Last verified: 17 days ago
Carnauba Wax
Also known as: Copernicia prunifera wax, Brazil wax, palm wax, E903
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Plant-derived wax used as a food coating and excipient. Limited evidence for any direct health benefit.
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What it does
Carnauba wax is a natural wax derived from the leaves of the Brazilian palm tree Copernicia prunifera. It is widely used as a coating agent in foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. One animal...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose
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Found in
OLLY Women's Multi Gummies, Charlotte's Web Quiet Sleep Mushroom Gummies, Hilma and 4 more
What the Science Says
Carnauba wax is a natural wax derived from the leaves of the Brazilian palm tree Copernicia prunifera. It is widely used as a coating agent in foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. One animal study found that p-hydroxycinnamic diesters extracted from carnauba wax reduced total cholesterol and LDL levels in mice fed a high-fat diet, but no human clinical trials on this effect were found in the provided data.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to lower cholesterol in humans. No evidence it acts as a supplement with direct health benefits when consumed in typical food coating amounts. The cholesterol research was done in mice using extracted compounds, not the wax itself. Don't confuse its role as an inactive excipient with an active health ingredient.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Compounds extracted from carnauba wax reduced LDL and total cholesterol in high-fat-diet mice.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 200-400 mg/kg in mice (no human dose established)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Used as a matrix material to create sustained-release and nanoparticle drug delivery systems.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — carnauba wax is largely indigestible and used primarily as a coating or excipient; bioavailability of any active compounds it may contain has not been established in human studies from the provided data
Red Flags to Watch For
- Appeared in a large observational study as part of a food additive mixture associated with higher type 2 diabetes incidence — though causality was not established and it was one of many additives in the mixture
- Most research involves carnauba wax as an inert excipient or industrial material, not as an active supplement ingredient
- Animal studies on extracted compounds (HCE) cannot be directly applied to human supplementation with carnauba wax
- Presence in 1,000+ registered supplement products is likely as a coating or filler, not as an active ingredient — check labels carefully
Products Containing Carnauba Wax
See how Carnauba Wax is used in these analyzed products:
OLLY Women's Multi Gummies
Supplement
Charlotte's Web Quiet Sleep Mushroom Gummies
Supplement
Hilma
Supplement
SmartyPants Women's Organic Multi & Omegas
Supplement
Lemme Chill Ashwagandha Gummies
Supplement
OLLY Daily Energy
Supplement
OLLY Sleep Blackberry Zen
Supplement
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Carnauba Wax do?
Plant-derived wax used as a food coating and excipient. Limited evidence for any direct health benefit.
What is the effective dose of Carnauba Wax?
No established dose
Is Carnauba Wax safe?
Appeared in a large observational study as part of a food additive mixture associated with higher type 2 diabetes incidence — though causality was not established and it was one of many additives in the mixture
What doesn't Carnauba Wax do?
Not proven to lower cholesterol in humans.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25