E903 · Carnauba wax
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E903?
Carnauba wax is a plant-derived wax from the leaves of the carnauba palm, native to Brazil, prized for its hard, glossy finish. In food, it is used as a glazing agent on candies, chocolate, and fresh fruit, and it also appears in cosmetics and polishes. It is plant-based, considered safe, and suitable for vegan diets.
Also appears on labels as: E903, E 903, E-903, Carnauba wax, Carnauba, Brazil wax, Palm wax, Copernicia wax, Copernicia prunifera wax, Palm carnauba wax, Carnauba vegetable wax, Natural carnauba wax.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food levels.
Frequently asked questions
Is E903 safe?
Our overall verdict for E903 (Carnauba wax) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E903 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Carnauba wax — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E903 and why is it used?
Carnauba wax is a plant-derived wax from the leaves of the carnauba palm, native to Brazil, prized for its hard, glossy finish. In food, it is used as a glazing agent on candies, chocolate, and fresh fruit, and it also appears in cosmetics and polishes. It is plant-based, considered safe, and suitable for vegan diets.
Does E903 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Carnauba wax.
Watch E903
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.