Comparing E903 - Carnauba wax vs E905A - mineral oil
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 9,053 products
Found in 1,401 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
Is carnauba wax edible?
Yes—E903 carnauba wax is an approved food glazing/coating agent and is considered safe at typical food levels; it’s essentially inert and passes through the body undigested.
Is carnauba wax vegan?
Yes—it's a plant-derived wax from the leaves of the carnauba palm and is generally considered vegan.
What is carnauba wax in food?
It’s a plant wax used as a glazing/coating agent to add shine, prevent sticking, and reduce moisture loss on products like candies, chewing gum, chocolate, and some fruits.
Where does carnauba wax come from?
It comes from the leaves of the carnauba palm (Copernicia prunifera) native to northeastern Brazil; the dried leaves are beaten to release the wax, which is then refined.
How long does carnauba wax last?
The wax itself is very stable and can be stored for years if kept cool and dry; on foods, the thin coating lasts through the product’s normal shelf life but doesn’t significantly extend it.
What is mineral oil used for?
E905a mineral oil serves as a glazing and release agent in foods, keeps processing equipment lubricated, and appears in personal-care, pharmaceutical, and industrial products as a moisture-sealing or friction-reducing ingredient.
Is mineral oil safe for skin?
Refined cosmetic- or pharmaceutical-grade mineral oil is considered non-comedogenic and generally safe for most skin types, acting as an occlusive to reduce transepidermal water loss, though sensitive users can experience clogged pores or folliculitis.
Is mineral oil edible?
Food-grade mineral oil is approved for limited ingestion—such as functioning as a laxative or as the glazing agent E905a—provided intake stays within regulatory limits; industrial grades without purification are not safe to consume.
Is mineral oil a laxative?
Yes—oral and enema forms of mineral oil act as lubricant laxatives that soften stool and ease passage, though they are typically recommended only for short-term relief because long-term use can interfere with nutrient absorption and bowel function.