A petroleum-derived wax used to bind, thicken and stabilise.
What it is
Microcrystalline wax is a petroleum-derived wax made up of high-molecular-weight saturated hydrocarbons, with finer crystals than paraffin wax. CosIng lists it as a binding, bulking, emulsion-stabilising and viscosity-controlling agent; Cera Microcristallina is the EU name used for labelling.
Where it is used
Found in lipsticks, lip balms, mascaras, ointments, creams and hair styling products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
The label does not show the grade or purity of the wax used.
Functions
- Binding
- Providing adhesive properties during and after compression in cosmetic tablets and/or cakes.
- Bulking
- Non-reactive (chemically inert), solid ingredients that dilute other solids and/or increase the volume of cosmetic products.
- Emulsion stabilising
- Helping the process of emulsification and improving emulsion stability and shelf-life.
- Viscosity controlling
- Increasing or decreasing the viscosity (thickness) of cosmetics.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.
Products with this ingredient (60)
- PODKŁAD MIRACLE TOUCH · Max Factor
- Tusz do rzęs Volume Infusion · Max Factor
- Volume Infusion Mascara · Max Factor
- Jabón Pastilla Individual Exfoliante · Dove
- Dove Nourishing Secrets Body Cream Restoring Ritual- Coconut Oil and Almond Milk · Dove
- Night & Day Lip Mask · ArtDeco
- Outstanding Lip Gloss – No. 36 Girl · Pierre René
- Tasty lips kremowa konturówka do ust · Paese
- Pomada do brwi w kredce · Eveline Cosmetics
- Duet kremowych róży do policzków · Eveline Cosmetics
- Automatyczna konturówka do ust · Eveline Cosmetics
- Tusz do rzęs, zmywalny ciepłą wodą Termotubing Lash Lift · Eveline Cosmetics