Carnauba Wax — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: COPERNICIA CERIFERA WAX
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 8015-86-9
- Category
- emollient
- Risk Level
- low
- Common Allergen
- No
- Found In
- lipstick, mascara
Is Carnauba Wax safe in cosmetics?
Carnauba Wax is rated low risk in cosmetic products. It is not classified as a common allergen and is generally well-tolerated by most skin types. Commonly found in lipstick, mascara.
What is Carnauba Wax?
Carnauba Wax is a emollient commonly used in cosmetic and personal care products. It is generally considered safe at recommended concentrations.
Allergy & Safety Information
Carnauba Wax is considered safe for cosmetic use.
This ingredient is considered low risk from an allergenicity perspective. Reactions are uncommon at typical cosmetic use concentrations. However, no ingredient is universally safe — if you notice redness, itching, or irritation after using a product containing this ingredient, discontinue use and monitor whether symptoms resolve.
About Emollient Ingredients
Emollients soften and smooth skin by filling gaps between skin cells and reducing transepidermal water loss. They form the backbone of most moisturisers, creams, and lotions. Most emollients are well-tolerated, but some — particularly plant-derived oils — contain proteins or compounds that can cause reactions in sensitised individuals.
Relevance for Carnauba Wax: Emollients derived from nuts (shea butter, macadamia oil), latex cross-reactive fruits (avocado oil), or highly fragrant plants (rosehip, sea buckthorn) carry higher allergenicity than refined synthetic emollients like squalane or dimethicone.
How to Identify Carnauba Wax in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Carnauba Wax, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Lipstick, Mascara. These product categories are the most common sources of Carnauba Wax exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Carnauba Wax? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Carnauba Wax and other allergens automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carnauba Wax safe?
Yes, well-tolerated by most skin types.
What does Carnauba Wax do?
Functions as a emollient in formulations.
Related Guides
Ceramide Moisturizers & Barrier Repair
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How to Read Ingredient Labels
Decode INCI names and find hidden allergens in your products.
Find Your Skin Allergy Trigger
Step-by-step elimination method to identify your trigger.
Contact Dermatitis Guide
Symptoms, causes, patch testing, and treatment options.
Is Carnauba Wax causing YOUR skin reactions?
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