Ingredient dictionary

Cera Microcristallina

Also listed as: Microcrystalline Wax

Cera Microcristallina is a fine-grained wax refined from petroleum. It thickens formulas, gives sticks and pencils their shape, and helps seal in moisture. It is on the label of 49 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: beauty Comparison flags this in the mineral oil and petrolatum family, whose refined emollients seal in moisture well, but some people avoid them by preference, especially on acne-prone skin.

Mineral oil & petrolatum. They are excellent at sealing in moisture. Some people avoid them by preference, especially on acne-prone skin.

What Cera Microcristallina does

Firms up sticks and pencils
Thickens creams, lotions and balms
Forms a film that slows water loss

Microcrystalline wax comes from petroleum. It is separated during refining, then purified to cosmetic grade. Its name points to its tiny crystals, which are finer than those in paraffin wax. That makes it softer and more flexible.

Formulators use it to add body and help lip balms and makeup sticks keep their shape. On skin it feels smooth and slightly cushiony, and it leaves a soft film that slows water loss. It turns up often in body lotions, sunscreens and eyeliners.

Good for

Suits lip balms, makeup sticks, eyeliners and rich body creams that need a firmer shape and a protective film.

Be careful if

Beauty Comparison flags this in the mineral oil and petrolatum family, whose refined emollients seal in moisture well, but some people avoid them by preference, especially on acne-prone skin.

Frequently asked questions

Is microcrystalline wax the same as paraffin wax?

They are related but not the same. Both come from petroleum, but microcrystalline wax has smaller crystals. That makes it softer and more flexible than paraffin, which is firmer and more brittle.

Is microcrystalline wax safe for skin?

It is widely used in cosmetics and well tolerated by most people. Some people with acne-prone skin prefer to avoid it, since it forms a protective film. Patch testing new products is a sensible habit.