Candelilla wax
[CAS# 8006-44-8]

Identification

• Classification: Food additive >> Gum base
• Name: Candelilla wax
• Synonyms: Candelilla Resin E 1; Candelilla Wax R 2CG; Candelilla Wax Super Refine; E 902; FC 31; FR 100; MD 21; MK 2; MK 2 (wax); NC 1630; Noda Wax NC 1630; SP 75
• CAS Registry Number: 8006-44-8
• EC Number: 232-347-0

Properties

• Density: 0.988 g/mL (25 ºC)
• Melting point: 68-72 ºC
• Boiling Point: >240 ºC

Discovory and Applicatios

Candelilla wax is a natural plant wax derived from the leaves of the *Euphorbia antisyphilitica*, a shrub native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. The plant grows primarily in arid regions, and the wax is harvested from its leaves. Candelilla wax has been used for centuries, and its modern applications span various industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food.

The discovery of candelilla wax dates back to the indigenous people of Mexico, who utilized the wax for various purposes, including as a protective coating and in traditional medicine. The commercial extraction of candelilla wax began in the early 20th century. It was introduced into global markets, where it was found to have valuable properties, such as high melting point, hardness, and glossy appearance, making it useful for a range of industrial applications.

One of the key characteristics of candelilla wax is its high melting point, which typically ranges between 68°C and 73°C. This property makes it a valuable ingredient in the formulation of products that require solidification at room temperature, such as candles, lip balms, and cosmetics. The wax has a slightly yellow to brown color, although it is often bleached to produce a more uniform and desirable white appearance.

In the cosmetics industry, candelilla wax is widely used as a thickening agent and emulsifier in a variety of products, including lipsticks, lip balms, moisturizers, and hair care formulations. Its ability to form stable emulsions helps to enhance the texture and spreadability of these products, while its film-forming properties provide a smooth, protective layer on the skin. Candelilla wax is also known for its ability to improve the stability and shelf life of cosmetics, as it helps to prevent the degradation of active ingredients by forming a barrier that limits exposure to air and moisture.

Candelilla wax is also utilized in the pharmaceutical industry, where it serves as an ingredient in ointments, creams, and other topical preparations. It helps to improve the consistency of these products, making them easier to apply, and can act as a stabilizing agent to extend their shelf life. Additionally, the wax has been studied for its potential to be used as a binder in tablet formulations, providing structure and stability to the final product.

In the food industry, candelilla wax is used as a glazing agent for fruits, candies, and baked goods, where it provides a shiny finish and helps to prevent moisture loss. The wax is considered safe for consumption and is listed as a food additive under the code E902 by the European Union. It is also used in the production of chewing gum, where it serves as a stabilizer and helps to enhance texture and consistency.

Candelilla wax is also used in the manufacture of varnishes and polishes, where it provides a durable, glossy finish. It is commonly found in furniture polish, car wax, and shoe polish, where it serves both as a protective layer and as a gloss enhancer. Its ability to form a smooth, shiny coating makes it a popular ingredient in products designed to protect and beautify surfaces.

Although candelilla wax is a valuable resource, its extraction and production can have environmental impacts. Harvesting the wax involves collecting the leaves of the *Euphorbia antisyphilitica* plant, which can lead to overexploitation if not done sustainably. Efforts have been made to promote more sustainable harvesting methods and to cultivate the plant in a way that balances economic benefits with environmental preservation.

In summary, candelilla wax is a versatile, natural wax with applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and industrial products. Its unique properties, such as its high melting point, stability, and glossy finish, make it a valuable ingredient across a range of sectors. With continued research and sustainable harvesting practices, candelilla wax is likely to remain an important and widely used material in various industries.

References

2011. The Effect of Shearing in the Thermo-mechanical Properties of Candelilla Wax and Candelilla Wax-Tripalmitin Organogels. Food Biophysics, 6(3).
DOI: 10.1007/s11483-011-9212-5

2010. Relationship Between Molecular Structure and Thermo-mechanical Properties of Candelilla Wax and Amides Derived from (R)-12-Hydroxystearic Acid as Gelators of Safflower Oil. Food Biophysics, 5(3).
DOI: 10.1007/s11483-010-9159-y

2009. The Effect of Tripalmitin Crystallization on the Thermomechanical Properties of Candelilla Wax Organogels. Food Biophysics, 4(4).
DOI: 10.1007/s11483-009-9118-7