Ozokerite
Natural mineral wax (mountain wax). Occlusive thickener in sticks and lipsticks, inert.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination
- Use with caution
- Oily
About this ingredient
Ozokerite (mountain wax, ceresin) is a natural mineral wax from fossil remains of paraffin oils. Composed of saturated hydrocarbons C29–C53, melting point – 60–82 °C. In cosmetics it is used as a thickener and emulsion stabilizer. Where applied. Lipsticks and lip glosses (5–20%), balms, solid deodorant forms, ointments and cosmetic wax forms, contouring products. In medicine it was historically used in physiotherapy (ozokerite therapy) for osteoarthritis and neuralgia. Safety. CIR confirmed safety in 2008 provided purification standards are met (absence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). Non-comedogenic at cosmetic purification grade. Non-irritating. Systemic absorption through intact skin is absent. Pregnancy and lactation – safe topically. Suitable in lip balms during gestational cheilitis. Alternatives. Carnauba, candelilla, beeswax, synthetic wax. For patients allergic to bee products, ozokerite is a suitable beeswax alternative. Limitations. Some patients with hand eczema may have mineral wax intolerance – then replaced with synthetic wax or natural plant waxes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ozokerite safe during pregnancy?
Ozokerite is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Ozokerite for?
Ozokerite suits: normal, dry, combination. Use with caution in: oily.
What is Ozokerite and what does it do in cosmetics?
Natural mineral wax (mountain wax).
What's the INCI name for Ozokerite?
The INCI name is Ozokerite. It may also appear as: Mineral Wax.
See Ozokerite in a product composition right on the store page
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.
Similar role in the formula
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