Laurel Wax as a New Natural Cosmetic Raw Material: Characterization, Stability, Sensorial Studies and Safety Evaluation

Colombia has the third greatest biodiversity in the world and many plants have yet to be studied. Laurel wax is obtained from the fruit of Myrica pubescens , a small tree that can be found in some rural zones in the Nariño department. The main objective of this investigation is to contribute to the development of sustainability of the communities that produce laurel wax in Colombia by proposing possible uses in personal care products. This work involves: 1. Determining the physicochemical properties of wax obtained from the fruit of Myrica pubescens , which is known in the region as laurel wax, 2. Proposing applications and uses of this wax in personal care products on the basis of the results of comparative stability and sensory studies with other natural waxes. 3. Performing a safety evaluation using the Het‐Cam test and thereby avoiding animal experiments. Emulsions and color cosmetics can be developed with laurel wax. Replacement of beeswax with laurel wax in lipsticks was studied using analytical sensory techniques with the help of a trained panel; this change improved the slipperiness and uniformity. According to a safety evaluation based on the Het‐Cam test, laurel wax should not be an irritant in vivo .