Myrica Cerifera (Bayberry) Fruit Wax

Benefits
Softening

What is Myrica Cerifera (Bayberry) Fruit Wax?

Myrica Cerifera Fruit Wax, or bayberry wax, comes from the grayish-white coating on berries of the Myrica cerifera shrub, native to eastern North America. This vegetable wax comprises mainly triterpene esters, fatty acids like palmitic and myristic, and hydrocarbons, offering a firm consistency that melts around 48°C. In skincare and makeup, it appears in lipsticks, balms, creams, and mascaras within the surfactants and wax category. It works by solidifying to build structure, preventing ingredient separation in emulsions, forming sheer barriers on skin for better adherence, and adjusting flow for smooth application, making products more robust and user-friendly without synthetic additives.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Emulsion stabilizer
Improves emulsion robustness by preventing droplet coalescence and phase separation, often by thickening, structuring, or strengthening the interfacial layer.
Film former
Creates a continuous film on skin or hair to improve wear, water resistance, transfer resistance, shine, or hold in sunscreens, makeup, and styling products.
Emollient
Softens and smooths skin by filling in surface roughness and improving slip; can also help reduce moisture loss when paired with occlusives and film formers.
Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.
Viscosity controlling agent
Adjusts thickness to the desired level for stability and usability, improving dispensing, suspension, and texture across many formulation types.

Benefits

Softens skin by filling surface irregularities for smoother feel.

Helps maintain emulsion integrity, enhancing product shelf life and texture.

Forms a light film to support moisture retention and product wear.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals seeking plant-based thickeners in natural formulations.
Those allergic to bayberry or related plants.
People with normal to dry skin wanting gentle conditioning.
People with plant wax sensitivities, though uncommon.
Users of makeup or balms preferring stable, non-greasy textures.
Anyone experiencing reactions in patch tests.

Safety Notes

  • Considered low hazard in cosmetic concentrations from regulatory reviews.
  • Minimal reports of irritation in evidence-based assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions about Myrica Cerifera (Bayberry) Fruit Wax

What is Myrica Cerifera Fruit Wax?

A plant wax from bayberry berries used to thicken, stabilize, and condition in cosmetics like balms and creams.

Is it comedogenic?

Rated 0, indicating low likelihood of pore clogging.

Safe for sensitive skin?

Generally low irritation risk per safety data, but patch test advised.