Shellac Wax vs Lac Wax — Same Wax, Different Names

Buyers often ask us for a price on "shellac wax" and, separately, on "lac wax", as if they were two products. They are not. Both names describe the same natural wax, recovered from lac. What does cause real confusion are two other things with similar names: waxed shellac and Chinese insect wax. Here is how to tell them apart, and what lac wax is used for.

Shellac wax and lac wax are the same wax

Lac, the resin behind shellac, naturally contains a few per cent of wax. When shellac is dewaxed, or when seedlac is melted and filtered, this wax is separated and collected. The trade sells it as lac wax or shellac wax; both names are correct. The Indian customs tariff even lists it as "shellac wax" under HS 1521 90 20. It is one of three lac by-products: the others are lac dye, recovered from the wash water of sticklac, and aleuritic acid, made from shellac by hydrolysis.

Three things that are often confused

Lac wax / shellac wax	The wax itself, separated from lac. A hard natural wax sold in crude and refined grades.
Waxed shellac	Shellac resin that still contains its natural wax (about 3–5%), such as standard flakes, button lac and seedlac. It is a resin, not a wax.
Chinese insect wax	A different wax from a different insect (the Chinese wax scale), traded as "insect wax" or "Chinese white wax". Not lac wax.

So if a supplier quotes "shellac wax" when you meant waxed shellac flakes, or the reverse, you will receive a completely different product. State the use in your enquiry and the confusion disappears.

Properties of lac wax

• Hard, with a high melting point: about 75–80 °C, much higher than beeswax and comparable to carnauba in hardness.
• Two grades: crude (yellowish-brown, minimally processed) and refined (ivory-white, purified).
• Natural and insect-derived: like shellac it comes from the lac insect, so it is not vegan.

Batch values such as acid value, saponification value and colour are stated on the COA; see the lac wax specification.

Uses of lac wax

• Polishes: floor, furniture and shoe polishes, where its hardness gives gloss and rub resistance — see lac wax for polishes, candles and leather.
• Cosmetics: lipsticks, mascaras and other wax-based products, where it adds hardness and structure. See shellac for cosmetics.
• Candles: as a hard wax in blends for pillar and container candles.
• Leather finishing: dressings, shoe creams and waterproofing.
• Inks and coatings: as a wax additive for slip and scratch resistance.

Buying lac wax

Specify the grade (crude or refined), the form you want (flakes, granules or blocks), and the end use. Ask for melting point, acid value and colour on the batch COA. Store it cool and dry. For export documents, invoice it as shellac wax under HS 1521 90 20 and keep the description consistent across invoice, packing list and certificate of origin.

Quick answers

Is shellac wax the same as lac wax? Yes. Shellac wax and lac wax are two names for the same natural wax, separated from lac when shellac is dewaxed or filtered.

Is lac wax the same as waxed shellac? No. Lac wax is the wax itself. Waxed shellac is shellac resin that still contains its natural wax, about 3–5%.

What is the melting point of lac wax? About 75–80 °C, which makes it one of the harder natural waxes, harder than beeswax.

Is lac wax vegan? No. Lac wax comes from the lac insect, like shellac. Vegan products use plant waxes such as carnauba or candelilla.

What is the HS code for shellac wax? In the Indian customs tariff, shellac wax is classified under HS 1521 90 20.

This guide summarises industry practice as of October 2026. Confirm current regulations and requirements for your market before ordering. It is not legal advice.