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White wavy lines texture on a surface

Candelilla Vegetable Wax

Commonly known as: Candelilla Cera Wax/Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax (I.N.C.I.), Euphorbia antisyphilitica.
Botanical name: Euphorbia cerifera (Candelilla).
Extraction process: The process involves immersing the stems in boiling water that has been acidified with sulfuric acid, then recovering the cerote (wax that floats to the surface) and allowing it to cool.
Family: Euphorbiaceae.
Part of the plant extracted: Stems/leaves.
Location: Originating from the semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Flowering: From April to August.
Provenance, origin: Mexico.
Phytochemical composition: Long-chain hydrocarbons, high molecular weight esters, free acids, resinous compounds (triterpenoid esters).
Sensorial properties: Appearance: Waxy solid; Color: Yellowish; Odor: Neutral.
Physical characteristics: Density: 0.91 - 0.93 g/cm3; Insoluble in water; Saponification index: 176.0 - 190.0 mg KOH/g; Soluble in oil and alcohol; Melting point: 68.5 - 72.5°C.
Benefits: Softening, film-forming, emollient, nourishing, thickening.
Concerns: All skin types, particularly dry, dehydrated, and flaky skin; All hair types, especially dry and dull hair; Recommended for dry and chapped lips.

Details

Usage

  • Facial Care (cleansing balms/milks, lip balms, night face balms/creams, beard care, masks);

  • Body Care (body creams/lotions, self-tanning lotions, exfoliants, stretch mark balms);

  • Hair Care (styling waxes, hair masks, conditioners);

  • Hygiene (solid deodorants) ;

  • Makeups (lip liners, tinted lip balms, mascaras, lipsticks, eye liners, foundations, nail polishes).

Method of Preservation

Store in a dry place, protected from moisture and light, and at an ambient temperature below 77°F.

Contraindications, Usage Precautions

Candelilla wax is non-irritating to the skin and eyes. There is also no sign of a potential skin sensitization effect.

Find out more

The candelilla shrub secretes a thin layer of wax to protect itself from dehydration. During the rainy season, each stem is covered with a thick sap that turns into wax in the dry season. In cosmetics, it is often used as a plant-based substitute for beeswax.