Candelilla Wax NF

Candelilla Wax NF is a yellow to brown plant wax used in a wide range of industries. This wax comes from an indigenous shrub, Euphorbia Cerifera, in northern Mexico. The natural wax protects the plant against the heat of the desert environment and prevents excessive evaporation. Candelilla wax is farmed in Mexico and the crude wax is processed at our manufacturing plant in Watertown, Connecticut. We remove the highly resinous material for easier use in industries along the manufacturing chain. This material complies with the NF monograph and is suitable for food, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetic applications. Candelilla wax is a vegetable/plant wax that contains natural hydrocarbons and offers excellent gloss and structuring of a wide range of oils. It is a highly compatible natural wax ideal for use where firm consistency and high melt point are important. Candelilla is also highly compatible with other waxes both natural and synthetic and offers water repellency and film-forming properties. It is used as a glazing agent in the food, confection, and pharmaceutical industries, as a slip aid in dental floss, and can be used as a vegan option in gelling oils in nutraceutical applications.

Candelilla wax is not available as organic. The USDA/NOP will not certify this wax due to the additional processing that occurs to remove the wax from the shrub. At the time of print, to our knowledge, any candelilla wax listed as organic is counterfeit.

The Koster Keunen formulation team has created many cosmetic formulas including natural deodorants, ointments, lip balms, hair fixatives, and color cosmetics. It can help support a cosmetic formula by acting as a main structuring wax. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating allowing it to be used in sensitive skin and baby products. Candelilla wax is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and can be used in food and food contact applications like cutting board protection.

Koster Keunen partners with candelilla suppliers to ensure a fair price to farmers and collectors. We believe in the well-being and safety of every human in the supply chain. We are working with the local government to provide training and support reforestation of the candelilla shrub to support the sustainability of the process.