Candelilla wax
Candelilla wax is a plant-based wax derived from the leaves of the Euphorbia cerifera shrub, native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. It is a popular vegan alternative to beeswax, offering similar emollient and protective properties while being entirely plant-derived. Known for its smooth texture and high melting point, candelilla wax is widely used in skincare, cosmetics, and personal care products as a thickening and stabilizing agent.
In skincare, candelilla wax helps to create a breathable barrier on the skin, locking in moisture while protecting against environmental stressors. Its lightweight, non-greasy nature makes it an excellent choice for lip balms, creams, and lotions, providing hydration without clogging pores. Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, it also supports skin nourishment and repair, making it beneficial for dry and sensitive skin types.
Candelilla wax enhances the texture and consistency of skincare formulations, improving spreadability and giving products a smooth, silky finish. Due to its plant-based origin, it is frequently used in vegan and natural skincare products, particularly in balms, salves, and emulsions that require a firm yet soft structure. Its ability to blend well with oils and butters makes it a versatile ingredient for both skincare and makeup applications.
Candelilla wax is a wax derived from the leaves of the small candelilla shrub native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States, Euphorbia antisyphilitica, from the family Euphorbiaceae. It is yellowish-brown, hard, brittle, aromatic, and opaque to translucent.
| Names | |
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Other names
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| Identifiers | |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.029.404 |
| EC Number |
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| E number | E902 (glazing agents, ...) |
| UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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| Properties | |
| Melting point | 68.5–72.5 °C (155.3–162.5 °F; 341.6–345.6 K) |
| Boiling point | > 240 °C (464 °F) |
| Insoluble | |
| Hazards | |
| Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC): | |
LD50 (median dose)
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> 5000 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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