E-number database
Glazing waxes: beeswax, plant waxes, lanolin, shellac
Carnauba and candelilla are plant. Microcrystalline and polyethylene waxes are mineral/synthetic. Beeswax is a bee secretion treated as Halal here. Lanolin is wool grease. Shellac is a lac-insect resin that SANHA and MUI treat as Halal.
- E901 INS 901 Beeswax Halal Beeswax (E901) is a honey-bee secretion used to glaze sweets, fruit and cheese rinds. Like honey, bee products need no slaughter. insectHalal
- E902 INS 902 Plant and mineral glazing waxes (carnauba, candelilla, microcrystalline, polyethylene) Halal Carnauba (E903, glazing agent 903) is a palm-leaf wax; candelilla is a shrub wax; E905/E907/E914 are petroleum or synthetic glazing waxes. All are Halal. plantHalal
- E913 INS 913 Lanolin / wool wax Halal Lanolin (E913) is wool grease from sheep, not pork and not carrion. Most vitamin D3 in foods and supplements is made from it; here is why that's fine. animalHalal
- E904 INS 904 Shellac Halal Shellac (E904) is a purified resin secreted by the lac insect (Kerria lacca), used as a confectionery glaze and pharmaceutical coating. insectHalal
How they differ
Glazing agents give sweets, chocolate beans, fruit and pills their shine. Carnauba (E903) comes from palm leaves and candelilla (E902) from a desert shrub; microcrystalline (E905), oxidised polyethylene (E914) and the other mineral waxes are made from petroleum. All of these are Halal.
Three come from animals, and each has its own reasoning. Beeswax (E901) is a honeybee secretion, treated as Halal like honey. Lanolin (E913) is purified grease from sheep's wool, taken without slaughter. Shellac (E904) is a resin secreted by the lac insect; major certifiers including SANHA and MUI treat it as Halal, though some people avoid it by personal choice.
On the label
- “Glazing agent” followed by a name or E-number tells you which wax.
- Shellac is also listed as “confectioner's glaze” or “pharmaceutical glaze”.
- Sweets with a glaze can also contain gelatin or carmine; the wax is rarely the problem.
Frequently asked questions
Is shellac Halal?
This site follows SANHA and MUI, which treat shellac as Halal: it is an insect resin, not the insect itself. Some people avoid it by preference.
Is E901 beeswax Halal?
Yes. It is a secretion of the honeybee, like honey, and needs no slaughter.