Products Description
Candelilla wax is a natural, plant-derived wax extracted from the candelilla plant (Euphorbia cerifera / Euphorbia antisyphilitica). It is a hard, brittle, glossy solid with a pale yellowish-brown color and a characteristic aromatic odor, available in opaque to translucent blocks or powders. Owing to its unique resin components, the wax exhibits outstanding resistance to temperature fluctuations. It has a relative density of approximately 0.983, a melting point of 67–68 °C, an iodine value of 37, and a refractive index of 1.4555. Candelilla wax is soluble in chloroform, hot petroleum ether, toluene, and alkaline solutions, slightly soluble in ethanol, and insoluble in water.
Chemical Properties
Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
English Name | Candelilla Wax |
English Synonyms | Candelilla Cera; Candelilla Wax (Refined); Wax from Stems and Branches of Euphorbia cerifera; E902 |
CAS Number | 8006-44-8 |
Molecular Weight | Complex mixture; representative main component (hentriacontane, C31H64): ~436.8 g/mol |
EINECS Number | 232-347-0 |
Melting Point | 68–72 °C (lit.) |
Boiling Point | >240 °C (lit.) |
Density | 0.988 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.) |
FEMA | 3479 |
Refractive Index | 1.4555 |
Flash Point | 229 °F |
Solubility | Soluble in chloroform, hot petroleum ether, toluene, benzene, acetone, and alkalis; slightly soluble in ethanol; insoluble in water |
Odor | Odorless |
Appearance | Hard, brittle, yellowish-brown, opaque-to-translucent solid (blocks, flakes, pellets, or powder) |
Merck | 13,1746 |
Product Applications
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Lipsticks, lip balms, and glosses — provides hardness, structure, and high gloss; a vegan alternative to beeswax
Creams, lotions, and sunscreens — acts as a thickening and stabilizing agent
Mascara, eyeliners, and color cosmetics — improves texture and film-forming properties
Solid perfumes and skincare sticks
Food Industry
Glazing agent (E902) for chewing gum, confectionery, chocolate, and coated nuts/fruits
Protective coating for fresh fruits and vegetables to reduce moisture loss
Carrier and texturizing agent in food supplements
Pharmaceuticals
Tablet coating and polishing agent
Binder and matrix material in controlled-release formulations
Base component in ointments and medicated balms
Industrial Applications
Polishes — shoe, floor, furniture, and car polishes for durable gloss
Candles — increases hardness, opacity, and burn time; reduces dripping
Crayons and pencils — provides rigidity and smooth drawing
Coatings and inks — improves surface hardness, water resistance, and gloss
Leather finishing and textile sizing
Adhesives, rubber processing, and electrical insulation
Blending Compatibility Easily blends with beeswax, carnauba wax, paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, oils, and butters — allowing formulators to fine-tune hardness, melting point, and gloss.
