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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 sulphuric acid, followed by the extraction of cerote (a wax that floats on the surface) and cooling.
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; Colour: Yellowish; Odour: 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; Suitable 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);
Haircare (styling waxes, hair masks, conditioners);
Hygiene (solid deodorants) ;
Makeup (lip pencils, tinted lip balms, mascaras, lipsticks, eye contour pencils, foundations, nail polishes).
Method of Preservation
Store in a dry place, protected from moisture and light, and at an ambient temperature below 25°C.
Contraindications, Usage Precautions
Candelilla wax is non-irritating to the skin and eyes. There is also no sign of a potential skin sensitisation effect.
Find out more
The candelilla shrub secretes a thin layer of wax to protect itself against dehydration. During the rainy season, each stem is covered with a thick sap that transforms into wax in the dry season. In cosmetics, it is often used as a plant-based substitute for beeswax.