Ceresin (Ozokerite) is a hydrocarbon wax (petroleum-based) obtained through a chemical neutralization process to remove acidic materials. It is a complex combination of saturated hydrocarbons, predominantly straight-chain, with carbon numbers mainly ranging from C20 to C50. This type of wax is used in cosmetics and personal care products as a viscosity-increasing agent, stabilizer, and film-forming agent due to its solid consistency and protective properties.

Chemical Composition and Structure
Ozokerite consists of saturated linear and branched hydrocarbons. The carbon chain length range (C20-C50) provides the wax with high stability, making it suitable for applications requiring thermal resistance and film-forming characteristics.

Physical Properties
It appears as a solid wax, white or yellowish, with a melting point ranging between 55°C and 100°C. It is insoluble in water but soluble in oils and organic solvents. Its consistency makes it ideal for improving viscosity and stability in cosmetic formulations.

Production Process
Ozokerite is produced through a chemical and physical treatment process of crude petroleum waxes. This process includes chemical neutralization to remove acidic materials, resulting in a pure and stable product suitable for cosmetic and industrial use.

Applications

• Medical: Used in topical medications and patches to provide consistency, stability, and film-forming properties.

• Cosmetics: Ozokerite is used in lipsticks, lip balms, creams, lotions, and eyeliners as a viscosity-increasing and stabilizing agent. It improves texture and supports the formation of a protective film on the skin.

However, some studies have shown toxicity and xenobiotic reaction for long-term exposure (1).

Molecular Formula  C₃₀H₅₀O₂

Molecular Weight   442.7 g/mol

CAS     64742-33-2    12198-93-5

UNII    

EC Number   680-864-9     265-134-6

Nikkaji   J1.620.292D

Synonyms:

Ceresin

Cerin

Ozocerite

Ozokerite

References__________________________________________________________________________

(1) Kuroda K, Kijima A, Jin M, Ishii Y, Takasu S, Matsushita K, Nishikawa A, Umemura T. The effects of long-term exposure to ozokerite mainly consisting of an aliphatic series of hydrocarbons using F344 rats. Food Chem Toxicol. 2013 May;55:476-83. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2013.01.034. Epub 2013 Feb 4. PMID: 23380203.

Ruchkovskii, B., Borisiuk, I. P., & Tiktin, L. A. (1970). Carcinogenicity of a medicinal ozokerite and its constituents. Vopr. Onkol.;(USSR), 16(5).

Abstract. Fluorimetric analysis and skin painting tests on mice demonstrated that ceresin (a medicinal ozokerite) contains carcinogens. In the USSR, ceresin is applied to the skin or rectal and vaginal mucosa for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Ceresin and its components were tested on 460 male non-inbred mice (aged 2 to 2.5 mo) by applying either the melted substance or a 60% benzene solution of it to the skin in 30-mg doses (2 admin./week x 10 mo). Skin papillomas were produced after latent periods of 4.5 to 9 mo by paraffin, petrolatum, heavy mineral oil and 1/2 ceresin samples. Squamous cell carcinomas of the skin were seen in 2 mice painted with mineral oil. Fluorimetric analysis of ceresin demonstrated several polycyclic hydrocarbons, identified as 3,4-benzpyrene (BP) benzo(ghi) perylene, and perylene. An aqueous extract of crude ozokerite contained traces of BP, while a benzene extract contained 70 to 77 microg/kg. It is recommended that petroleum products which are commonly used to improve the consistency of ceresin be analyzed for the presence of carcinogens before use.

Powell M, Moreau L. Case report: allergic contact cheilitis caused by ceresin wax. Contact Dermatitis. 2012 Jan;66(1):46-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0536.2011.01983.x. PMID: 22150902.