A hard plant wax. It thickens the oil phase and holds a stick in shape. Well tolerated.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
A functional plant wax. Safe.
Carnauba wax (INCI: Cera Carnauba) is a hard plant wax from the leaves of a Brazilian palm. In a formula it thickens the oil phase, raises the melting point and lets sticks and lip products keep their shape and firmness. This is a functional, structural component, not a skincare active. Its value is in giving the product hardness and heat stability: thanks to it a stick survives warmth without melting out of shape. It has no cosmetic effect on skin beyond a light emollient finish. In topical use it poses no systemic relevance, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding without trouble. Tolerance is good, with low irritation and allergy potential. Its comedogenicity is low (around 1), making it one of the safer waxes even for combination skin.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Cera Carnauba is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Cera Carnauba suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
A hard plant wax.
On the Fulton scale 1/5 – very low comedogenicity. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
The INCI name is Cera Carnauba. It may also appear as: Воск карнаубский, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Carnauba Wax.
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