Comparing E903 - Carnauba wax vs E905CII - Paraffin wax
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Found in 9,053 products
Found in 2 products
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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.
Is paraffin wax toxic?
Food-grade paraffin wax (E905CII) is considered non-toxic at permitted levels; it is largely inert and poorly absorbed. Regulatory specs limit impurities such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and excessive ingestion may act as a laxative but is not expected to be poisonous.
What is paraffin wax made of?
It consists mainly of straight-chain alkanes roughly 20–35 carbons long that are crystallized and purified from petroleum distillates, then further refined (e.g., deoiled, filtered) to meet food-grade specifications.
Is paraffin wax edible?
Yes—food-grade paraffin wax is allowed as a surface treatment on fruits, confectionery, and cheese, and in chewing gum bases. It passes through the digestive tract undigested, so only small incidental amounts should be consumed.
What does paraffin wax do?
In foods it provides gloss, reduces stickiness, and slows moisture loss on products like candy, fruit, and cheese; it can also function as a release agent and component of chewing gum bases.
What does paraffin wax do for feet?
In spa treatments melted paraffin wax traps heat and moisture, softening skin and offering temporary relief for stiff joints. Use cosmetic- or medical-grade wax at safe temperatures to avoid burns.