E903 is the European food additive code for carnauba wax. Carnauba wax is a natural wax extracted from the leaves of the Brazilian palm tree Copernicia prunifera. It is commonly used as a food polish to provide a glossy and protective coating to a variety of food products including candy, chocolate and pharmaceuticals. Carnauba wax is known for its high melting point and water resistance, making it suitable for applications requiring a hard, shiny coating. It is generally considered safe for consumption in small amounts and is approved for use in food by regulatory agencies such as the FDA and EFSA.
Carnauba wax uses
Carnauba wax has a variety of applications and uses, including food, cosmetics, automotive and furniture waxes, semiconductor device molds, and dental floss coatings.
Carnauba wax has very good emulsifying properties and excellent oil binding ability for ester oils and mineral oils. It also raises the melting point of the gel, making it a preferred additive in lipsticks, balms and mascara. It provides a shiny and smooth surface.
Carnauba wax can form solvent-resistant superhydrophobic films through self-emulsifying mixtures with alcohol emulsions. These films are resistant to etching by solvents such as chloroform, toluene, acetone and alcohols. Carnauba wax is used as a hardener for other waxes and increases the melting point of wax mixtures. It is also an ingredient in furniture, leather and shoe polish. In the cosmetics and food industries, carnauba wax is added to formulas for lipsticks, balms and chewing gum.
