carnauba wax

  1. Home
  2. top of the aat hierarchies
  3. Materials Facet
  4. Materials (hierarchy name)
  5. materials (substances)
  6. [materials by composition]
  7. organic material
  8. wax
  9. [wax by composition or origin]
  10. vegetable wax
  11. carnauba wax
Scope note
Very hard, yellowish vegetable wax exuded from the leaves of the Brazilian palm Copernicia prunifera, native to the arid regions of northeastern Brazil. The leaves are collected, dried, then beaten to remove the waxy surface coating. The yellowish wax is purified and bleached prior to marketing; it is available in several grades. Carnauba wax is harder than beeswax and melts at a higher temperature; it is used in compounds of wax and other material to impart hardness, a glossy finish, and durability. Uses include floor waxes, car waxes, shoe polishes, leather finishes, carbon paper, other paper coatings, lubricants, metal casting, printing inks, varnishes, rubber coating, dental floss, coatings for food products such as candy, musical instrument polishes, and surfboard wax. Because of its hypoallergenic and emollient properties as well as its shine, carnauba wax is used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to coat tablets, thicken lipstick and mascara, deodorant, and various skin care preparations.
carnauba wax
Accepted term: 29-Apr-2024