INCI · emollient · CIR review pending · used in 10 products
Synthetic Wax
Synthetic wax is a hydrocarbon wax derived generally through Fischer-Tropsch or ethylene polymerization processes. It is used in cosmetic formulations primarily as an emollient and viscosity-controlling agent. It also serves functions including abrasive, binding, emulsion stabilising, and masking according to CosIng. It appears frequently in stick-format products such as lip liners, brow pencils, sun sticks, and cleansing balms.
Evidence level
weakEWG score
—Comedogenic
—Category
emollient● Benefits
Synthetic wax helps condition and smooth the skin surface as an emollient while also contributing to the structural integrity and texture of solid or stick-format cosmetic products through viscosity control.
emollientviscosity-controllingtexture-enhancing
● Cautions
