What is Carnauba Wax (E903) used for in medicines?

A plant wax harvested from the leaves of the carnauba palm (Copernicia prunifera), used as a polishing/coating agent. Provides a glossy, moisture-resistant outer coating on tablets and gummies; alternative to shellac.

What are common sources of Carnauba Wax (E903)?

Common sources include: Carnauba palm leaves (Brazil). Manufacturers often do not disclose which source is used.

What are alternatives to Carnauba Wax (E903) in medicines?

Possible alternatives mentioned in our database: Beeswax; Hypromellose film coatings. Always confirm with a clinician before switching.

Library

Is Carnauba Wax (E903) halal?

Carnauba Wax (E903) is classified halal for halal use with High confidence. A plant wax harvested from the leaves of the carnauba palm (Copernicia prunifera), used as a polishing/coating agent. Plant-derived; broadly considered halal. A useful substitute when shellac is in question.

Coating · Confidence: High

Also known as: carnauba, Brazil wax, E903

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What it is

A plant wax harvested from the leaves of the carnauba palm (Copernicia prunifera), used as a polishing/coating agent.

Source:EFSA — Re-evaluation of carnauba wax (E903)FDA — Color additive / GRAS status

Why it's here

Provides a glossy, moisture-resistant outer coating on tablets and gummies; alternative to shellac.

See:EFSA — Re-evaluation of carnauba wax (E903)FDA — Color additive / GRAS status

Why it may matter

Plant-derived; broadly considered halal. A useful substitute when shellac is in question.

Source:EFSA — Re-evaluation of carnauba wax (E903)FDA — Color additive / GRAS status

Common sources

Carnauba palm leaves (Brazil)

Other alternatives to ask about

Not yet separate pages in our library — discuss with your pharmacist or prescriber.

Hypromellose film coatings

Reason codes

plantDerived

Evidence & citations2

Audit

Common questions

Is Carnauba Wax (E903) halal?: RxHalal currently classifies Carnauba Wax (E903) as HALAL (High confidence). Plant-derived; broadly considered halal. A useful substitute when shellac is in question. This is information only — not a fatwa or medical advice.
What is Carnauba Wax (E903) used for in medicines?: A plant wax harvested from the leaves of the carnauba palm (Copernicia prunifera), used as a polishing/coating agent. Provides a glossy, moisture-resistant outer coating on tablets and gummies; alternative to shellac.
What are common sources of Carnauba Wax (E903)?: Common sources include: Carnauba palm leaves (Brazil). Manufacturers often do not disclose which source is used.
What are alternatives to Carnauba Wax (E903) in medicines?: Possible alternatives mentioned in our database: Beeswax; Hypromellose film coatings. Always confirm with a clinician before switching.

Medicines using this excipient

3 total0 halal3 uncertain0 concern

Seen most often in these conditions

Where this excipient turns up across RxHalal's tracked treatment categories.