is often combined with another wax type.

Can humans eat carnauba wax? ›

Carnauba wax is nontoxic and is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as both a direct and indirect food additive.

Is carnauba wax flammable? ›

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: This product is a dull yellow to light brown solid with an aromatic odor. Health Hazards: None expected when used under normal conditions. Flammability Hazards: This product is considered a Non-Flammable liquid with a flash point of 300 °C. Reactivity Hazards: None.

How long does carnauba wax last? ›

Natural Carnauba Wax:

Derived from carnauba palm tree leaves, this type of wax is known for its deep shine and warm glow. While it provides a splendid finish, carnauba wax tends to have a shorter lifespan, usually between 4-6 weeks.

Is carnauba wax safe for skin? ›

Carnauba wax is considered non-toxic and safe for the skin. It's also non-comedogenic, which means it won't clog pores, and it's safe for consumption, however, this is not recommended.

Does carnauba wax protect? ›

Carnauba wax, as this product type is often called, gives the paint excellent protection. Besides carnauba wax, there are also synthetic waxes, these are also called sealants.

What is carnauba wax in drugs? ›

Carnauba wax is an approved pharmaceutical excipient, cosmetic ingredient and food additive. It is widely used in oral and topical pharmaceutical products, cosmetic formulations, and several food products. Carnauba wax is GRAS listed and authorised for use as a food additive in Europe (E903).

Why is carnauba wax used in medicine? ›

Carnauba wax is used in the pharmaceutical industry for tablet coatings and binding. Carnauba wax comes from the leaves of the Copernicia prunifera palm grown only in Brazil. Carnauba wax is also known as palm wax or Brazil wax. Carnauba wax primarily consists of fatty acid esters.

What are the two main uses of carnauba wax? ›

Carnauba wax is used as a hardener for other waxes and to raise the melting points of wax mixtures. It is also a component of furniture, leather, and shoe polishes [4]. In the cosmetic and food industries, carnauba wax is added to formulations of lipsticks and balms and chewing gum [19].

Does carnauba wax have alcohol? ›

Carnauba wax is harder than beeswax and melts at a higher temperature. Carnauba wax contains ceryl palmitate, myricyl ceretate, myricyl alcohol (C30H61OH) along with other high molecular weight esters and alcohols..

Is carnauba wax soft or hard? ›

Valued among the natural waxes for its hardness and high melting temperature, carnauba wax is employed as a vegan food-grade polish and as a hardening or gelling agent in a number of products.

How often should I wax my car with carnauba wax? ›

Carnauba waxes are a great way to protect your vehicle against the elements. Carnauba waxes often offer stronger protection than sealants do, but will not last as long. Waxes typically last 3 to 8 weeks, where a sealant can last up to 6 months.

How long does carnuba wax last? ›

Standard Carnauba based waxes only last on average 1-2 months so it is recommended to use a more durable ceramic or polymer based car wax.

Which is better beeswax or carnauba wax? ›

Carnauba wax is one of the hardest natural waxes, and takes a hard, glossy shine with a slick feel. By itself, it is brittle and very difficult to polish once it has dried. Beeswax is a moderately soft, sticky wax with a wonderful smell, and it buffs out to a mellow glow.

What is better than carnauba wax? ›

Ceramic coatings – the newer, more durable protectant

More critically, it adds a long-lasting shield of protection far more durable than carnauba-based waxes. Chemically bonded to the clear coat during application, a ceramic coating resists UV rays and chemical contamination and repels water and soils.

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