Polishing Wax

Polishing wax is a food-grade wax used to give candies a shiny appearance and prevent them from sticking together. It is typically made from carnauba wax, which comes from the leaves of the Copernicia prunifera palm tree native to Brazil. The wax is refined and purified for food use.

Manufacturers add polishing wax to candies to create a smooth, glossy finish and to act as a protective coating. This helps to prevent the candies from sticking to each other and to packaging. It is commonly found in hard candies, jelly beans, and chocolate-coated items.

Polishing wax, specifically carnauba wax, is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food additive. It is largely indigestible and passes through the body without being absorbed. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated waxes for food use. At typical consumption levels found in food, it is not associated with adverse health effects.