Ceresin

Ceresin is an inert, high-melting mineral wax used primarily as an occlusive/thickener in balms and ointments, typically at a few percent up to higher levels in stick products, and it is generally non-reactive on skin. Human experience and patch-test data for refined mineral waxes show very low rates of irritation or sensitization, with occasional intolerance more related to occlusion/friction in highly reactive or eczematous skin rather than intrinsic chemical irritancy. Given its low reactivity but acknowledging rare irritation in compromised barriers, it best fits a very gentle score rather than completely inert. Safety Notes: Ceresin (a mineral wax) is used at low levels (~0.1–1%) as a viscosity builder/texture modifier in emulsions, creams, and some color-cosmetic/skincare hybrids where it supports structure without creating a heavy wax feel. In anhydrous balms, salves, ointment-style moisturizers, and stick products (lip balms, barrier sticks), it can be a primary structurant, with consumer-available formulas commonly reaching ~10–25% and observed high-wax specialty barrier/stick products approaching ~30–35%. Use levels are generally higher in leave-on anhydrous systems than in rinse-off products, where it is less common and typically kept low due to residue/sensory constraints.