Candelilla wax
What is candelilla wax?
Candelilla wax is extracted from the leaves of the small Candelilla plant that is found in northern Mexico and southwestern United States. The wax is yellowish-brown, hard, brittle, aromatic and opaque to translucent. Additionally, candelilla wax is rich in nutrients and acts as a great binder in cosmetics.
Packaging
Bag
CAS
8006-44-8
INCI-name
Candellila cera
Application
Technical
Cosmetic
Farmaceutical
Food
How is candelilla wax made?
The production of candelilla wax starts with harvesting the leaves of the candelilla shrub. This shrub gets its name from the Spanish word for small candle, due to the shape of its branches, which are long, thin, and bare. The branches are protected from heat and evaporation by a hard wax: candelilla wax.
The leaves are then dried and ground into a fine powder. This powder is then boiled in water to extract the wax. The wax solidifies when it cools and is then purified to remove any remaining impurities.
The result is a hard, yellow wax that looks similar to beeswax in appearance, but has a higher melting point and is less sticky. Candelilla wax also has a unique composition, with a high content of esters and fatty acids that give the wax its special properties.
How is candelilla wax used?
Candelilla wax is softer than carnauba wax and harder than beeswax. It is often used as a replacement for beeswax because it is plant-based and therefore vegan. As it acts as a binder in cosmetics, candelilla wax is often used as a thickener in skincare creams, body lotions, and hand creams.
The wax gives a nice feel on the skin and blends well with other oils. This makes cream with candelilla wax non-sticky and easily absorbed into the skin. In addition to its use in cosmetics, candelilla wax is also used in hair care, as it provides protection and adds shine to the hair.
Besides candelilla wax, we have other waxes in our product range. Check it out on our insights page!
Chempri: your partner in candelilla wax
At Chempri, we specialize in the production and supply of oleochemicals and their derivatives, including candelilla wax. Our products are manufactured at our modern production site and can be customized to meet the specific needs of our customers.
