Ceresin
A refined mineral wax used to firm up ointment and balm texture and help form an occlusive barrier alongside petrolatum. Highly refined cosmetic-grade mineral waxes have long been reviewed as inert at the concentrations used in personal care products.
Because it is petroleum-derived like paraffin, it sometimes gets swept into "petroleum products are toxic" claims online, but the cosmetic-grade refined wax used in ointments is a purified, inert texture agent, not the crude byproduct the scare stories describe.
Questions
- Is ceresin wax the same as toxic petroleum?
- Ceresin is a highly refined mineral wax purified for cosmetic and pharmaceutical use, not crude petroleum. The CIR panel has reaffirmed it as safe in the concentrations used in ointments and balms, alongside related waxes like ozokerite and paraffin.
Products with Ceresin
- 100AquaphorBaby 3-in-1 Diaper Rash Cream
- 100Each and EveryNothing On Fragrance
- 100HourglassVanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick
- 100MaybellineLasting Drama Gel Eyeliner Noir
- 97MACRetro Matte Lipstick - Ruby Woo
- 96L'Oreal ParisInfallible Lacquer Eyeliner
- 94MaybellineEyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner
- 94Up & UpSPF 50 Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Stick
- 92Then I Met YouLiving Cleansing Balm
- 92ClioKill Lash Superproof Mascara (Long Curling)
- 89Pond'sCold Cream
- 86AquaphorAquaphor Healing Ointment
- 86EucerinEucerin Original Healing Cream
- 83Pond'sDry Skin Cream
- 81NYX Professional MakeupButter Gloss Non-Sticky Lip Gloss
- 78TatchaThe Silk Canvas
- 76Pond'sCold Cream Cleanser
- 53PondsDry Skin Cream
References
Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.