CANDELILLA WAX

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.

Yellowish-brown, opaque to translucent solid. Soluble in chloroform, turpentine, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene, toluene, hot petroleum ether, and alkalies; insoluble in water. Combustible.