Hubbry Logo
CeresinCeresinMain
Open search
Ceresin
Community hub
Ceresin
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Ceresin
Ceresin
Ceresin
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia
Waxed paper

Ceresin (also cerin, cerasin, cerosin, ceresin wax or ceresine) is a wax derived from ozokerite by a purifying process.

The purifying process of the ozokerite commonly comprises a treatment with heat and sulfuric acid, but other processes are also in use.

Uses include:

  • An alternative to beeswax in ointments
  • (Historic) laboratory-supply bottles for small amounts of hydrofluoric acid, which were made of ceresin wax; this was before polyethylene became commonplace.
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ceresin

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ceresin is a white or yellow hard, brittle wax obtained through the purification of , a naturally occurring mineral wax found in deposits such as those in and Galicia. It consists of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, primarily linear and branched chains, with the often represented by its CAS number 8001-75-0. This purification process typically involves heating and solvent treatment to remove impurities, resulting in a stable, odorless product that serves as an effective substitute for due to its similar physical properties. Ceresin exhibits key physical properties that make it versatile for industrial and applications, including a between 61°C and 78°C, a of 0.91 to 0.92 g/cm³, and a around 113°C. These characteristics contribute to its , , and resistance to and oxidation, allowing it to form protective barriers and maintain structural integrity under varying conditions. In and , ceresin functions as a viscosity-increasing agent, stabilizer, and opacifying agent, commonly found in lipsticks, creams, and sunscreens to enhance texture, prevent separation, and provide a smooth application. It is also utilized in making for its high and stable burn, as well as in polishes, coatings, and where its non-toxic and non-irritating nature is beneficial. Safety assessments confirm ceresin's low risk profile for human health, with no significant concerns for cancer, allergies, or at typical concentrations, though it shows moderate persistence in the environment. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review has deemed it safe for use in cosmetics, and it is approved as a food contact substance by the FDA under 21 CFR regulations. Despite its petroleum-derived origins, ceresin remains a staple in formulations seeking natural-like alternatives to animal waxes, balancing with ethical considerations in product development.

Chemical Composition and Properties

Composition

Ceresin is a purified of linear and branched saturated hydrocarbons, primarily consisting of alkanes with chain lengths ranging from C20 to C32, derived from the refining of , a naturally occurring mineral wax. This composition distinguishes ceresin from its raw precursor, , which contains higher levels of unrefined components before processing. Natural ceresin originates from the purification of through methods such as treatment with and filtration, resulting in a product dominated by straight-chain and minor branched alkanes with negligible unsaturation or aromatic hydrocarbons. In contrast, modern synthetic ceresin is produced as a blend of —primarily linear saturated alkanes in the C20 to C40 range—and , which features more branched and cyclic saturated hydrocarbons typically spanning C30 to C75. Following refinement, ceresin exhibits high purity, including the removal of compounds and asphaltenes prevalent in unprocessed . This purification ensures the material's suitability for various applications while maintaining its hydrocarbon-based structure.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Ceresin appears as a to off-white, odorless solid at . Its melting point typically ranges from 60–85°C (140–185°F), though this varies by grade; for example, Ceresin Wax 155/165 melts between 68–78°C. The density is approximately 0.91–0.92 g/cm³. Ceresin is insoluble in water but soluble in chloroform, turpentine, and hot petroleum solvents, as well as partially soluble in alcohols. Chemically, ceresin exhibits stability under normal conditions, remaining inert to acids and bases, and non-reactive with most cosmetic ingredients; however, it is combustible. In terms of rheological properties, ceresin demonstrates higher than , with values around 5–15 cPs depending on the grade, and greater , as indicated by penetration values of 4–17 dmm, providing rigidity in formulations. These attributes stem from its composition of long-chain saturated hydrocarbons.

Production

Natural Sources

Ceresin is primarily derived from , a naturally occurring fossil wax also known as earth wax or mineral wax, found in deposits within and formations. originates from the transformation of ancient plant and animal , such as type II or II/III , subjected to heat and pressure in sedimentary environments, often through oil migration facilitated by salt-bearing clays and geochromatographic processes. Major deposits occur in the Outer Carpathians of , including the and Starunia sites, as well as in historical Galicia (now parts of and ) and central , USA, where it fills fissures in Eocene sediments. Extraction of ozokerite typically involves underground via shafts, slopes, and drifts targeting fracture zones and veins up to several feet thick, or surface methods in accessible deposits; the material occurs as soft, , odoriferous masses in colors from light yellow to dark brown. Raw ozokerite is impure, comprising over 90% saturated hydrocarbons (primarily alkanes with 20–40 carbon atoms) mixed with resins, , and minor elements like , , and oxygen; it has a ranging from 58°C to 100°C. Due to competition from synthetic paraffin waxes and unprofitability of deeper deposits, natural production has declined since the mid-20th century, with many sites like those in now largely inactive. This raw material is subsequently purified to yield ceresin.

Refining Process

The refining process of ceresin begins with the initial preparation of raw materials, sourced either from mined or distillation residues. , a natural mineral wax, is typically mined, crushed into powder, and heated to approximately 115–120°C to melt and separate it from adhering earth, rock, or moisture. -based feedstocks involve distilling crude oil to obtain heavy residues or slack waxes rich in hydrocarbons. Historically, around 1875, ceresin was refined from through a chemical purification method involving treatment of the powdered material with concentrated or fuming at elevated temperatures (250–350°F or about 120–175°C) to dissolve and remove impurities such as resins, asphaltenes, and color bodies. The acid-sludge mixture was then filtered through adsorbents like or to clarify the wax, yielding a pale, odorless product similar to paraffin but with higher . This acid-washing step effectively eliminated unwanted polar compounds while preserving the structure. In modern production, ceresin is predominantly derived from through dewaxing processes that isolate and purify components from lubricating oil fractions. The process starts with solvent extraction dewaxing, where heavy distillates are mixed with selective like methyl ethyl (MEK), , or at low temperatures (around -10 to 0°C) to crystallize and separate crystals from oils; the is then filtered and the recovered for reuse. The resulting slack undergoes further deoiling via sweating (gradual heating to 70–100°C to drain off liquid hydrocarbons) or additional to produce refined (straight-chain hydrocarbons) and (branched and cyclic hydrocarbons). These are blended in varying ratios to achieve ceresin's desired properties, such as plasticity and adhesion, followed by decolorizing with activated clay or earth to remove residual pigments and odors. Neutralization of any remaining acids and controlled cooling solidify the final product. are recycled in closed-loop systems to minimize environmental impact and energy use in heat-intensive steps. Ceresin grades are differentiated primarily by melting point, with low-melt varieties (around 60–70°C) suited for softer applications and high-melt types (74–85°C) offering greater ; these distinctions arise from the proportion of paraffin to components in the blend. The overall process yields a high-purity , typically 80–95% hydrocarbons, with modern methods achieving efficiencies through automated and recovery.

History

Discovery and Early Use

Ozokerite, the naturally occurring mineral wax from which ceresin is derived, was first noted in the 18th century in , with early mining occurring in regions such as present-day for centuries prior to industrial exploitation. Significant deposits were identified in the of Polish Galicia (now ) in the early , particularly around , where local extraction began around 1854 following discoveries of associated petroleum and earth wax. The term "ozokerite" derives from the Greek words ozein (to smell) and keros (wax), reflecting the material's characteristic odor, and was first used in scientific literature around 1834. Ceresin, the purified form of ozokerite, emerged from refining techniques developed in the mid-19th century to remove impurities and produce a more consistent white-to-yellow wax suitable for specialized applications. In 19th-century , ozokerite and early ceresin found niche uses as lubricants in machinery and as a cost-effective substitute for in production, particularly in regions with abundant deposits. Prior to the 1930s development of , ceresin was also utilized to line laboratory bottles for storing due to its chemical resistance. In traditional Eastern European crafts, ozokerite was employed for sealing wooden vessels and waterproofing textiles and goods. Scientific interest grew in the , when chemists conducted analyses confirming 's composition as a of paraffinic hydrocarbons, distinguishing it from other bituminous substances and paving the way for its refinement into ceresin.

Commercial Development

The commercial refinement of ceresin began in the mid-19th century through purification of ozokerite, typically involving treatment with and to produce a harder, more refined product suitable for industrial applications. By the , production scaled significantly in and the , driven by advancements in refining that enabled synthetic ceresin variants derived from slack waxes and residues during lubricating oil production, providing broader availability and consistency compared to natural sources. In the , natural ceresin production peaked in the early 20th century, with Ukrainian deposits near supplying a significant portion of global output through extensive underground mining of veins. Following , the industry shifted toward petroleum-derived synthetic ceresin, which offered cheaper synthesis and greater scalability amid postwar petroleum abundance and refining innovations. Economic factors have profoundly influenced the market, with ceresin prices fluctuating in tandem with markets due to its reliance on feedstocks for synthetic production. Modern production is led by specialized suppliers such as Koster Keunen and Strahl & Pitsch, which offer graded synthetic and blended ceresin products tailored for consistency, purity, and application-specific performance.

Applications

Cosmetics and Personal Care

Ceresin serves as a key ingredient in and , primarily functioning as a , emulsifier, and structure provider. In formulations such as lipsticks, mascaras, and creams, it imparts rigidity and stability, helping to prevent separation in emulsions by enhancing and providing a smooth texture. Its INCI designation as "Ceresin" aligns with cosmetic regulations, allowing for its incorporation at concentrations up to 10% in stick products to achieve desired firmness without excessive brittleness. Compared to alternatives, ceresin offers a richer texture than paraffin wax while providing better adhesion properties than beeswax, making it particularly compatible with oils and pigments for uniform color distribution in makeup. This compatibility stems from its physical properties, such as a high melting point of 61–78°C, which contributes to product stability. It is essential in waterproof mascaras for maintaining curl and resistance to water, solid perfumes for solid form retention, and depilatory waxes for effective adhesion during application. Historically, ceresin has been used in hair pomades to provide hold and shine without greasiness. In lip balms, ceresin acts as an occlusive barrier to retain moisture on the skin's surface, promoting hydration while ensuring the product's solid consistency for easy application. Its emulsifying capabilities further support the integration of water and oil phases in creams, resulting in stable, non-separating formulations that enhance in daily routines.

Industrial and Other Uses

Ceresin finds extensive application in polishes and coatings, where it contributes to , shine, and protective qualities. In floor waxes and shoe polishes, ceresin is blended with natural waxes such as carnauba to enhance hardness and water resistance, providing a long-lasting finish on surfaces. It is commonly incorporated at levels that optimize formulation performance, often serving as a cost-effective alternative to pricier natural waxes while maintaining gloss and abrasion resistance. In candle production, ceresin acts as an additive to create harder, slower-burning products by raising the melting point and improving structural integrity when fused with other waxes like paraffin or . This results in candles that resist deformation and exhibit reduced dripping, making it suitable for both decorative and utility items. For textiles and paper, ceresin serves as a agent, imparting repellency and strength to fabrics and sheets, thereby preventing absorption in or industrial materials. Beyond these, ceresin is employed in waterproofing treatments for , where it forms a barrier against environmental without compromising flexibility. It also functions as an electrical insulator in wiring and components, leveraging its non-conductive properties for historical and niche applications. In food-related industries, ceresin appears as an indirect additive in coatings for fruits and , enhancing barrier properties. Historically, ceresin played a role in 19th-century innovations, including the composition of records through its use in brown formulations for durable sound cylinders. It was also utilized in early electrical wires as an insulating material, capitalizing on its stability and before synthetic alternatives emerged.

Safety and Regulation

Health and Environmental Impact

Ceresin exhibits low , with an oral LD50 greater than 5,000 mg/kg in rats, indicating minimal risk from ingestion under normal use conditions. It is non-irritating to and eyes at concentrations typical in , as determined by assessments of similar and synthetic waxes. While ceresin can form an occlusive barrier on the skin, it has a comedogenic rating of 0, suggesting negligible potential for inducing mild or pore clogging. No evidence of carcinogenicity exists, as ceresin is unclassified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Primary exposure routes include of fumes or during , which may cause mild respiratory in occupational settings if ventilation is inadequate. Dermal absorption is negligible due to its hydrophobic and lack of penetration through intact . Environmentally, petroleum-derived ceresin contributes to dependency, as its production relies on non-renewable resources. Mining of , the raw material for ceresin, disrupts habitats through land disturbance and potential in extraction areas. As a , ceresin is not readily biodegradable and persists in landfills, posing long-term environmental concerns. Modern refining processes mitigate risks by reducing impurities such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which may be present in raw . Ceresin shows limited potential, with low to moderate persistence in humans based on studies of related saturated hydrocarbons. The (EWG) rates ceresin as a low hazard ingredient overall, with scores reflecting minimal concerns for cancer, allergies, developmental toxicity, and ecotoxicity, though data gaps remain. In some applications like polishes, ceresin can be recyclable, reducing waste impact.

Regulatory Status

In cosmetics, ceresin is approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a component of indirect food additives in adhesives and coatings, consistent with regulations under 21 CFR 175.105 and 21 CFR 175.300, which encompass fossil-derived waxes like ceresin for safe contact with food packaging. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded in 1984, and reaffirmed in 2025, that ceresin is safe as used in cosmetics at concentrations up to 10%, based on toxicological data showing low irritation and sensitization potential. In the European Union, ceresin is listed in the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) and the COSING database without prohibitions, but its use requires compliance with purity standards for mineral hydrocarbons, including DMSO extractables below 3% via the IP 346 method to ensure low polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) content in lip care and other products. For food contact applications, ceresin qualifies as an indirect additive under FDA regulations (21 CFR 175.300), permitting its incorporation into resinous and polymeric coatings for packaging, provided migration limits are met. In the , it complies with Regulation () No 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food, as a non-migrating additive in compliant formulations, subject to overall migration limits of 10 mg/dm² and specific purity requirements. In industrial settings, the (OSHA) establishes a of 2 mg/m³ (8-hour time-weighted average) for fumes, applicable to ceresin processing due to its similar composition, to protect workers from respiratory irritation. Under the EU's REACH regulation, ceresin (EC 232-290-1) is registered as a non-hazardous substance with no classification for health or environmental hazards, allowing unrestricted industrial use above 1 tonne per year provided standard safety data sheets are maintained. Internationally, no outright bans exist on ceresin, though purity standards mandate heavy metal content below 10 ppm for lead and similar limits for other metals in cosmetic-grade material to align with global good manufacturing practices. Post-2020 regulatory updates have heightened scrutiny on under REACH Annex XVII (Regulation (EU) 2023/2055), but ceresin remains exempt as a naturally derived, non-polymeric that does not contribute to synthetic pollution.

References

  1. https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/ceresin
  2. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/701212-CERESIN/
  3. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Ceresin
  4. https://www.nbinno.com/article/other-organic-chemicals/ceresin-wax-ingredient-profile-sourcing-vk
  5. https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/ceresin
  6. https://www.specialchem.com/cosmetics/inci-ingredients/ceresin
  7. https://chemiis.com/product/wax-ceresin/
  8. https://www.lesielle.com/us/ceresin-wax-in-skincare-what-is-inci-398
  9. https://cameo.mfa.org/wiki/Ceresin_wax
  10. https://www.specialchem.com/cosmetics/inci-ingredients/ozokerite
  11. https://www.chemicalbook.com/ChemicalProductProperty_EN_CB1303742.htm
  12. http://www.thegoodscentscompany.com/data/rw1301801.html
  13. https://www.makingcosmetics.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-makingSharedLibrary/default/dwdf46b388/whitepapers/06-whitepaper-waxes.pdf
  14. https://atamankimya.com/sayfalar.asp?LanguageID=2&cid=3&id=2565&id2=11913
  15. https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/67759
  16. https://paraffinwaxco.com/wax-glossary/
  17. https://www.spectrumchemical.com/media/sds/CE116_AGHS.pdf
  18. https://www.kosterkeunen.com/waxes/ceresin-wax/
  19. https://www.lobachemie.com/lab-chemical-msds/MSDS-CERESIN-WAX-WHITE-CASNO-8002-74-02636-EN.aspx
  20. https://www.mindat.org/min-7529.html
  21. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016236121022304
  22. https://pubs.usgs.gov/bul/0641a/report.pdf
  23. https://insgeo.com.ua/en/ozokerite/
  24. https://www.datainsightsmarket.com/reports/ozokerite-wax-1813411
  25. https://www.ocl-journal.org/articles/ocl/full_html/2022/01/ocl210097/ocl210097.html
  26. https://www.formulationbio.com/ceresin-item-3625.html
  27. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037673610870147X
  28. https://patents.google.com/patent/US2028307A/en
  29. https://www.atamanchemicals.com/ceresin_u30887/
  30. https://courses.ems.psu.edu/fsc432/content/solvent-dewaxing
  31. https://atamankimya.com/sayfalar.asp?LanguageID=2&cid=3&id=8&id2=11916
  32. https://www.lyellcollection.org/doi/full/10.1144/SP465.23
  33. https://sztetl.org.pl/en/node/137112
  34. https://www.mindat.org/loc-249343.html
  35. https://www.britannica.com/science/ozokerite
  36. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ozokerite
  37. https://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/borislav/bor082.html
  38. https://www.drugfuture.com/chemdata/ceresin.html
  39. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14356007.a28_103
  40. https://www.britannica.com/place/Ukraine/Resources-and-power
  41. https://www.spwax.com/
  42. https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Fossil%20Waxes.pdf
  43. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358768633_Lipsticks_History_Formulations_and_Production_A_Narrative_Review
  44. https://www.humblebeeandme.com/a-quick-guide-to-ceresine-wax-and-liquid-oil-ratios/
  45. https://www.ulprospector.com/en/na/PersonalCare/Detail/34148/1014099/Ozokerite-Wax
  46. https://spwax.com/products/CeresineWax/sp-1022p-c
  47. https://enrichbodycare.com/different-types-of-wax-in-candle/
  48. https://www.ulprospector.com/en/na/PersonalCare/Detail/4672/1562411/Ceresin-Wax-155-165
  49. https://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewtopic.php?t=23254&start=10
  50. https://sdfine.com/media/catalog/product/attachment/43028MSDS.pdf
  51. https://beneficialbotanicals.com/comedogenic-rating/
  52. https://monographs.iarc.who.int/list-of-classifications/
  53. https://www.revivalabs.com/what-is-ozokerite-in-skincare/
  54. https://www.oxfordlabchem.com/msds/%28C-02442%29%2520CERESIN%2520WAX%2520%28WHITE%29.pdf
  55. https://periodical.knowde.com/ozokerite-in-cosmetics-personal-care-products/
  56. https://www.kosterkeunen.com/waxes/ceresin-wax-145/
  57. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-175/subpart-C/section-175.300
  58. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.3109/10915818409010516
  59. https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Fossil%20Waxes.pdf
  60. https://www.ikw.org/fileadmin/IKW_Dateien/downloads/Schoenheitspflege/Recommendation_14_Mineral_Hydro_Carbons_.pdf
  61. https://www.concawe.eu/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DEF_C_MM_digital-1.pdf
  62. https://www.osha.gov/chemicaldata/699
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.