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Synthetic Wax
A general term for petroleum-derived or Fisher-Tropsch synthetic waxes used in colour cosmetics for structure, texture, and film formation. Clean beauty's move toward plant waxes has reduced but not eliminated their use.
Benefits
- Structure and hardness in colour cosmetics
- Water resistance
- Stable and consistent between batches
- Compatible with all cosmetic pigments and waxes
- Higher melting points possible for extreme wear
Example uses
- Eyeshadow sticks
- Long-wear lip formulas
- Waterproof mascaras
- Technical pen and pencil formulas
- Non-clean positioned colour cosmetics
Mechanism of action
Provides structure via crystalline wax matrix formation — long-chain alkyl chains pack in ordered crystalline arrays, creating rigid solid at room temperature. Film formation on skin via deposition of the wax coating as the product is applied.
Clinical evidence · High
Well-characterised. CIR safety confirmed. Mechanism physical.
Effective concentration range
5–20% in anhydrous formulas
Formulation notes
Process depends on synthetic wax chemistry. Fischer-Tropsch waxes from coal/gas versus petroleum-derived waxes have different environmental profiles.
Watchouts
Non-biodegradable petroleum-derived or coal-derived origin. Excluded from natural and COSMOS-certified formulations. Clean beauty has largely replaced with plant waxes.
Controversies & overclaims
Petroleum/coal derivation is the primary concern. No human safety issue.
Market positioning
Marketed as performance wax. Accurate. Plant-wax alternatives now dominate clean beauty.
Comedogenicity
1 / 5
Sensitisation risk
Low
INCI & aliases
Synthetic Wax
synthetic beeswax · synthetic paraffin wax · synthetic candelilla alternative · C20-40 alkyl stearate
Clean beauty perception
Largely excluded from clean-positioned colour cosmetics. Replaced by carnauba, candelilla, and jojoba esters.
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