candelilla wax (vegan)

Candelilla wax is extracted from the leaves and stems of the candelilla bush (Euphorbia antisyphillitica, Euphorbia cerifera, Euphorbia bracteata). These species of the Euphorbia genus belong to the spurge family and originate from Mexico. The grey-green, unbranched branches and the few leaves are covered with a hard plant wax that effectively protects the candelilla bush against moisture loss in the extreme heat of its native habitat.

When making wax, the Euphorbia bush is completely cut off so that only the roots of the plant remain in the ground. The upper part of the plant then sprouts again and is able to grow back completely within 3 years. The freshly cut branches and leaves are boiled in water so that the melted wax rises to the surface. There it is skimmed off and filled into containers where it quickly solidifies when it cools.

Candelilla wax is a very hard, purely vegan wax, significantly harder than non-vegan beeswax. The yellowish plant wax melts at a temperature range between 67 and 79 degrees Celsius.

Candelilla wax feels pleasant on the skin, combines well with plant oils and has a pleasant smell that is quite similar to beeswax when hot. Candelilla wax is not only used in vegan natural cosmetics, but also in the food industry. There, the plant wax is used as a coating for gummy bears or chocolate, for example.

For natural hair styling, defined hold and loose waves with a matte or shiny finish, Candelilla is a purely vegan plant wax in our Organic Argan Hair Wax and Organic Forming Texturizer Wax. Candelilla smoothes the surface of the hair fiber, giving the hair strength and shine without sticking.