Description

Ceresin is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons produced from the purification of ozocerite, a naturally occurring mineral wax, using sulfuric acid and filtration through bone black. This process yields a refined, waxy substance that is used in various industrial and cosmetic applications. Ceresin is valued for its stability, non-reactivity, and its ability to provide texture and structure in formulations.

Chemical Composition and Structure:
Ceresin consists primarily of saturated hydrocarbons, including:

Alkanes: Long-chain saturated hydrocarbons that provide solid, waxy characteristics.
Cycloalkanes: Ring-structured hydrocarbons contributing to stability and texture.
Hydrocarbon Mixtures: Complex blends of aliphatic and cyclic hydrocarbons derived from ozocerite.

The chemical structure of Ceresin is characterized by long carbon chains and ring structures, which contribute to its waxy, solid form at room temperature.

Physical Properties:

Appearance: Ceresin is typically a white to yellowish, waxy solid. It has a smooth, firm texture and can be easily melted or softened with heat.
Melting Point: Ceresin has a melting point generally in the range of 70-90°C (158-194°F), making it suitable for a variety of formulations.
Solubility: It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as oils and hydrocarbons.
Odor: It has a faint, characteristic waxy odor.

Production Process:

Purification: Raw ozocerite is treated with sulfuric acid to remove impurities and to refine the mineral wax.
Filtration: The treated ozocerite is filtered through bone black (activated carbon) to remove color and further purify the wax.
Processing: The purified wax is then processed into solid, waxy cakes, which are further cooled and solidified.

Applications:

Cosmetics: Ceresin is used in various cosmetic formulations, including lipsticks, balms, and creams, where it acts as a stabilizer and thickener. It helps to improve the texture and consistency of products.
Pharmaceuticals: Employed in the formulation of ointments and creams as a base or thickener due to its non-reactive and stable nature.
Industrial Uses: Utilized in the production of candles, polishes, and coatings where a waxy, solid consistency is required.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Environmental Impact: The production of Ceresin involves the use of sulfuric acid and other chemicals, so proper waste management and environmental controls are necessary to minimize the impact.
Safety: Ceresin is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. It is important to ensure that it is processed and purified correctly to avoid contamination. Proper handling and usage guidelines should be followed to prevent any potential hazards.

INCI Functions:


Antistatic agent. Static electricity build-up has a direct influence on products and causes electrostatic adsorption. The antistatic ingredient reduces static build-up and surface resistivity on the surface of the skin and hair.

Binder agent. Ingredient that is used in cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical products as an anti-caking agent with the function of making the product in which it is incorporated silky, compact and homogenous. The binder, either natural such as mucilage, gums and starches or chemical, may be in the form of a powder or liquid.

Emulsion stabiliser. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable. Emulsion stabilisers improve the formation and stability of single and double emulsions. as well as their shelf-life. It should be noted that in the structure-function relationship, the molar mass of the ingredient used plays an important role.

Hair conditioning agent. A significant number of ingredients with specific and targeted purposes may co-exist in hair shampoo formulations: cleansers, conditioners, thickeners, matting agents, sequestering agents, fragrances, preservatives, special additives. However, the indispensable ingredients are the cleansers and conditioners as they are necessary and sufficient for hair cleansing and manageability. The others act as commercial and non-essential auxiliaries such as: appearance, fragrance, colouring, etc. Hair conditioning agents have the task of increasing shine, manageability and volume, and reducing static electricity, especially after treatments such as colouring, ironing, waving, drying and brushing. They are, in practice, dispersants that may contain cationic surfactants, thickeners, emollients, polymers. The typology of hair conditioning agents includes: intensive conditioners, instant conditioners, thickening conditioners, drying conditioners. They can perform their task generally accompanied by other different ingredients.

Opacifying agent. It is useful into formulations that may be translucent or transparent to make them opaque and less permeable to light.
Synonyms:

CAS: 8001-75-0 EC number 232-290-1