Candelilla Wax – Vegan Pastilles/Flakes | Plant-Based Alternative to Beeswax

Candelilla Wax (Euphorbia cerifera) is a natural vegetable wax obtained from the leaves of the Candelilla shrub, native to the semi-arid regions of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. The wax is carefully extracted by boiling the plant material, allowing the wax to separate, rise, and be skimmed for refinement into smooth, easy-to-use pastilles or flakes.

Known for its firming, film-forming, and glossy properties, Candelilla Wax is harder than beeswax yet softer than carnauba wax, making it an excellent vegan alternative for cosmetics, body care, and craft formulations. It enhances texture, stability, and spreadability while creating a polished, satin-like finish in lip balms and lotions.

Key Benefits

• 100% plant-based and sustainable alternative to beeswax
• Adds firmness and stability to formulations
• Provides natural gloss and silky “slip” to balms and creams
• Excellent film-forming and protective properties
• Compatible with most natural and synthetic waxes and resins
• Ideal for vegan skincare, lip care, and body formulations

Applications

• Lip balms, lipsticks, and glosses
• Lotion bars, salves, and ointments
• Creams, pomades, and mascaras
• Hair styling and conditioning products
• Candle and polish formulations

Specifications

• Botanical Name: Euphorbia cerifera
• Processing: Naturally extracted and filtered
• Processing Type: Vegan / Plant-Based
• Form: Yellow to orange pastilles or flakes
• Aroma: Odorless to faint, neutral scent
• Melting Point: 69°–73 °C (156°–163 °F)
• Saponification Value: 43–65
• Solubility: Soluble in alcohol; insoluble in water
• Shelf Life: 24 months (store in cool, dry conditions)

Formulation Notes

Candelilla Wax functions as a non-gelling thickener, viscosity enhancer, and plasticizer, contributing gloss and stability to a wide range of formulations. Warm to melt before use and incorporate into the fat phase.

Typical use levels:

• 2–30% depending on desired firmness and gloss
• Ideal for emulsions, balms, and vegan solid products

For best results, combine with emollients such as jojoba oil, cocoa butter, or coconut oil to balance hardness and spreadability.

For external use only.

Natural Living Note

Candelilla Wax offers the beauty of balance — strength and softness, structure and shine. A sustainable plant-based wax with a clean finish, it’s a cornerstone ingredient for vegan and eco-conscious formulators seeking performance without compromise.

Related Collections: