← the glossary

Ozokerite

Never allowedReviewed September 18, 2026

Ozokerite Wax · Ceresin · Cerezin

A mineral wax mined from sedimentary rock rather than refined from crude oil. Long-chain saturated hydrocarbons with a high melt point, which is why it holds a deodorant stick solid in a warm bathroom without turning greasy. Ceresin is the refined version of the same material.

What it does

Emollient & barrier

Our take

We argued this one out in the open rather than quietly picking a side, because it was the only place our own catalog contradicted our own standard. Ozokerite is mined rather than distilled, but it is a petroleum-derived wax and it belongs with petrolatum, mineral oil and paraffin. We delisted the products that used it.

Part of

Petrolatum, mineral oil and paraffin

Instead try

Candelilla wax and carnauba wax, both already in our catalog. Rice bran wax and sunflower seed wax do the same job in a softer stick.