Comparing E903 - Carnauba wax vs E913 - Lanolin
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Found in 9,053 products
Found in 23 products
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Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 5 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.
Why is lanolin bad for skin?
It isn’t inherently bad—lanolin is a strong occlusive moisturizer—but a small number of people develop contact allergy (often to wool alcohols) or find it too heavy and pore‑clogging. Highly purified/medical‑grade lanolin lowers the risk of irritation.
What is lanolin made of?
A complex mixture of waxy esters of long‑chain fatty acids and sterols (e.g., cholesterol/lanosterol), plus some free sterols and alcohols; it contains no triglycerides. It’s purified from the natural grease on sheep’s wool.
Is lanolin safe for baby?
Medical‑grade lanolin used on nipples for breastfeeding is generally considered safe for infants to ingest in trace amounts, but avoid if there’s a known wool/lanolin allergy. As a food additive (E913), permitted uses lead to very low exposure and are considered safe by regulators.
Is lanolin good for your skin?
Yes—lanolin is an effective emollient that reduces water loss and helps soothe and repair dry, chapped skin. A minority of people may experience contact dermatitis or breakouts.
Is lanolin safe?
As a food additive (E913), it’s authorized in the EU for specific uses (e.g., glazing/release) and is considered safe at permitted levels with minimal dietary exposure. Individuals with known lanolin/wool allergy should avoid skin contact.