CAS Number 8038-77-5
INCI Name Myrica Cerifera (Bayberry) Fruit Wax
Purpose
Known for its smooth texture and natural fragrance, Bayberry Wax is used to enhance the consistency, stability, and sensory feel of skincare, cosmetic, and candle products. Its eco-friendly, vegan profile makes it a preferred choice for brands focusing on sustainable, plant-based formulations.
Origin
Bayberry Wax is a natural, plant-based wax extracted from the surface of berries of the Myrica cerifera shrub, native to North and Central America. Traditionally, the berries are boiled, and the wax is skimmed from the water’s surface, producing a greenish, aromatic wax known for its eco-friendly and skin-soothing properties.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Bayberry Wax |
| Type | Natural plant wax |
| Source | Extracted from the surface of Myrica cerifera berries |
| Color | Pale olive green to dark green |
| Odor | Mild, natural herbal scent |
| Physical State | Solid, brittle wax |
| Melting Point | 45°C / 113°F |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; soluble in oils, esters, and organic solvents |
| Concentration | 1%–10% depending on formulation type |
Mild, Naturally Herbal Fragrance
Bayberry Wax carries a subtle, clean, herbal aroma derived from the berries of Myrica cerifera. This natural scent enhances the sensory experience of skincare products and candles without the need for synthetic fragrances. Its mild, fresh fragrance pairs well with essential oils and botanical extracts, adding an authentic, nature-inspired note to formulations.
Smooth, Glossy Finish and Texture Enhancement
In skincare and cosmetic applications, Bayberry Wax provides a silky, smooth texture and imparts a natural gloss. It improves the spreadability and feel of balms, creams, and lip products, offering a lightweight, non-greasy finish. Its emollient properties make products feel richer and more luxurious on the skin, enhancing user experience.
Natural Film-Forming Ability
This wax forms a light, breathable film on the skin, which helps to retain moisture and protect against external stressors like wind, cold, and pollutants. Unlike heavier waxes, Bayberry Wax leaves the skin feeling soft and conditioned without clogging pores or creating a heavy barrier, making it suitable for sensitive or facial skin care.
Clean, Even, and Scented Burn in Candles
Bayberry Wax is highly valued in natural candle making for its clean-burning properties. It produces minimal soot, creates an even melt pool, and releases a gentle, herbal scent when burned. Often combined with other plant-based waxes like soy or coconut for improved structure and burn time, it’s ideal for eco-friendly, artisanal candle products.
Biodegradable and Vegan-Friendly Composition
Free from animal-derived ingredients, petroleum-based additives, and synthetic stabilizers, Bayberry Wax is completely biodegradable and vegan. Its sustainable sourcing and plant-based nature make it a responsible choice for brands and consumers seeking clean, cruelty-free, and environmentally conscious formulations.
Natural Thickening and Stabilizing Agent in Formulations
Bayberry Wax acts as a natural thickener and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations such as creams, lotions, balms, and lip products. It enhances product viscosity, improves texture, and prevents ingredient separation, contributing to the overall performance and longevity of emulsions without the need for synthetic stabilizers.
Shelf Life
Under proper storage conditions, Bayberry Wax maintains its quality for approximately 18 to 24 months. While it’s naturally stable, exposure to high temperatures, light, or moisture can gradually affect its fragrance and texture. It’s advisable to monitor for any changes in scent or consistency over time, especially in humid or unstable environments.
Storage Recommendations
To preserve its texture, fragrance, and shelf life, Bayberry Wax should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. It’s best kept in a sealed, airtight container to protect it from dust, humidity, and environmental contaminants. Proper storage helps maintain its natural properties, making it reliable and effective throughout its usable life.
Applications of Bayberry Wax in Cosmetic Formulations
Bayberry Wax is a highly versatile ingredient used in a wide range of cosmetic and personal care products. Its natural texture-enhancing, film-forming, and emollient properties make it suitable for both skin and lip care formulations. Below are its key applications in cosmetics:
Lip Balms and Lipsticks
Bayberry Wax is commonly used in lip balms, lipsticks, and lip butters as a natural structuring agent. It provides a smooth, glossy finish while improving the product’s firmness and stability. Its film-forming property helps to seal in moisture, protecting lips from dryness and environmental damage.
Creams and Lotions
In emulsions such as face and body creams or lotions, Bayberry Wax functions as a natural thickener and stabilizer. It enhances the product’s texture, offering a richer, more luxurious feel while ensuring emulsion stability. Its light film-forming ability also helps create a moisture-protective barrier on the skin without leaving a heavy residue.
Body Butters and Balms
Bayberry Wax adds consistency and improves the texture of body butters, hand balms, and salves. It gives these products a silky-smooth application and increases their durability in warmer temperatures by preventing them from becoming too soft or runny.
Solid Perfumes and Deodorants
Thanks to its smooth melting characteristics and natural aroma, Bayberry Wax is an excellent base material in solid perfumes and natural deodorants. It helps bind oils and botanical extracts while contributing to the product’s structure and sensory profile.
Makeup Products
In natural makeup formulations, Bayberry Wax is used to stabilize emulsions in cream foundations, blushes, or eye products. It improves spreadability, adhesion, and texture while providing a soft, conditioning finish on the skin.
Massage Bars and Solid Moisturizers
Bayberry Wax is often included in massage bars and solid moisturizing sticks for its ability to hold oils and butters together while delivering a smooth glide during application. It offers a lightweight, emollient layer that leaves the skin soft and subtly fragrant.
Hair Styling Products
In natural hair pomades and styling balms, Bayberry Wax provides light hold and shine while acting as a plant-based alternative to synthetic waxes. It also adds body and texture without weighing the hair down.
