Ingredient Highlight: Candelilla Wax

It’s no secret that the grooming/cosmetic market has been introducing vegan-alternative ingredients over the last half decade. One of which is candelilla wax. But what exactly is candelilla wax and how is it different from other traditional waxes?

Well buckle up buddy, here’s everything you need to know about the lustrous beast that is candelilla wax.

HOW IT’S MADE

Candelilla wax is a wax ester derived from the wild candelilla shrub Euphorbia cerifera. The wax is extracted by boiling the shrub to extract the main hydrophobic (oil) compounds. Once the wax is separated from the water, it is filtered and purified through carbon minerals, clays, and hydrogen peroxide. After all the wax has been purified, its final form is a hard and yellow wax that is then mechanically broken up into smaller flakes for easier use.

WHAT IT’S LIKE

Candelilla wax is a popular (and rightfully so) substitute for beeswax in cosmetic formulas like body creams/lotions, hair products, lip balms, candles, and the list goes on. The biggest difference between beeswax and candelilla wax is that candelilla wax is roughly twice as hard and less sticky than beeswax. This means you can use about half the amount of candelilla wax compared to beeswax and yield a similar product but with a slightly cleaner feel. Candelilla wax also won’t dry out or damage your skin/hair since it retains moisture extremely well. We use candelilla wax as a main wax in our “Pomade” and “Matte Clay” because it provides a strong hold with a clean and smooth final consistency. Not to mention, it’s vegan (which is always a plus).