CANDELILLA WAX

Candelilla Wax
INCI Name: Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla Wax)
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

Sustainably Sourced: Yes, see below
Pesticides: The Candelilla plant is harvested in areas where no pesticides are used. We can reasonably state that our Candelilla Wax is pesticide free.

Packaging: Boxes, bags
Description: Dark brown to orange flakes or beads; mild wax odor
Applications: Skincare, Bath products, Soap making

Candelilla wax makes an excellent vegan addition to lotions, creams, lotion bars, salves, lip balms and furniture polish. Candelilla wax is 100% vegan and is most often used as an alternative to beeswax. I do know that candelilla wax does not perform the same exact way as beeswax so when working with candelilla wax you will need to work in small batches and do some testing to ensure the final product meets your expectations. Candelilla wax should be added in the heated phase.

We have received a lot of questions about using candelilla wax in candles with the Coconut 1 (100% coconut wax). I am not familiar with how candelilla wax burns so you would need to do your own testing to verify the end results.

Candelilla Wax Sustainability

The Candelilla Piant (Euphorbia Antisyphilitica and Pedilanthus Pavonis) grows in Northeastern Mexico in the wilds of the north central plains and foothills of the Chihuahua Desert, a semi-arid area of more than 100,000 square kilometers.

The production of Candelilla Wax is confined to areas where rugged climatic and topographical conditions combine to produce the highest wax-yielding varieties. Plants growing in the hottest and driest areas produce a scale-like covering on the plant, which, after processing at hundreds of rural sites, yields a hard vegetable wax of superior quality.

A recent documentary reported unsafe working conditions in the field where Candelilla is harvested, including the use of hazardous chemicals without protection and denial of basic needs like water and toilets. Our crude wax (cerate) suppliers have confirmed to us that the conditions reported do not reflect the working environment of their suppliers.

Cerate producers are free to work with any company and are independent of our suppliers. Our suppliers have and will continue to support workers with new and necessary safety equipment, including respirators, PPE and the iron cauldrons used to extract the cerate in a safe manner.

In the field, there are deep wells providing access to fresh water, and toilet facilities are present and available. Further, there is access to vehicle transportation of the cut plants to production sites, and pack animals are no longer used.

The use of sulfuric acid is typical for the process and has been present for more than 35 years. There are no reported accidents.

We have built long-term relationships with our strategic suppliers based on mutual respect and common goals. We actively seek business partners who share our principles and ethical commitments. We support only those suppliers who embrace this concept and terminate relationships with those who reject similar values.

Our suppliers have declared to us that they comply with local, state, and federal legislation with regard to labor standards, including wages, working hours, and child labor laws. They confirm to us that the working conditions in the fields are and have been good, that workers enjoy premium wages and the internet documentary does not fairly reflect their experience.

Candelilla wax is sold in 1-pound biodegradable bag, 5-pound biodegradable bag, 25-pound bag and 55.115-pound boxes. Please email for orders over 15 boxes.

Storage: Keep in enclosed box.

Best Used By: Two years from date of purchase.

Shelf Life Once Used in Manufacturing: Two years from manufacturing date.