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CarCareTruthProducts · Ranked

Carnauba Wax

  • Waxes
  • CAS 8015-86-9
  • IUPAC: Copernicia cerifera wax

Carnauba Wax (CAS 8015-86-9) appears in 20 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Not classified as hazardous under GHS. FDA-permitted as a food additive (used on candy coatings and fruit-wax glazes) and a common cosmetic ingredient. Not a known skin sensitizer or irritant at use concentrations.

Carnauba wax comes from the leaves of the Brazilian palm tree Copernicia prunifera. It's the hardest natural wax known — harder than beeswax or candelilla — which is why it produces that deep, warm gloss that synthetic polymers can't replicate.

In car care, it's been the gold standard since the 1900s. Pure carnauba melts at 82-86°C, which is why it survives on hot hoods and roofs. The tradeoff vs. synthetics is durability: pure carnauba lasts 3-8 weeks depending on conditions, while polymer sealants last months.

Completely safe — used in food-grade applications (M&M coatings, fruit wax) and cosmetics (lipstick, mascara). No environmental concerns whatsoever.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
5/5
Purpose: Natural protection wax — gloss, depth, water repellency

Common questions about Carnauba Wax

What is Carnauba Wax used for in car care?
Natural protection wax — gloss, depth, water repellency
Is Carnauba Wax a VOC?
No. Carnauba Wax is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Carnauba Wax on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Carnauba Wax is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Carnauba Wax biodegradable?
Yes. Carnauba Wax has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

20 products contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.