Carnauba Wax (CAS 8015-86-9) — Citrus Fragrance Ingredient
Carnauba Wax
CAS 8015-86-9
What Is Carnauba Wax?
Carnauba wax is a natural plant wax derived from the leaves of the Brazilian palm Copernicia prunifera. It’s commonly encountered in car polishes, cosmetics, and food coatings. This wax matters because it provides unparalleled shine and durability while being biodegradable, making it a preferred choice in industries valuing both performance and sustainability.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Carnauba Wax Smell Like?
Carnauba wax is virtually odorless, presenting a clean, neutral profile that makes it ideal for applications where scent interference is undesirable. Its olfactory neutrality allows it to serve as a base for fragrances without contributing any top, heart, or base notes. The wax maintains this odorless character throughout its lifecycle, from application to dry-down.
Scent Profile
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Carnauba wax is not used for its olfactory properties but rather as a binder or stabilizer in solid perfumes.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Carnauba wax is a complex mixture of fatty acid esters (80-85%), free fatty alcohols (10-16%), acids (3-6%), and hydrocarbons (1-3%). The primary esters are derived from C24-C28 fatty acids and C30-C34 fatty alcohols. Its high melting point (82-86°C) and hardness are due to the high proportion of long-chain esters and hydroxylated compounds. The wax is harvested by drying and beating the palm leaves, then refining the collected powder.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Melting Point | 82-86 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.997 g/cm³ |
| Acid Value | 2-10 mg KOH/g |
| Saponification Value | 78-95 mg KOH/g |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Perfumes | 5-20% | Up to 30% | Provides structure and stability |
| Cosmetics | 1-10% | Up to 15% | Adds gloss and hardness |
| Food Coatings | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Glazing agent |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use as a neutral base for solid fragrances where scent neutrality is required.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Softer alternative with slight honeyed aroma, preferred when some pliability is needed.
Vegan alternative with higher tackiness, suitable for adhesive formulations.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. IFRA, REACH, EU Cosmetics Regulation standards update periodically. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating. Not legal or regulatory advice.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions. Approved for all applications.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM considers carnauba wax safe for all cosmetic applications.
Sustainability
Carnauba wax is sustainably harvested from wild palms without tree destruction. Brazil regulates collection to prevent overharvesting. The wax is biodegradable and non-toxic, though transportation from Brazil has carbon footprint considerations. Synthetic wax alternatives exist but lack the same performance characteristics.
Explore Carnauba Wax
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References
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. Carnauba Wax. PubChem Compound Summary. PubChem CID N/A
- FDA. Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. 21CFR184.1978
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Mar 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 8015-86-9Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
