Rice Bran Wax

About This Product

Rice bran wax is separated from crude rice bran oil during winterisation and dewaxing, the stage at which the oil is chilled so high-melting components crystallise out. It carries CAS number 8016-60-2 and the INCI name Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, and is supplied as pale yellow flakes or pastilles. Because it comes from a by-product stream of rice milling, it is a genuine co-product rather than a dedicated crop. It is built from long-chain esters of behenic and lignoceric acids with C30 to C34 alcohols, and melts at 77 to 82 degrees Celsius, placing it between rice's softer relatives and carnauba in hardness. Its distinguishing property in formulation is oleogelation: it crystallises into long, fine needles that form a three-dimensional network through a liquid oil, trapping it and turning it into a self-supporting gel at additions as low as 2 to 4 percent. That makes it a route to structuring oils without hydrogenation, and therefore without trans fats, in food and a way to build body in anhydrous cosmetics without a heavy waxy feel. It also gives good gloss and a smooth, non-greasy skin feel. It is used as an oleogelator in food and cosmetics, in lipsticks, balms and creams, in candle blends as a hardener, in polishes and coatings, and in printing inks. Bio Green Wax supplies rice bran wax to specification on melting point, acid and saponification value, penetration hardness, colour and oil content.