Carnauba wax - Applications and safety in the food and cosmetics industries

Carnauba wax, also referred to as Cera Carnauba, is a natural vegetable wax extracted from the leaves of the Copernicia cerifera palm native to Brazil. This plant produces a rigid protective coating on its leaves. The wax is released in the form of fine flakes ranging in color from light green to dark grey. After purification, it exhibits a yellowish or white hue. The primary components of carnauba wax are esters and hydroxyl esters of higher fatty acids and higher alcohols, accounting for up to 85% (m/m) of its composition. Additionally, it contains free fatty acids (primarily saturated), saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, free alcohols, lactones, pigments, and mineral substances. This natural ester wax is the hardest among all known natural waxes. Its melting point ranges from 80 to 85°C, with a density of 0.99–1.00 g/cm3 and an average molecular weight of 650÷670. It is soluble in benzene, boiling ether, and alcohol.

In Poland, as in the entire European Union, carnauba wax is recognized as an approved food additive. According to EU regulations, carnauba wax is listed as an authorized food additive under Regulation No. E 903 of the Minister of Health [5]. Carnauba wax primarily serves as a coating, thickening, and polishing agent on food surfaces. It is commonly applied to confectionery products, nuts, coffee beans, chewing gum, jellies, fruit juices, and sauces. Additionally, carnauba wax is used to coat fruits, protecting them from moisture loss and enhancing their appearance and shine. It is also utilized during the storage and transport of exotic fruits, safeguarding them against spoilage and contamination. In the pharmaceutical sector, carnauba wax acts as a binding agent for active ingredients, facilitating the production of easy-to-swallow tablets. According to guidelines, the permitted amount of carnauba wax in food is up to 200 mg per kilogram of raw material [5].

Carnauba wax exhibits excellent compatibility with various oils, fats, and other waxes, thereby enhancing their melting point and hardness. Owing to these properties, it plays a crucial role in the formulation of cosmetics, particularly makeup and lipsticks, where it prevents softening at elevated temperatures, such as during sun exposure. Additionally, due to its water-resistant nature and ability to impart shine, it is also utilized in the production of other products, including waterproof mascaras, foundations, eyeshadows, nail polishes, depilatory products, deodorants, and sunscreens with UV filters.

Carnauba wax, employed as a food additive under the E 903 designation, is a natural compound that poses no risk to human health. Excessive intake may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, though such instances are uncommon. In cosmetics, carnauba wax typically does not trigger allergies, but it can cause localized adverse effects in certain individuals, including contact dermatitis, rashes, acne, skin dryness, or hair follicle inflammation. Carnauba wax is widely used in food products such as breath mints, jellies, confectioneries, chewing gum, fruits, nuts, and coffee beans, as well as in women's cosmetics like lipsticks, waterproof mascaras, and eyeshadows. Carnauba wax is considered a safe substance that infrequently induces allergic responses.