Rhus succedanea fruit cera or Rhus succedanea wax or Fisetin a wax obtained synthetically with solvents from the tree of the same name that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family.

The name describes the structure of the wax:

• Rhus Succedanea is the botanical name of the Wax Tree, a tree native to East Asia.
• fruit  refers to the fruit of the tree.
• cera is the Latin word for wax.

The synthesis process takes place in different steps:

• Harvesting. The fruits of the Rhus Succedanea tree are harvested, usually by hand.
• Extraction. The wax is extracted from the fruit and a process is used in which the fruit is immersed in a solvent that dissolves the wax. The solvent is then evaporated, leaving the wax.
• Purification.  The extracted wax is purified to remove residual impurities. This is followed by a series of washing, filtration and centrifugation steps.

It appears in the form of a yellowish or brown powder.

CAS       8001-39-6 

What it is used for and where

Rhus Succedanea Fruit Wax is a soft wax used in cosmetics and personal care products due to its excellent emollient properties. It helps moisturise the skin and provides a protective barrier that can help prevent moisture loss.

Cosmetics

Binder agent. Ingredient that is used in cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical products as an anti-caking agent with the function of making the product in which it is incorporated silky, compact and homogenous. The binder, either natural such as mucilage, gums and starches or chemical, may be in the form of a powder or liquid.

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss.  Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Viscosity control agent. It controls and adapts, Increasing or decreasing, viscosity to the required level for optimal chemical and physical stability of the product and dosage in gels, suspensions, emulsions, solutions. 

Applications

• Consistency - It is used to give body and consistency to cosmetic products, such as lipsticks, lip balms, and foundations.
• Emollient - Due to its emollient properties, it helps to moisturize and soften the skin.
• Stabilizer - Acts as a stabilizer in emulsions, helping to prevent phase separation in products like creams and lotions.
• Film-forming Agents - Can form a protective film on the skin or hair, helping to retain moisture.
• Binder - Used in powder cosmetic products, such as eyeshadows or face powders, to enhance the cohesion of pigments.