Intelligence · Ingredients

The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.

Carnauba Wax

aka copernicia cerifera cera · palm wax · brazil wax

Hardest natural wax used in vegan mascara and lip products alongside candelilla wax. Contributes high-gloss surface finish.

Benefits
  • Hardest natural wax — structure and shape retention in pencil/mascara
  • High-gloss surface finish
  • Vegan-certified
  • High melting point (82–86°C) — superior heat stability
  • Film-forming in lip and eye products
Example uses
  • Mascara formulas
  • Lipstick cores
  • Eyebrow pencils
  • Body scrubs
  • Solid serums
Formulation notes

Requires highest processing temperatures of the natural waxes (~90°C). Typically used in blends with softer waxes.

Watchouts

Brittleness at high use levels requires careful formulation balance. Typically 1–3% maximum in lip formulations.

Clean beauty perception

Very positively received in clean beauty — vegan, minimally processed, traditional use. Food-grade approval increases consumer confidence.