Once refined, canauba wax is pale yellow. It is the hardest natural wax and contains mainly esters of fatty acids (80-85%), fatty alcohols (10-15%), acids (3-6%) and hydrocarbons (1-3%). Specific for carnauba wax is the content of esterified fatty diols (about 20%), hydroxylated fatty acids (about 6%) and cinnamic acid, an antioxidant (about 10%). Carnauba wax has been a major additive in car waxes for many years. Mainly due to its natural hardness and the warm lustrous glow it can give to well-prepared vehicle paintwork.
