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Policosanol

Policosanol suppliers and sourcing guide

Policosanol is a mixture of long-chain primary alcohols, mainly octacosanol with triacontanol, hexacosanol and others, obtained from plant and insect waxes. It is most often made from sugarcane wax, rice bran wax or beeswax by saponifying the wax, then extracting and crystallizing the alcohol fraction. Brands buy it as an off-white powder or flakes specified by total policosanol and octacosanol content.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Octacosanol · Sugarcane wax alcohols · Long-chain fatty alcohols · Rice bran wax alcohols · CAS 142583-61-7
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of policosanol

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Sugarcane policosanol

    The most common source, usually high in octacosanol.

  • Rice bran policosanol

    From rice bran wax, with a somewhat different alcohol profile.

  • Beeswax policosanol

    From beeswax; not suitable for vegan products.

  • Diluted powders

    Policosanol on a carrier at a stated percentage for even blending.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay (GC)
Total policosanol and octacosanol by gas chromatography, with the individual alcohols reported.
Identity
GC profile matched to the stated source, plus melting range.
Residual solvents
Extraction and crystallization solvents, against USP <467> or the buyer's limits.
Loss on drying
Moisture against the supplier specification.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS, checked against the supplier specification and the buyer's own limits.
Microbiology
Total plate count, yeast and mold, coliforms or E. coli, and Salmonella, against the supplier specification.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat, since the waxy material can soften and clump. Shelf life and retest date come from the supplier's specification.

Lots and expiry dates

Record the source wax and the total policosanol and octacosanol results for each lot, since the alcohol profile varies by source. Rotate first-expiry-first-out.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

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.

Policosanol suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking policosanol suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell policosanol? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of policosanol can brands buy?

Common forms include sugarcane policosanol, rice bran policosanol, beeswax policosanol and diluted powders. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for policosanol include?

Expect assay (GC), identity, residual solvents, loss on drying, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should policosanol be stored?

Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat, since the waxy material can soften and clump. Shelf life and retest date come from the supplier's specification.

What is the regulatory status of policosanol?

Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists policosanol as an approved chemical name, with beeswax (Apis mellifera secretion), rice (Oryza sativa) fruit wax and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) wax as source materials. The same entry classifies policosanol as an isolate under Schedule 1, item 2 of the Natural Health Products Regulations.

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