Synthetic Wax
Synthetic hydrocarbon wax from the Fischer-Tropsch process. Structures sticks, balms and lipsticks, gives a dense plastic texture and temperature stability.
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, Oily, Combination, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Synthetic Wax is a mixture of saturated hydrocarbons obtained from ethylene via the Fischer-Tropsch process. Molecular weight – 500–700 Da, melting point – 60–105 °C. In cosmetics it functions as a thickener, emollient, and emulsion stabilizer. Where applied. Lip balms (5–15%), creams and lotions, solid deodorants, lipsticks, contouring palettes, hair styling products. An alternative to natural waxes – beeswax, carnauba, candelilla – while being hypoallergenic and standardized in composition. Safety. CIR confirmed safety in 2020. Non-comedogenic, non-irritating, hypoallergenic. Systemic absorption through intact skin is absent – the molecule is too large. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. No teratogenic effects reported. Suitable in lip balms during gestational cheilitis – does not cause issues with accidental ingestion. Advantages over natural analogues. Standardized composition, absence of bee allergens (for patients allergic to bee products), no pesticide residues. Vegan-friendly. Mineralogical analogue – ozokerite with a similar profile.
Frequently asked questions
Is Synthetic Wax safe during pregnancy?
Synthetic Wax is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Synthetic Wax for?
Synthetic Wax suits: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive.
What is Synthetic Wax and what does it do in cosmetics?
Synthetic hydrocarbon wax from the Fischer-Tropsch process.
What's the INCI name for Synthetic Wax?
The INCI name is Synthetic Wax.
See Synthetic Wax 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
Other functional ingredients
T-Butyl Alcohol, Talc, Tapioca Starch, TEA-Lauryl Sulfate, Candelilla Cera, Formaldehyde, Oryza Sativa Starch, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate
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