Carnauba Wax

Other Name(s):

Copernicia cerifera Wax; Brazil Wax; E 903; CAS# 8015-86-9

Carnauba trees are native to the northern reaches of Brazil. It thrives in semi-arid areas with low rainfall and high temperatures. Thankfully, this means its cultivation is not implicated in rainforest destruction. Plantations are highly sustainable due to the nature of the plants. They help to prevent soil erosion and siltation of natural waterways. Additionally, the palm fronds are often returned to the soil where they organically fertilise the soil and help to offset issues often associated with monoculture farming.

Is Carnauba Wax Faithful to Nature?

Depends.

Carnauba Wax is a natural ingredient, which can be harvested and refined sustainably from responsibly managed palm groves.

Benefits: Why is Carnauba Wax used?

High Melting Point

Carnauba Wax has a high melting point compared to other waxes.

Vegan Friendly

Carnauba Wax is a vegan-suitable alternative to beeswax.

Preserves Fruit

Carnauba Wax keeps imported fruit fresh for longer.

Gives Shine

Carnauba Wax can be used to give sweets, fruits and confenctionary a glossy shine.

Learn more about Carnauba Wax:

On the Shelf: Which Products Use Carnauba Wax?

Carnauba Wax is used in lipsticks, volumizing mascaras, and solid deodorants. Carnauba wax can also be found as a single ingredient product used for polishing and buffing motor cars to lock out moisture and prevent rust.

Production: How is Carnauba Wax Made?

Carnauba Wax is made by first harvesting the fronds of Copernicia cerifera trees. The leaves are then dried and mechanically mulched to separate the flakes of wax. After the waxen flakes are collected, they are boiled and filtered to remove impurities and particulate matter.

Interesting Fact: Carnauba Wax

Copernicia cerifera is a type of palm tree native to South America. Despite being a palm, it is not to be confused with Elaeis guineensis, the African palm which has become naturalised throughout Southeast Asia. As such, we do not factor Carnauba wax into the equation when marking products as containing palm oil, or when marking products as “Palm Oil Free”.

If you are buying and eating imported fruit (a very likely scenario, especially during the months of the year when certain fruits are out-of-season), there is a very high likelihood that the fruits are coated with a thin layer of carnauba wax. Produce like this isn’t required in

South Africa to have an ingredient list on the packaging, but if it was it would include E 903. Should you wish to avoid consuming this wax, be sure to wash your fresh produce thoroughly with a natural fruit & veg wash before eating!

Some organic fruit and vegetable farmers choose to use beeswax to re-coat their produce after washing.