WHAT IS CANDELILLA WAX?
Source:
Newdirections.com
Candelilla Wax - pronounced can-deh-LEE-ya is a "vegetable" wax that is obtained from the Euphorbia cerifera botanical, better known as the small, wild Candelilla shrub. Its name, which means 'little candle," is a tribute to its history of being first used in candle making. It may also be a reference to the upright growth of the plant's stems, which resemble pencils or, more fittingly, candles - even more so because of their waxy outer layer; in nature, Candelilla wax forms the thick coating of its source plant's leaves and stems and functions as the plant's defense mechanism against the severe weather conditions of the desert. As a water-proofing agent, it protects the plant against heat and dryness, thereby preventing moisture loss.
The plant-based source of this wax makes it ideal for formulating vegan products. Its texturizing property as well as its ability to create barriers between the skin and harsh environmental stressors makes it a valuable ingredient in products such as lip balms. Its protective and softening qualities also make it a popular additive in moisturizers. With an easy ability to combine well with other waxes, including Paraffin and Carnauba, it complements them primarily by helping to extend their beneficial properties. It is also reputed to be an effective substitute for them.
CANDELILLA WAX VS. BEESWAX:
The many similarities that Candelilla and Beeswax share, namely their beneficial properties, scents, and melting points, to name a few, make these two interchangeable waxes natural alternatives to each other. The main difference is that Candelilla is a vegan wax, whereas Beeswax is considered to be an animal byproduct.
CANDELILLA WAX PROPERTIES:
Candelilla Wax functions as a thickening and hardening agent, a plasticizer, a viscosity modifier, an emollient, and a skin-protective barrier agent that helps prevent the skin from losing moisture. It contributes shine and functions as a stabilizer, an emulsifier, a fast-absorbing lubricant, and a nourishing skin conditioner. Candelilla Wax is reputed to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks as well as the signs of aging, such as wrinkles and age spots. Furthermore, it is said to hydrate parched and scaly skin for enhanced smoothness.
Candelilla Wax is known to be an effective binding agent that easily fuses ingredients. This quality makes it easy to incorporate it into most other waxes as well as resins, both natural and synthetic. This emulsifying property mainly helps water and oil constituents to bind together with a smooth uniformity, a necessary effect for products like moisturizers, such as lotion bars, creams, and balms, to which Candelilla Wax is known to offer hydrating properties and easy spread over the skin's surface.
Its firming effect means that it can be used to set and solidify formulas for various types of makeup, such as stick foundations, eye shadow, or lip products, to which it provides an ideal "slip" without causing the products to become too hard. This firming property is also beneficial for candle formulations, as Candelilla Wax contributes hardness and smoothness to the final product.
See our Bee-Free! Organic Food Wraps Page for more reasons many people choose Candelilla Wax over Beeswax.
Yes
Emulsifier
Yes
Yes
Hypoallergenic
Avoid if allergic to pollen/honey
Yes
