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ERICERUS PELA WAX

80

Safety score · 0–100

Good

Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.

About

A hard, cream-colored insect wax secreted by the Chinese wax scale insect on ash trees — used as a high-quality film-forming and opacifying agent in cosmetics, similar to beeswax but with a higher melting point.

Ericerus pela wax (also called Chinese white wax or pela wax) is secreted by the coccid insect Ericerus pela when feeding on Fraxinus chinensis (Chinese ash) branches. The female insects produce large quantities of a milky-white, brittle wax that is harvested and refined. Its composition is dominated by ceryl alcohol and ceryl lignocerate (esters of long-chain alcohols and fatty acids), giving it a very high melting point (~80-84°C). In cosmetics it functions as a structurant, opacifying agent, and emollient, particularly in high-end skincare and lip care formulations. No hazard statements or EU restrictions apply.

Skin benefits

  • High-melting-point structurant for anhydrous systems
  • Emollient and occlusive film formation
  • Natural insect-derived alternative to carnauba

References

EU

EU CosIng database

European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.

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This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve — always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.