Is Carnauba Wax (E903) Vegan?

Vegan status: Vegan

E-number: E903

Also known as: Brazil wax, Palm wax, Copernicia cerifera wax

Source

Harvested from the leaves of the Copernicia prunifera palm tree native to northeastern Brazil. The leaves are dried and beaten to release the wax.

Commonly found in

Candy coatings (M&Ms, Skittles), car wax, floor polish, cosmetics (mascara, lipstick), pharmaceutical tablets, dental floss.

Vegan alternative: No substitute needed — this is itself the vegan alternative to shellac and beeswax.

Notes

One of the hardest natural waxes. Vegan and widely used as a plant-based glaze alternative. Environmental concern: some products using 'Brazilian wax' source from deforested regions — look for certified-sustainable sourcing.