Carnauba Wax
The short version
A vegan glazing wax from the leaves of the Brazilian carnauba palm — used to polish candy and pharmaceutical tablets.
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Where it comes from
Harvested from the dried leaves of the Brazilian carnauba palm (Copernicia prunifera). The wax is naturally exuded by the tree as a water-loss barrier. Production is concentrated in northeastern Brazil; the industry remains largely manual.
How it's used
Used to polish coated confectionery (M&Ms, Skittles, Tic Tacs), chewing gum, fresh fruit, and pharmaceutical tablets. Provides a hard, high-gloss finish — among the hardest natural waxes. Vegan-compatible glazing alternative to beeswax.
Safety profile
No ADI specified. Considered safe at typical use levels. Not absorbed; passes through the digestive tract. No documented allergenicity.
Physical & chemical properties
Hard yellowish wax, insoluble in water, soluble in hot organic solvents. Melts at 82–86°C — among the highest of natural waxes. Provides exceptionally high gloss.
Regulation worldwide
Permitted globally without restrictive limits for food use.
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.