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Copernicia Cerifera Wax

What Copernicia Cerifera Wax is & what it does

Carnauba wax, a hard plant wax used to raise melting point and add structure, gloss, and water resistance. It helps sticks and balms hold their shape.

What is Copernicia Cerifera Wax and what does it do in sunscreen?

Copernicia Cerifera Wax is carnauba wax, a hard plant wax harvested from the leaves of a Brazilian palm. It is used to raise a product's melting point and add structure, gloss, and water resistance. In sunscreen sticks and balms it helps the product hold its shape and stay put on the skin.

Is Copernicia Cerifera Wax safe?

Yes. Carnauba wax is a long-established cosmetic ingredient and is also used as a food glaze, so it is very well tolerated on skin. It sits on the surface to give structure and water resistance rather than penetrating, and reactions are uncommon.

Does Copernicia Cerifera Wax clog pores?

It is generally considered low risk for clogging pores, though it is a hard wax. It is used at modest levels to add structure rather than as a heavy occlusive film, and many find it well tolerated. Very acne-prone skin sometimes prefers lighter, fluid sunscreens over thick stick or balm formats where waxes feature more heavily.

What else is Copernicia Cerifera Wax called?

On a label you will see the INCI name Copernicia Cerifera Wax, but it is far better known as carnauba wax. It may also appear as Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax. They all refer to the same hard wax from the carnauba palm.

Is Copernicia Cerifera Wax vegan and natural?

Yes. Carnauba wax is plant-derived, harvested from the leaves of the carnauba palm, so it is natural and suitable for vegan formulas. It is a popular plant-based alternative to beeswax in sticks and balms for that reason.

Sunscreens with Copernicia Cerifera Wax

We rate 183 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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