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Ceresin

Moderate concern

Food-grade petroleum/mineral waxes are permitted by FDA only when meeting specific purity standards (21 CFR 172.886/175.250). Use in food is limited; cosmetic use is widespread.

Found in

39 products

What it is

Ceresin (ozokerite-derived wax); a refined mineral wax.

Coating/glazing agent; predominantly used in cosmetics and some food contact applications.

Why it's flagged

PAH impurity concerns if not food-grade
primarily non-food use

What regulators actually say

"Petroleum wax... may be safely used as a component of articles intended for use in producing, manufacturing, packing, processing, preparing, treating, packaging, transporting, or holding food."

eCFR 21 CFR 172.886 — ecfr.gov

Regulatory status

United States — FDA

Petroleum wax authorized under 21 CFR 172.886 with purity specs

European Union — EFSA

Microcrystalline wax E905 authorized; ceresin not separately listed

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