Candelilla wax is obtained from several species of Euphorbiaceae, rush-like perennial plants that grow in the semiarid
regions of northern Mexico and southern Texas, and to a limited extent in Arizona and southern California. The plants consist
of numerous slender, leafless cylindrical stalks 2 to 5 ft high, covered with a powdery wax that gives the plant a blue-green color.
The wax is extracted from the plants by immersing the dried stalks in boiling water acidified with sulfuric acid; the molten product is
skimmed off as it rises to the surface. The wax is transferred to lead-lined tanks, kept at the boiling point to remove water, and then allowed
to settle to remove any dirt present. The yield of clarified wax is from 1.5 to 3.0% of the air-dried plant. The sole criterion of purity is usually
the color of the product, which varies from light yellow to brown. For other details of description, refer to Burdock (1997).
candelilla wax (Euphorbia cerifera) binds oils and waxes, and gives body to a formulation. It is also used as a film former. It is obtained from candelilla plants and is similar to carnauba wax.
manufacture of cosmetics, rubber substitutes, furniture and leather polishes, candles, sealing wax, phonograph records; for waterproofing boxes and fabrics; electric insulations; lithographic, printing, stamping and writing inks; molding compositions; sizing paper; hardening other waxes; protective coating for citrus fruits; formerly in chewing gum.
Candelilla Wax is a lubricant and surface finishing agent obtained
from the candelilla plant. it is a hard, yellowish-brown, opaque-to-
translucent wax. candelilla wax is prepared by immersing the plants
in boiling water containing sulfuric acid and skimming off the wax
that rises to the surface. it is composed of about 50% hydrocarbons
with smaller amounts of esters and free acids. it is used in chewing
gum and hard candy.
Yellowish-brown, opaque to translucent solid. Soluble in chloroform, turpentine, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene, toluene, hot petroleum ether, and alkalies; insoluble in water. Combustible.
