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Microcrystalline Wax

Petrochemical wax with a microcrystalline structure is more flexible and tacky than paraffin. It gives lipsticks their characteristic creamy plasticity without brittleness. The main structural wax in premium lip formulas.

Structural waxPlasticityLipsticksPetrochemistry

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Microcrystalline Wax — a mixture of branched and unbranched isoalkanes with MW 500–800 Da. Melting point: 60–85°C (depending on the grade). INCI: Microcrystalline Wax or Cera Microcristallina. It differs from paraffin (Paraffin) by having smaller crystal sizes and higher MW → more plastic and less brittle. Hydrophobic, chemically inert, odorless, and tasteless. It undergoes the highest degree of purification (USP/NF grade for cosmetics). Obtained from vacuum residues of petroleum refining, purified by hydrocracking.

Lipsticks and glosses, cream highlighters and blushes in sticks, solid oil and wax balms, stick-SPF, and stick-deodorants.

Key Benefits

✦

Plasticity without brittleness — the ideal base for lipsticks

Unlike paraffin (brittle at low temperatures) and beeswax (hard, not very tacky), microcrystalline wax gives lipsticks plasticity: the stick does not break during application and does not crack during transport in the cold. Standard lipstick formula: microcrystalline wax + carnauba wax + beeswax + castor oil = a balance between hardness, shine, and flexibility.

◈

Texture regulation and "drag" feel

High concentration (>10%) — a hard, "waxy" texture with pronounced drag during application. Low concentration (2–5%) — a soft, creamy base. Cosmetologists adjust the content of microcrystalline wax to achieve the desired "slideability" feel of the lipstick. In balms: provides structure while maintaining creaminess.

✧

Chemical inertness and reliable stability

Microcrystalline Wax is completely chemically inert: it does not react with pigments, UV filters, active ingredients, and fragrances. It does not oxidize, nor does it decompose during long-term storage. One of the most stable cosmetic ingredients — the shelf life of products with MCW can exceed 3 years without any changes.

Suitable for

Lip productsStick formatsCreamy solid textures

Main Actions

✓ Plastic structure (lipsticks, sticks)✓ Texture regulation and drag✓ Chemical stability

MCW vs Paraffin vs Ceresin

Paraffin (Paraffin Wax) — cheaper, larger crystals, more brittle. MCW — smaller crystals, more flexible, premium quality. Ozokerite/Ceresin — a mineral wax similar to MCW but of natural mineral origin. For premium lipsticks: MCW + carnauba + beeswax. For basic products: paraffin + beeswax (or candelilla). The difference in feel — not in safety.

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