Euphorbia Cerifera Wax is a naturally derived product obtained from the plant Euphorbia Cerifera also known scientifically as Euphorbia antisyphilitica. It is a plant belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family and grows in Texas and New Mexico.

Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, also known as candelilla wax, is derived from the leaves and stems of the candelilla shrub. This wax is highly valued in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations for its texture-enhancing properties. It is a hard, brittle wax, which makes it effective as a thickener and suitable for stabilizing emulsions. Additionally, it provides a smooth texture and contributes to the viscosity of products. In cosmetics, candelilla wax is used in lipsticks, lip balms, lotions, and other skincare and beauty products. It acts as a vegan alternative to beeswax and offers excellent film-forming and skin-conditioning properties, which help to create a protective barrier on the skin while also providing a glossy finish.

Industrial Production Process

• Collection. Euphorbia Cerifera plants, known as candelilla, are harvested mainly in the arid regions of northern Mexico.
• Drying. The harvested plants are left to dry in the sun to reduce moisture content and facilitate wax extraction.
• Boiling. The dried plants are immersed in sulfuric acid-water mix and heated. This process helps dissolve the wax, which then rises to the surface.
• Wax collection. The floating wax is skimmed off the surface of the water.
• Purification. The collected wax is purified through filtration and clarification processes to remove impurities and plant residues.
• Block forming. Once purified, the wax is melted and formed into blocks or pellets for commercial distribution.
• Quality control. Before commercialization, candelilla wax undergoes rigorous quality tests to ensure it meets the required standards for its various applications.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics - INCI Functions

• Cosmetic astringent. This ingredient exerts a direct effect on the skin by tightening dilated pores by contracting stratum corneum cells and removing superfluous oil.
• Emulsion stabiliser. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable. Emulsion stabilisers improve the formation and stability of single and double emulsions. as well as their shelf-life. It should be noted that in the structure-function relationship, the molar mass of the ingredient used plays an important role.
• Film-forming agent. It produces, upon application, a very thin continuous film with an optimal balance of cohesion, adhesion and stickiness on skin, hair or nails to counteract or limit damage from external phenomena such as chemicals, UV rays and pollution.
• Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.
• Perfuming. Unlike fragrance, which can also contain slightly less pleasant or characteristic odours, the term perfume indicates only very pleasant fragrances. Used for perfumes and aromatic raw materials. 
• Viscosity control agent. It controls and adapts, Increasing or decreasing, viscosity to the required level for optimal chemical and physical stability of the product and dosage in gels, suspensions, emulsions, solutions. 

CAS  8006-44-8

EC number   232-347-0

Main uses and benefits of Euphorbia cerifera wax.

Emollient and Protective Properties. Candelilla wax provides a protective barrier on the skin, helping to retain moisture and protect it from environmental agents, ideal for products like lip balms and hand creams.

Formulation Stabilization. It enhances the texture and stability of cosmetic formulations, making products more effective and pleasant to apply.

Glossing Effect. It can be used to give a glossy effect to hair and skin products, enhancing aesthetic appeal.

Vegan and Sustainable. It serves as an excellent plant-based alternative to beeswax, suitable for vegan formulations and environmentally friendly.

Water Resistance. It offers water-repellent properties, making cosmetic products more resistant to water and suitable for use in humid conditions.

Use in Various Industries. Beyond cosmetics, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera is used in the production of candles, waterproofing products, and even in some industrial applications.