SUMAC WAX

Sumac wax is a 100% natural, plant-based, vegan wax derived from the fruit peels of the Rhus verniciflua tree, traditionally processed by boiling the berries and skimming off the wax.
Known for its soft, creamy texture and excellent emollient properties, Sumac wax enhances moisture retention, improves skin feel, and stabilizes emulsions in cosmetic formulations.
Ideal for lip care, skincare, and decorative cosmetics, Sumac wax provides a velvety, whipped-cream-like texture while serving as a sustainable alternative to beeswax and synthetic thickeners.

CAS Number: 8001-39-6
EC Number: 232-293-8
Molecular Formula: C51H98O6
Molecular Mass: 807.3 g/mol

Synonyms: Berry Wax, Sumac Wax, Japan Wax, Rhus Wax, Rhus Verniciflua Wax, Rhus Succedanea Wax, Wax from Rhus Trees, Vegetable Tallow, Japan Vegetable Wax, Rhus Peel Wax, Rhus Berry Wax, Tallow Tree Wax, Lacquer Tree Wax, Sumach Wax (UK spelling), Chinese Vegetable Wax, Chinese Wax (sometimes confused with insect wax), Natural Berry Wax, Natural Rhus Wax, Plant-Based Wax, Plant Wax from Rhus, Wax of Rhus Verniciflua, Rhus Verniciflua Peel Cera (INCI name), Rhus Succedanea Fruit Wax (INCI alternative), Fatty Acid Glycerides of Rhus, Pale Yellow Wax, Korean Sumac Wax, Japanese Sumac Wax, Asian Berry Wax, East Asian Wax, Non-beeswax Natural Wax, Low Melting Natural Wax, Vegetable Soft Wax, Rhus Fat, Rhus Oil Wax, Semi-solid Vegetable Wax, Oleaginous Wax from Rhus, Creamy Berry Wax, Rhus Cera, Botanical Wax from Sumac, Rhus Extracted Wax, Berry Wax NF (Pharmaceutical grade), Berrywax (One-word trade style), Wacholderwachs (German – "Juniper wax", sometimes misused for berry wax), Cire de Baies (French – "Wax of Berries"), Cera di Bacche (Italian – "Berry Wax"), Cera Vegetale del Rhus (Italian – "Vegetable wax from Rhus"), Wachs aus Rhusfrüchten (German – "Wax from Rhus fruits"), Berry Wax Type A (refined grade name), Vegetable Wax CAS 8001-39-6, Rhus-Based Natural Wax

Sumac wax is a natural, plant-based wax derived from the peels of berries, particularly from species like the Rhus verniciflua tree.
Sumac wax is known for its soft, creamy consistency and pale yellow appearance.

Due to its emollient properties, Sumac wax is widely used in cosmetics and personal care products such as lip balms, lotions, creams, and hair styling products.
Sumac wax enhances texture, provides moisture retention, and helps stabilize emulsions.
As a vegan and biodegradable alternative to beeswax, Sumac wax is especially valued in formulations designed for sensitive skin and sustainable beauty applications.

Sumac wax is produced from the berry fruit peels of the Rhus Verniciflua tree native to China.
The freshly collected berries are boiled and filtered before processing into the final wax product, Sumac wax.

Sumac wax is a very soft and smooth wax that helps make delicate emulsions.
Sumac wax has a decent pale colour and scent and does not affect the colour and scent of the product.

This soft, smooth wax, Sumac wax, is a vegan alternative to beeswax.
Sumac wax has emulsifying properties, meaning it helps other ingredients bind.

Berries that are naturally coated with wax to protect themselves from heat are harvested and processed into raw wax.
The fruit is boiled in water until the wax floats on top and can be skimmed off.

Sumac wax is a 100% plant-based, vegan wax extracted from the fruit peel of the Asian lacquer sumac tree.
Sumac wax is a sustainable alternative to beeswax and synthetic thickeners.
Sumac wax has a creamy texture, moisturizes the skin, and ensures smooth application – without comedogenicity or weight.

Sumac wax is a gently nourishing, vegan body butter that moisturizes, smooths, and protects without being greasy or heavy.
Ideal for fragrance-free natural cosmetics, Sumac wax provides a particularly smooth skin feel for sensitive skin and dry lips.

Sumac wax, a valuable natural product, is obtained from the fruits of Rhus succedanea, also known as the Japanese lacquer tree or Japanese berry bush, and has found a wide range of applications in various industries.
This evergreen tree, native to temperate regions of East Asia, impresses not only with Sumac wax's distinctive appearance but also with its versatile uses.

In this comprehensive article, we will closely examine the origin, characteristics, and uses of Sumac wax.
The Japanese lacquer tree is a medium to large-sized tree that typically reaches heights of about 5 to 10 meters.

Sumac wax's growth form is bushy, with spreading branches and dense foliage, giving it an imposing and attractive appearance.
The leaves of Rhus succedanea are dark green and leathery.

They are innate and consist of several smaller leaflets arranged along a central stem.
This leaf structure contributes to the plant's aesthetic appeal and makes it a popular choice in gardens and landscaping.

The main attraction of the Japanese lacquer tree is undoubtedly Sumac wax's fruits.
The berries are initially green and develop a bright red color when ripe.

These small, round berries are rich in a valuable raw material - Sumac wax.
Sumac wax is obtained from the fruit peel of the lacquer tree, which is mainly found in China but also in the higher regions of India, Japan, and Korea.

Sumac wax is harvested from October to the beginning of December in the course of a press and extraction process.
Sumac wax is available as pastilles and almost white in color.

Sumac wax is derived from berries of Rhus Verniciflua.
As part of it melts below 30 °C, Sumac wax has a very silky and soft skin feel, comparable to a classic emollient.

Sumac wax is very versatile and improves the sensory properties of formulations.
Sumac wax is a soft wax that acts as an emollient.

An easily emulsifiable wax, Sumac wax helps with skin conditioning and stabilising products.
With a high ester content, Sumac wax mainly consists of acids such as Palmitic and Stearic acids as well Heneicosylic acid, a unique C21 fatty acid.

Sumac wax is produced from the berry fruit peels of the Rhus Verniciflua tree native in China.
The berries are washed in hot water.
The Sumac wax separates out when boiled in hot water and is then skimmed off the surface, before being despatched to the manufacturer in Germany where the final refining process takes place.

Sumac wax imparts a soft and silky feel in products.
In addition, Sumac wax also produces very soft textures in creams – like whipped cream.

Sumac wax is perfect for Lip Gloss, Lipsticks and Mascaras.
Even though it is a soft product, Sumac wax has improved the 'break resistance' in cosmetic pencil products.

Sumac wax is obtained from the berry fruit peel of the lacquer tree (Rhus verniciflua).
Sumac wax is 100% vegan and popular in cosmetics for its moisturizing properties.

Moreover, Sumac wax is ideally suited as an additive to waxes with higher melting temperatures and serves as an excellent stabilizer.
Natural vegetable wax, Sumac wax, is derived traditionally via boiling berries and skimming.

Low unsaturation makes Sumac wax stable, odor-retentive, and suitable for scented applications.
In food-grade/process, Sumac wax is considered non-hazardous per EU §1272/2008.
Sumac wax is a mild, plant-based wax from bayberry fruit peels.

With a melting point around 40–54°C and staple fatty acid esters, Sumac wax's stable, non-hazardous, and prized for imparting creamy textures and subtle fragrance in candles, soaps, and cosmetics.
Its low chemical reactivity and pleasant sensory profile make Sumac wax a sought-after natural ingredient.

It is a pale Sumac wax derived from berry fruit peels of the Rhus Vemiciflua tree.
Sumac wax consists of a high amount of glycerol ester of C16-18 fatty acid.

This low-melting soft wax, Sumac wax, offers velvet, powdery skin feel and functions as an outstanding pay-off enhancer for stick and pencil preparations.
Sumac wax gives O/W emulsions a moussy, whipped cream type of texture.

Sumac wax is used in skin care, sun care, decorative cosmetic/make-up, hair care, styling/hair foams, etc.
Sumac wax is 100% natural, vegan and Kosher compliant.

Sumac wax is a soft, white-yellow vegetable wax.
Sumac wax is a wax of vegetable origin characterized by a low melting point: the data show a range between 49 and 56° C.
Sumac wax is also very stable to temperature variations, having a moderate oil cross-linking capacity.

All these points allow for anhydrous stick systems, for example, the creation of unique performances by combining Sumac wax with other waxes: as internal tests have shown, this combination increases the smoothness and yield of the finished product.
Sumac wax is a low melting soft wax with a velvety, powdery skin feel.

Sumac wax is collected by boiling the peel of the fruits of the Rhus Verniciflua tree (also known as the lacquer tree).
Sumac wax is rich in C16-18 glyceryl esters making it a soft, buttery, low melting point wax.

Sumac wax has soft, silky and light texturiser with great barrier protective properties.
Sumac wax is glossy finish.

Uses of Sumac Wax:
Sumac wax is an extremely versatile natural product and finds diverse applications in various industries.
Sumac wax forms a natural barrier on the skin or surfaces, protecting them from moisture loss.
In cosmetics, this ensures long-lasting skin hydration, while in food processing, Sumac wax preserves the freshness of fruits.

In food processing, Sumac wax provides fruits and confectionery with a protective coating that shields them from external factors like moisture and dust.
This coating also gives them a shiny appearance, enhancing their attractiveness.

Another crucial aspect is the environmental friendliness of Sumac wax.
Being a natural product, Sumac wax is a sustainable alternative to synthetic chemicals and waxes.

This makes Sumac wax appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and manufacturers.
In conclusion, Sumac wax is an extremely versatile and useful natural product used in various industries to enhance and protect products.

Its natural properties make Sumac wax a popular choice in skincare, food processing, and industrial applications.
Sumac wax is applicable in all cosmetic material from cleansing balms and butters to hair styling product, decorative cosmetics and emulsions.

Sumac wax imparts emulsion stabilizing properties as well as a "whipped cream" and powdery texture to emulsions.
In decorative cosmetics, Sumac wax is specially used in stick formulations such as kajals and lipsticks.

Despite its low melting point, Sumac wax imparts stability and anti-break properties.
Due to its low melting point and soft texture, Sumac wax is excellent for adding the required consistency to lip balm sticks, creams and ointments.

When melted in castor oil, Sumac wax takes on a gel-like and clear consistency, which is why it is also used in lip gloss.
Even though Sumac wax is 100% plant-derived, it cannot be regarded as a universal alternative to beeswax due to being somewhat softer.

Sumac wax can very easily be combined with beeswax and other waxes, however, to achieve the desired consistency.
Sumac wax is used in lip- and skin care products as a consistency enhancer and protective wax component.

Sumac wax cannot be used higher than 1-1.5% in water-emulsified O/W emulsions if you use other consistency enhancers (fatty alcohols or stearates).
Sumac wax cannot simply be exchanged for another wax in formulations.

The low melting point must be taken into account and compensated with a wax with a higher melting point, such as candelilla or carnauba wax.
Sumac wax improves colour deposition in colour cosmetics (lipsticks, foundations etc).

Sumac wax reduces tackiness in oil-in-water emulsions.
Sumac wax reduces Trans Epidermal Water Loss on skin.
Sumac wax combines well with pigments for colour cosmetics.

Candles uses:
Sumac wax is used as a vegan alternative to beeswax to produce candles.
Sumac wax provides excellent burning properties, particularly in tea lights.

Moreover, Sumac wax caters for a good spreading behavior of cosmetic products on the skin and serves as a vegan alternative to beeswax.
Sumac wax from wild collection has a refatting, moisturizing and consistency-giving effect – for a smooth skin feeling without clogging pores.

Use of Sumac wax in natural cosmetics:

Sumac wax has many uses – especially in:
Lip care products & lip balms.
Moisturizing face creams & body lotions.

Hair care products such as leave-in treatments and styling products.
Solid creams, balms & water-free formulations.

Cosmetics Industry uses:
In the cosmetics industry, Sumac wax has a solid place in a variety of products.
Sumac wax's applications range from skincare products to decorative cosmetics.
Here are some uses of Sumac wax in cosmetics:

Lip balms and lipsticks uses:
Sumac wax serves as an important component in lip balms and lipsticks.
Sumac wax provides these products with a smooth texture, enhances durability, and contributes to lip moisturization.

Skin creams and lotions uses:
Sumac wax is often used in skin creams and lotions to improve consistency and protect the skin from moisture loss.
Sumac wax forms a protective barrier on the skin that is breathable.

Mascaras and eyebrow pencils:
In decorative cosmetics, Sumac wax is used in mascaras and eyebrow pencils to optimize product shape and adhesion.
This ensures long-lasting effects and prevents smudging.

Food Processing:
Sumac wax is also used in the food industry, especially in the processing of fruits and confectionery.
Here are some applications in food processing:

Coating for fruits:
Sumac wax is often used as a coating agent for fresh fruits like apples.
Sumac wax protects the fruits from moisture loss and gives them a shiny, appealing look.

Candies and chewing gum:
In the production of candies and chewing gum, Sumac wax serves as a glossing and anti-sticking agent.
Sumac wax ensures that candies do not stick together and gives them an attractive appearance.

Effect of Sumac Wax:
The effect of Sumac wax in the above-mentioned application areas can be attributed to its unique properties.

Suggestions for Use:
As most parts of this wax melts below 30°C Sumac wax imparts a velvet soft and silky feel in products.
Perfect for Lip Gloss, Lipsticks and Mascara's.

Even though it is a soft product, Sumac wax has improved the 'break resistance' in cosmetic pencil products.
When used in Emulsions, Sumac wax helps the Cream even whiter, as smaller droplet sizes making the product more stable.
Sumac wax can be used as a replacement for Beeswax, but bear in mind it is considerably lighter, so perfect for mousse products.

Benefits of Sumac Wax:
Sumac wax offers a range of benefits that make it a valuable ingredient across various industries.
In cosmetics, Sumac wax's smooth, creamy consistency and excellent emollient properties help improve skin hydration, texture, and product spreadability, making it ideal for lip balms, creams, and hair care products.

Sumac wax's low melting point provides a soft payoff in stick formulations, while its natural origin supports clean-label and vegan-friendly product development.
In food applications, refined forms of Sumac wax can serve as glazing agents or moisture barriers, contributing to product stability and visual appeal.

Industrially, Sumac wax functions as a biodegradable alternative to synthetic waxes in polishes, coatings, and lubricants.
Overall, Sumac wax combines functional performance with environmental sustainability, aligning well with current trends favoring plant-based, non-toxic, and renewable raw materials.

Properties of Sumac Wax:

Chemical Composition:

Complex wax: 
Sumac wax contains a complex mixture of lipids, including fatty acids, alcohols, esters, and hydroxy compounds.

High melting point: 
Sumac wax is characterized by a relatively high melting point, which supports its stability in various applications.

Sustainability:

Biodegradable: 
Sumac wax is biodegradable and environmentally friendly, increasing its appeal in times of environmental protection.

Sustainable source: 
The extraction of Sumac wax from the Japanese lacquer tree can be done sustainably without endangering the health of the plant or its ecosystems.

Texture Improvement:

Binder: 
Sumac wax often acts as a binder in cosmetic and skincare products, providing them with a pleasant texture.

Smoothness and suppleness: 
In lip balms and creams, Sumac wax imparts smoothness and suppleness to the products.

Natural Product:

Synthetic alternatives: 
Sumac wax is often preferred over synthetic waxes as it is a natural product and is often considered safer and more environmentally friendly.

Low allergy potential: 
Compared to some synthetic waxes, Sumac wax has a low allergy potential, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.

Versatile Adaptability:

Form variability: 
Sumac wax can be provided in various forms, including pastilles, granules, or blocks, depending on processing and application requirements.

Combination with other ingredients: 
Sumac wax can be combined with other ingredients in cosmetic and industrial formulations to achieve desired properties.
Sumac wax is not only a versatile natural product used in various industries but also stands out for its sustainability and natural properties, making it a preferred choice for manufacturers and consumers alike.
Its unique chemical composition and versatile adaptability make Sumac wax an essential raw material in cosmetics, food processing, and many other industries.

Production of Sumac Wax:
Sumac wax is traditionally produced from the peels of berries—particularly those of the Rhus verniciflua or lacquer tree—harvested in East Asia during autumn and early winter, typically between October and December.
The process begins by gently boiling the harvested fruit or peels in water, whereupon the wax separates and floats to the surface, enabling it to be skimmed off.

After recovery, the wax may undergo further processing or refining steps—such as pressing, filtration, decolorization, or deodorization—to yield a cleaner, high-quality product in pastille, flake, or pellet form.
In some modern facilities, advanced methods such as CO₂ supercritical extraction, activated-carbon decolorization, and natural sunlight treatment are used to enhance purity, stability, and consistency

Origin of Sumac Wax:
The original habitat of the Japanese lacquer tree mainly extends across East Asia, with China and Japan being Sumac wax's primary distribution areas.
Due to Sumac wax's versatile uses, the cultivation of Rhus succedanea has extended to other parts of the world, especially in regions with similar climates.

China is one of the most significant cultivation areas for Rhus succedanea.
The provinces of Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Anhui are known for their extensive cultivation of this versatile tree.
Sumac wax is widely extracted here and used in various industries.

Since the plant is native to Japan, Sumac wax is also found in various regions of the country, especially in mountainous areas.
Japanese culture has a long history of using Rhus succedanea, both for its aesthetic qualities and the extraction of Sumac wax.

In Korea as well, the Japanese lacquer tree is cultivated to obtain Sumac wax and other products.
The use of Sumac wax in Korean traditions and modern applications has helped establish this plant in Korean agriculture.

The worldwide distribution of Rhus succedanea reflects its diverse applications and the increasing demand for Sumac wax in various industries.
Sumac wax is a natural wax obtained from the fruits of the Japanese lacquer tree.

Sumac wax stands out for Sumac wax's unique properties and diverse applications.
Here is an overview of how Sumac wax is extracted.

Handling and Storage of Sumac Wax:

Handling:
Avoid generating dust.
Use with adequate ventilation.

Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices.
Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged skin contact.

Storage:
Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from heat sources, open flames, and direct sunlight.
Keep containers tightly closed to avoid contamination or oxidation.

Recommended storage temperature: 15–25°C.

Stability and Reactivity of Sumac Wax:

Chemical Stability:
Stable under normal conditions of use and storage.

Incompatible Materials:
Strong oxidizing agents (e.g., peroxides, nitric acid).

Decomposition Products:
When heated to decomposition, may release carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Reactivity:
Not known to be reactive under normal conditions.

First Aid Measures of Sumac Wax:

Inhalation:
Move person to fresh air.
If breathing is difficult, seek medical attention.

Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water.
Seek medical advice if irritation persists.

Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.
Get medical attention if irritation occurs.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth.
Do not induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention if symptoms occur.

Firefighting Measures of Sumac Wax:

Suitable Extinguishing Media:
Use dry chemical, foam, CO₂, or water spray.

Unsuitable Media:
Do not use high-pressure water jet, as Sumac wax may spread the fire.

Fire Hazards:
Wax vapors may form combustible mixtures at elevated temperatures.

Protective Equipment:
Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and protective clothing.

Accidental Release Measures of Sumac Wax:

Personal Protection:
Wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothing.
Avoid breathing dust.

Spill Response:

Small Spill:
Sweep up or vacuum without generating dust.

Large Spill:
Collect material mechanically and place in a suitable container.

Cleaning:
Wash spill site with water and detergent after material removal.

Environmental Precautions:
Avoid release into drains, surface water, or soil.

Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment of Sumac Wax:

Engineering Controls:
Use in well-ventilated areas.
Local exhaust ventilation may be needed if handling large quantities.

Eye/Face Protection:
Safety glasses or goggles.

Skin Protection:
Protective gloves (e.g., nitrile or PVC).

Respiratory Protection:
Not typically required for solid form.
If airborne dust is generated, use a dust mask or respirator (e.g., P2 or N95).

General Hygiene:
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during use.

Identifiers of Sumac Wax:
Common Names: Sumac wax, Sumac wax, Japan Wax
INCI Name: Rhus Verniciflua Peel Cera (or Rhus Succedanea Fruit Wax)
CAS Number: 8001-39-6
EC Number: 232-293-8
Chemical Type: Natural wax (technically a fat — mixture of glycerides)
Synonyms: Vegetable Tallow, Wax from Rhus Trees, Wood Wax
HS Code: Typically classified under 1521.90 (Vegetable waxes, others)
REACH Status (EU): Often listed as exempt due to natural origin; may be registered under plant waxes
UN Number: Not classified as hazardous, so no UN number typically applies

Properties of Sumac Wax:
Appearance: Pale yellow to off-white solid (flakes, pellets, or pastilles)
Odor: Mild, slightly fatty or plant-like
Melting Point: 48–54°C
Flash Point: >200°C (closed cup)
Density (at 20°C): ~0.95–0.98 g/cm³
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
Solubility in Oils: Soluble in hot oils, esters, hydrocarbons
Acid Value: 5–30 mg KOH/g (lower in refined grades)
Saponification Value: 220–240 mg KOH/g
Iodine Value: 5–15
Peroxide Value: Typically low (<5 meq/kg) in stable, fresh material
Refractive Index: ~1.45–1.47 (at melted state)
Molecular Formula: C₅₁H₉₈O₆
Molecular Mass: 807.3 g/mol

Melting Point: 48 – 54 °C
Softening Point: ~30 °C
Density/Specific Gravity: ~0.977 – 0.995 g/mL
Refractive Index: ~1.436
Acid Value: ~3.5 – 30 mg KOH/g
Saponification Value: ~205 – 217 mg KOH/g
Iodine Value: ~1.9 – 3.9

Appearance: Light yellowish to greenish-white waxy solid (pellets)
Odor: Faint, mild balsam-like, slightly sweet
Solubility: Oil soluble
Physical State: Firm
CAS Number: 8001-39-6 (Rhus verniciflua wax), 225234-38-8
INCI Name: Rhus Verniciflua Peel Cera

Origin: Natural
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, and light-shielded place in original packaging
CAS Number: Sumac wax is a mixture, so it does not have a single unique CAS number, but it's sometimes identified under CAS: 68956-68-3
EC Number: Not assigned (N/A) – because it is a natural complex substance (UVCB)
Molecular Formula: Mixture – consists mainly of C16-C24 fatty acid esters and long-chain alcohols
Molecular Weight: Varies (as it's a mixture), but the typical range is around 400–600 g/mol for the major ester components