The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.
Synthetic Wax
aka synthetic beeswax · synthetic paraffin wax · synthetic candelilla alternative · C20-40 alkyl stearate
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.
- 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
- Eyeshadow sticks
- Long-wear lip formulas
- Waterproof mascaras
- Technical pen and pencil formulas
- Non-clean positioned colour cosmetics
Process depends on synthetic wax chemistry. Fischer-Tropsch waxes from coal/gas versus petroleum-derived waxes have different environmental profiles.
Non-biodegradable petroleum-derived or coal-derived origin. Excluded from natural and COSMOS-certified formulations. Clean beauty has largely replaced with plant waxes.
Largely excluded from clean-positioned colour cosmetics. Replaced by carnauba, candelilla, and jojoba esters.
The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.
Synthetic Wax
aka synthetic beeswax · synthetic paraffin wax · synthetic candelilla alternative · C20-40 alkyl stearate
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.
- 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
- Eyeshadow sticks
- Long-wear lip formulas
- Waterproof mascaras
- Technical pen and pencil formulas
- Non-clean positioned colour cosmetics
Process depends on synthetic wax chemistry. Fischer-Tropsch waxes from coal/gas versus petroleum-derived waxes have different environmental profiles.
Non-biodegradable petroleum-derived or coal-derived origin. Excluded from natural and COSMOS-certified formulations. Clean beauty has largely replaced with plant waxes.
Largely excluded from clean-positioned colour cosmetics. Replaced by carnauba, candelilla, and jojoba esters.