All posts by : CMS Certerus

In the cosmetics world, where every ingredient matters and every sensation is intentional, microcrystalline waxes play a more important role than most people realize. Far from being just a structuring agent, this type of wax contributes to stability, texture, protection, and finish across a wide range of personal care products.

In this article, we dive into how cosmetic formulations have evolved thanks to the latest innovations in microcrystalline waxes — and how at Multiceras, we work closely with labs, brands, and distributors to deliver solutions tailored to every need.

What is microcrystalline wax?

Microcrystalline wax is a petroleum-derived wax known for its fine crystalline structure, which makes it more flexible and tacky than paraffin wax. This texture gives it the ability to hold oils, improve product cohesion, and give body to cosmetic formulations.

It is odorless, white to light yellow, and melts between 60 and 90 °C. These features make it especially useful for heat-resistant, oil-rich, and pigment-dense formulas.

Why use it in cosmetics?

Microcrystalline wax is a favorite in personal care formulations for three main reasons:

1. Texture & stability
   It helps build structure and viscosity, ensuring that formulas hold their shape — even under heat or extended use.
2. Versatility
   It’s used in lip balms, creams, deodorants, sunscreens, eyeliners, and more. It can also help control the hardness or softness of a product.
3. Oil and active retention
   It binds well with oils, pigments, and lipophilic ingredients like botanical extracts and vitamins, without compromising stability.

Where it shows up: common applications

• Lipsticks & balms
  Provides smooth texture, prevents color bleeding, and gives a firm, shapely finish.
• Protective & anti-aging creams
  Creates a protective barrier that helps reduce moisture loss and improve skin hydration.
• Solid makeup sticks (eyeliners, blush sticks)
  Adds rigidity for better application and product durability.
• Deodorants and depilatory creams
  Stabilizes the formula and allows for consistent release of active ingredients.

What’s new? Cleaner, more sensory-friendly, and sustainable options

Cosmetics are shifting toward safer, cleaner, and more sustainable formulations — and microcrystalline waxes have evolved to match that trend. New-generation waxes offer:

• Higher purity and better refinement, reducing impurities.
• Compatibility with clean beauty standards and “non-toxic” or “dermatologist-tested” claims.
• Vegan-friendly formulations, without animal-derived ingredients.
• Enhanced dispersion of pigments and active botanicals for more effective products.

How to choose the right wax?

Not all microcrystalline waxes are created equal. Their melting point, viscosity, hardness, and oil compatibility vary depending on the intended application.

At Multiceras, we guide our clients in selecting the wax that best suits their product goals and process requirements. We consider:

• The type of base (water-based, oil-based, anhydrous)
• The desired skin feel (light, rich, occlusive)
• The expected shelf life and packaging conditions
• The compatibility with active ingredients and production methods

Multiceras: Made-to-measure wax solutions

Our range of microcrystalline waxes includes various grades in terms of color, texture, and purity. We work with labs of all sizes — from indie beauty brands to large-scale manufacturers — to co-create formulas that stand out in both performance and sensorial experience.

We also provide technical consulting, stability testing, and custom recommendations to support every stage of your development process.

Interested in our cosmetic wax portfolio?

Let’s talk. Whether you’re working on a lip balm, a solid perfume, or a next-gen skincare formula, we can help you find the right microcrystalline wax to bring your idea to life.

When we think of natural waxes, it’s easy to associate them with cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or even household products. But there’s one wax in particular that has carved out a unique—and often overlooked—role in the food industry: carnauba wax.

You might recognize it by the distinctive shine it gives to certain  fruits or candies, but its role goes far beyond aesthetics. Today, we’ll show you why this plant-based ingredient is gaining more and more attention in the food sector—and how it can help enhance the quality and efficiency of your processes.

What is carnauba wax and why is it used in food?

Carnauba comes from the leaves of a Brazilian palm called Copernicia prunifera, and it’s known for its purity, stability, and plant-based origin. But what makes it so valuable in food applications is its ability to create a protective barrier over products without altering their organoleptic properties (that is, their taste, texture, or smell).

Beyond the shine, its main function is to help preserve the freshness and shelf life of certain foods. When used as a coating, it prevents moisture loss, protects against oxidation, and improves the final appearance—all without the need for artificial preservatives.

Plus, it’s 100% safe for consumption and approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA in the United States and EFSA in Europe.

Applications you might not expect

While it’s commonly seen on apples or citrus fruits, carnauba wax is used in a wide range of products—from everyday items to highly specialized ones. Some examples include:

• Pharmaceutical supplements and tablets, where it serves as a coating agent to ease swallowing and protect active ingredients.
  
• Candies, chewing gum, and confectionery, where it prevents sticking and enhances final texture.
  
• Roasted coffee beans, where it helps preserve aroma during storage.
  
• Dried fruits or snacks, which need an attractive, stable appearance throughout their shelf life.
  

What’s most interesting is that, being plant-based, it’s ideal for brands looking to formulate cleaner, vegan, or clean label products.

Real advantages for technical and purchasing teams

From an operational standpoint, carnauba is easy to integrate into various industrial processes. It can be applied by dipping, spraying, or rotary coating, and works seamlessly with existing machinery.

Its high thermal stability and compatibility with other functional ingredients also make it suitable for multiple formulations—without compromising product performance or safety.

For purchasing and innovation teams, it’s an excellent way to enhance product quality without complicating operations. In short: it’s a solution that adds technical, sensory, and commercial value.

A natural ingredient with a bright future

The food industry is moving toward more responsible solutions—for both consumers and the planet. And on that path, carnauba wax stands out as a strategic ally: natural, safe, versatile, and backed by a spotless regulatory record.

At Multiceras, we’ve been working with this ingredient for over three decades, ensuring traceability, consistent quality, and close advisory support to help you make the most of it.

Want to explore how to integrate it into your products?

Whether you’re in formulation, procurement, or product development, we’re ready to help. Reach out and let’s talk about how carnauba wax can take you beyond the shine—straight to the heart of what your consumers truly value.