Candelilla Wax

Candelilla Wax: Plant-Based Vegan Wax for Lip Balms, Lipsticks, Deodorant Sticks, Candles and Cosmetic Formulations

Candelilla Wax is a hard, plant-based wax obtained from the candelilla shrub, used as a vegan alternative to beeswax. It adds firmness, gloss and a smooth, protective finish to lip balms, lipsticks, deodorant sticks, balms, creams and candle blends. It is a yellowish brown hard solid with a melting point of 68 to 72°C and a two year shelf life, and COA and MSDS are available on request.

RV Organica’s Candelilla Wax is packed at our facility in Nimbri, Panipat, Haryana, and offered in sizes from 500 g to 25 kg for home makers, small brands and manufacturers.

What is candelilla wax and how is it made?

Candelilla is a leafless desert shrub, Euphorbia antisyphilitica, once called Euphorbia cerifera, whose thin stems are coated in a natural wax that protects the plant from drying out. The stems are boiled in water with a small amount of acid, and the wax rises to the surface, where it is skimmed off and then filtered and purified into a hard, brittle, yellowish brown solid. It is a plant wax, so it contains no animal ingredients. Candelilla wax is also approved as a food additive under the code E902 and is listed as generally recognised as safe for food use by the US FDA, which makes it a familiar, well-documented ingredient for formulators.

Candelilla wax is a mixture of compounds rather than a single molecule. Our specification lists hydrocarbons at about 50 percent and esters at 20 to 29 percent, along with free alcohols and free acids. This high hydrocarbon content makes it harder and glossier than beeswax and gives it a higher melting point.

How does candelilla wax compare with beeswax and carnauba wax?

Candelilla is harder and more brittle than beeswax and slightly softer than carnauba wax. It melts at about 68 to 72°C, compared with about 62 to 64°C for beeswax, so it gives a firmer, more heat-resistant finish. It is much stronger than beeswax at stiffening a formula, so you need less of it. As a rule of thumb, use about half the amount of candelilla that you would use of beeswax. It also gives a glossier, smoother film, which is why it is a favourite in vegan lip products. For a softer, creamier balm, blend it with our white beeswax pellets or with butters and oils, and browse our full range of waxes.

How do you use candelilla wax in lip balms, lipsticks and deodorants?

Melt the wax together with your oils and butters in a double boiler, because candelilla needs more heat than beeswax, and keep stirring until fully dissolved. Because it is so firm, a small amount sets a whole formula, so start low and adjust. It pairs well with shea butter, refined cocoa butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil and castor oil, and you can find more options among our carrier oils. In lip balms and lipsticks it adds structure and a glossy finish, and in deodorant sticks and solid balms it gives a smooth glide. Candelilla forms a protective film on the skin that helps hold moisture in.

Can you use candelilla wax in candles?

Yes, as an additive. On its own candelilla is hard and brittle, so it is usually blended with other waxes at a low percentage to raise the melting point, add hardness and give a glossy surface. Blend it with soy wax flakes or beeswax to firm up a candle and improve its finish. Test a small batch first, because the right wick and percentage depend on the blend.

What are the specifications of candelilla wax?

The botanical name is Euphorbia antisyphilitica (syn. Euphorbia cerifera) and the CAS number is 8006-44-8. The wax has a specific gravity of 0.982 at 25°C, a melting point of 68 to 72°C, a flash point above 240°C, an acid value of 12 to 22 mg KOH/g and moisture content of up to 0.5 percent. It is a hard, solid wax, yellowish brown in colour, with a faint, characteristic waxy odour. The shelf life is two years, and the wax is insoluble in water and soluble in hot fixed oils and mineral oils.

How should you store candelilla wax?

Keep the wax in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight, so it does not soften or absorb odours. Stored well, the wax keeps its quality for the full two year shelf life.

Is candelilla wax safe to use?

Candelilla wax is for external cosmetic and craft use. Hot wax can cause burns, so melt it carefully in a double boiler, keep it away from flames and never leave it unattended. Test finished products on a small patch of skin before regular use. Keep the wax away from children. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Can you buy candelilla wax in bulk?

Yes. The wax is available in 500 g, 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 20 kg and 25 kg packs, which suits home makers, cosmetic and candle brands and manufacturers. COA and MSDS can be requested for each batch. For wholesale or private label enquiries, write to info@rvorganica.com.

About RV Organica

RV Organica is the brand of RV International, an essential oil manufacturer in India and supplier of carrier oils, waxes and cosmetic raw materials, based at Nimbri, Panipat, Haryana 132104. Our work is backed by ISO 22000, Halal, Kosher, HACCP and MSME registration. For questions about this product or bulk supply, contact us at info@rvorganica.com or +91 8937003005