Candelilla Wax

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Candelilla Wax is a natural vegetable wax derived from the leaves of the Euphorbia cerifera shrub, native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. It appears as a hard, brittle, light yellow to brown wax with a mild, characteristic odor. This wax is valued for its high melting point, gloss-enhancing properties, and excellent binding capabilities. It is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and industrial applications as a vegan alternative to beeswax. Its film-forming, emollient, and stabilizing attributes make it a multifunctional ingredient across several industries.

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Categories: Emollients, Thickeners Tags: Candelilla wax, Candles and polishes, Cosmetics and skincare, Food glazing agent, Lip balms and lipsticks, Natural wax, Yellow wax

Description

Table of Contents

Candelilla Wax

Primary Uses

Cosmetics & Personal Care

Used in lipsticks, lip balms, lotions, and creams for structure, consistency, and shine.
Provides a glossy finish and improves the hardness and melting behavior of balms and sticks.
Acts as a skin-conditioning agent and water-repellent film former.

Pharmaceuticals

Used as a coating and binding agent in tablets and capsules.
Serves as a base in ointments, salves, and topical formulations due to its emollient and stabilizing properties.

Food Industry

Approved as a food additive (E902) used as a glazing agent in confections, chewing gum, and baked goods.
Provides shine and protection to fruits and candy coatings.

Industrial Applications

Used in polishes, varnishes, and coatings to enhance hardness and shine.
Serves as a lubricant and water-repellent in applications like leather treatment and wood preservation.
Applied in the formulation of biodegradable waxes and eco-friendly packaging.

Secondary Uses

Candle Making

Used as a component in specialty candles to adjust melting point and hardness, and enhance fragrance throw.

Textile & Leather Finishing

Employed in textile and leather treatments for waterproofing and polishing effects.

Art Supplies

Used in encaustic painting and sculpture wax blends for its high melting point and smooth finish.

Automotive

Utilized in car wax formulations to improve surface gloss and durability.

KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): Not applicable (natural mixture of esters, hydrocarbons, alcohols, and acids)
Common/Trade Name: Candelilla Wax
CAS Number: 8006-44-8
HS Code: 1521.90.90
Molecular Formula: Not applicable (complex natural mixture)
Synonyms:
- Euphorbia Wax
- Candelilla plant wax
- Candelilla cera
- Vegetable wax from Euphorbia cerifera

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: Solid wax (flakes, pellets, or blocks)
Color & Odor: Light yellow to brown; mild, characteristic odor
Melting Point: 68–73°C (154–163°F)
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Density: ~0.983 g/cm³ at 25°C
Solubility:
- Insoluble in water
- Soluble in chloroform, acetone, benzene, and certain oils
Acid Value: 12–22 mg KOH/g
Saponification Value: 43–65 mg KOH/g
Stability: Stable under normal conditions; resistant to oxidation

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous
NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 0
- Flammability: 1
- Reactivity: 0
Exposure Limits: Not established; generally considered safe
Toxicity: Non-toxic; GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status for food use
Reactivity: Non-reactive; may burn if exposed to open flame

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and ignition sources
Container Type: Food-grade or industrial-grade lined containers or HDPE bags
Shelf Life: Up to 5 years if stored properly
Special Handling: Use PPE when handling molten wax; avoid inhalation of fumes if heated

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

FDA Status: GRAS for food use (21 CFR §172.886)
Food Additive Code (EU): E902 (glazing agent)
REACH Status: Registered
Transportation: Not regulated as hazardous material
Waste Disposal: Dispose in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; biodegradable

6. Environmental & Health Impact

Ecotoxicity: Low environmental impact; non-toxic to aquatic or terrestrial life
Persistence: Biodegradable
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Heat-resistant gloves (when handling molten wax)
Protective eyewear
Lab coat or apron
Respirator (only when melting large volumes or in poorly ventilated areas)

Handling Measures:

Avoid contact with hot wax to prevent burns
Use proper ventilation if heating
Do not mix with oxidizing agents

Storage Measures:

Keep container tightly sealed
Avoid exposure to heat, sparks, or open flames
Use first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory method

Hygiene Practices:

Wash hands after handling
Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling the product

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Not hazardous at room temperature; if fumes are inhaled during heating, move to fresh air
Skin Contact: Cool area with water if hot wax contacts skin; seek medical attention for burns
Eye Contact: Flush with plenty of water; seek medical attention if irritation persists
Ingestion: Not toxic; if large amounts are ingested, seek medical advice

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Combustible at high temperatures
Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO₂, or foam
Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Decomposition Products: May release CO, CO₂, and hydrocarbon vapors when burned