Carnauba wax (also called Brazil wax or or palm wax) is a naturally occurring product exuded by the fronds of the Brazilian Carnauba palm tree (Copernicia cerifera or Copernicia prunifera). This is the “Tree of Life,” which the people of Brazil utilize for many necessities. The leaves of the carnauba palm are harvested from September to March. To obtain the wax, the fronds are dried for several days and then fed into beaters where the wax is removed and the wax powder is separated from the rest of the frond.

Wax colors range from pale yellow to a greenish brown, depending on the age of the leaves of the palm.

Carnauba, the hardest natural wax available is brittle, non-tacky and lustrous with a melting point of 182 degrees. Its major application is in the production of carbon paper inks where it helps produce sharp, distinct, blur-free images. Other applications included aerosol, liquid and paste waxes, where its luster, toughness and wear resistance is highly desirable. Since it has many emollient and hypoallergenic properties, t is also used in dental floss, eyeliner, mascara, deodorants, and as a polish for pills, candies, and fruit or can be combined with beeswax to create a high gloss finish on leather.

The Real Milk Paint Company recommends carnauba wax for a variety of wood projects.