Ozokerite
Ozokerite is a naturally occurring mineral wax, a mixture of long-chain hydrocarbons found in veins and deposits near petroleum-bearing rock. Natural ozokerite is mined, melted and refined by acid and clay treatment and filtration; ceresin is a further refined form. Much of the ozokerite sold for cosmetics today is a blend of petroleum-derived microcrystalline and paraffin waxes made to match natural ozokerite's properties. Brands buy it as pellets or slabs to structure lipsticks, balms and sticks.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Mined wax refined to white or yellow grades; supply is limited.
Petroleum-derived wax blends sold by melting range, often between about 60 and 85 °C; the grade sets stick hardness.
Refined ozokerite or a similar hydrocarbon blend sold under its own INCI name.
Pellets weigh and melt easily; slabs cost less for large melts.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store ozokerite sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat and strong odors. It is a saturated hydrocarbon wax and is stable for years. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of melting point and color for old stock.
Melting point and hardness vary between grades and producers, so record both for each lot and check stick hardness on a test batch when changing suppliers. Note on the specification whether the material is natural ozokerite or a petroleum-derived blend.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists ozokerite, also called ozocerite (CAS 12198-93-5), with non-medicinal purposes binder, emulsion stabilizer and nonaqueous viscosity increasing agent, for topical use.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Watertown, CT
Connecticut wax company that refines and supplies beeswax, plant waxes, petroleum waxes, emulsifying waxes and esters for cosmetic, pharmaceutical and industrial uses.
Manufacturer · West Babylon, NY
New York wax refiner that imports, refines and blends beeswax, candelilla, carnauba and petroleum waxes for cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food uses.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include natural refined ozokerite, ozokerite blends by melting grade, ceresin and pellets and slabs. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect melting or congealing point, needle penetration, oil content, color and odor, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store ozokerite sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat and strong odors. It is a saturated hydrocarbon wax and is stable for years. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of melting point and color for old stock.
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists ozokerite, also called ozocerite (CAS 12198-93-5), with non-medicinal purposes binder, emulsion stabilizer and nonaqueous viscosity increasing agent, for topical use.
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