candelilla

Candelilla is a natural wax obtained from the leaves of the candelilla shrub, Euphorbia antisyphilitica, native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. The name derives from Spanish for "little candle," reflecting its historic use in candles by Indigenous peoples. The wax is usually pale yellow to brown and non-water-soluble.

The wax is collected from the tiny waxy coating on the upper leaves of Euphorbia species, mainly Euphorbia cerifera and Euphorbia antisyphilitica. Harvesting involves scraping or beating the shrubs to release the wax, which is then refined by washing, filtration, and bleaching to reduce color and impurities.

Chemically, candelilla wax consists largely of esters formed from long-chain fatty acids and long-chain alcohols, along with hydrocarbons and small amounts of free acids and hydroxyl compounds. It has a high melting point around 68-75°C and is insoluble in water but soluble in most solvents such as alcohols and some ketones.

It is used in cosmetics as a thickener, emollient, and glossing agent; in the food and confectionery industries as a coating for candies and fruits; in pharmaceuticals as a protective film; in waxes, polishes, and coatings to impart gloss and hardness. It also serves as a mold-release agent in some industrial processes.

Candelilla wax is generally regarded as safe for use in consumer products; some individuals may experience skin irritation. Because it is harvested from wild and cultivated Euphorbia shrubs in arid regions, sustainable sourcing practices and responsible harvesting are important to reduce ecological impact.