What it is
Rice bran wax is a high-melting vegetable wax composed mainly of esters of long-chain fatty acids and fatty alcohols, recovered during the refining of rice bran oil. In formulations it raises melting point and stiffness, helping to structure sticks, balms, and anhydrous products and to stabilize emulsions. It also contributes a smooth emollient feel and can act as a plant-derived alternative to harder mineral or animal waxes.
Safety & warnings
Rice bran wax is widely used and generally considered non-irritating and non-sensitizing. As a high-molecular-weight wax it has low comedogenic potential, though heavy occlusive stick formulas as a whole may feel rich on very oily skin. It is not a fragrance allergen.
Origin & sourcing
Natural, plant-derived. It is a byproduct of rice bran oil processing, separated from the oil of Oryza sativa (rice) bran.
Questions everyone asks
Why is rice bran wax used in sunscreen sticks?
Its high melting point helps give sticks and balms firmness and structure while keeping a smooth, spreadable feel.
Is rice bran wax suitable for vegan products?
Yes. It is a plant-derived wax from rice bran, making it a common alternative to beeswax in vegan formulas.