Natural and homemade cosmetics are currently highly regarded and recommended. Among the ingredients, you must often hear about natural wax. The most popular is beeswax, an animal wax, but vegetable waxes are less talked about this.
Candelilla wax is one of them, and it is mainly used as a base in natural cosmetics. You can find it on several cosmetic products (balms, creams, etc.).
Apart from its emollient and thickening properties, it is also in demand for its nourishing and moisturizing capacity. It makes excellent cosmetic care.
Candelilla wax as a cosmetic ingredient
Wax is mainly used in cosmetics to harden and texturize them. It is for this reason that it is a primary ingredient. It allows lipstick, cream, deodorant… or mascara to resist heat. By hardening the cosmetic, it facilitates mold release and adhesion.
It also makes it possible to stabilize the emulsions. It is often present in homemade cosmetic recipes. As a natural hardener, it is as popular as beeswax.
You can also use Candelilla wax to replace it in a vegan recipe. It is also present in several beauty products on the market.
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Candelilla wax is essential to care for the skin.
Candelilla wax has protective and film-forming properties that protect the skin from aggressions. This protective film is effective in retaining water and therefore preventing dehydration.
It is, therefore, necessary to allow cosmetics to block out external aggressions. Especially since the wax quickly penetrates the skin and can nourish and treat it sincerely.
In addition, vegetable wax can be used on any skin, even the most sensitive. The fact that it is emollient allows it to soften and supple the skin.
Beeswax or Candelilla wax, which one to choose?
Between animal wax and vegetable wax, the choice can be difficult. Candelilla wax use in place of beeswax. It means that they have similar properties and benefits (protective and film-forming).
Besides their different origins, a slight difference is noticed during the application.
Unlike beeswax, Candelilla has a better hold, and its hydration lasts longer. It is also harder, more brittle, and solidifies faster. Its slightly fatter texture leaves a longer-lasting protective film and is more nourishing.
And it is precisely for this reason that it is much appreciated in winter care. However, the use of the two natural waxes remains pleasant and straightforward.
Chemical composition of Candelilla wax
Candelilla wax is composed of:
- Hydrocarbons: around 50%
- Esters: 20 to 29%
- Free fatty acids: 7 to 9%
- Resins: 12 to 14%
This composition may vary depending on the species of Candelilla, its age, and the year of harvest.
Esters are emollients and can form a fatty film on the epidermis. They soften, improve elasticity and preserve moisture in the skin.
Fatty acids help strengthen protective barriers and maintain moisture in the skin or hair. Also called omegas, they also fight inflammation and aid in healing. And they fight free radicals.
Physical characteristics of Candelilla wax
Candelilla wax is extracted from the Candelilla or Euphorbia shrub. It looks rugged and melts from 68 to 73 ° C. The refined wax has a transparent yellow color, while the raw wax is a café au lait brown in color. Unlike beeswax, it is odorless. It is insoluble in water and not sticky. It is a perfectly non-toxic product.
Extraction and conservation of Candelilla wax
There are two types of candelilla wax extraction processes:
1: use of fresh plant
You have to choose a fresh plant to extract the wax. The Candelilla should be immersed in boiling water mixed with sulfuric acid.
Traditionally, the operation is carried out in iron cauldrons called “pailas.” In the oily phase, it is necessary to skim to remove impurities.
Then, heat over low heat to get rid of excess water. Then it is enough to cool for the wax to harden. With this process, the yield is about 1.75%.
2: Use of dry plant
This process requires the use of solvents. Then you have to refine the wax and add sulfuric acid to remove impurities.
The wax should be filtered through activated charcoal or porous soil. It is after that it is bleached with hydrogen peroxide. By using this process, you can achieve a yield of 2.5 to 5%.
Conservation
For your candelilla wax to be well preserved, put it in a cool and dry place. And make sure that its container is well sealed.
Origin and botany of Candelilla
Candelilla has several scientific names: Euphorbia antisyphilitica, Euphorbia Cerifera, Pedilanthus pavonis. It is a plant native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States.
The most incredible abundance is found in the Chihuahua Desert. It is from the Euphorbiaceae family (Euphorbiaceae). It is a shrubby cactus that can reach an average of 100 centimeters.
It is made up of leafless stems that are hard and brittle. Candela is a succulent plant that grows in semi-desert areas. It secretes wax to protect itself from attacks from its environment.
This wax also prevents it from excessive evaporation, which allows it to survive in the semi-desert climate. Candelilla blooms in spring and fall, and its flowers line up along the branches.
History of Candelilla wax
The production of Candelilla wax dates back to the early 20 century. The natives of northern Mexico discovered it. And it has long been the economic source of the region.
At its discovery, its extraction was done with clay pots. It is used in candles to stretch, tan the skin, or treat toothaches…
During World War II, its production skyrocketed. But, the development of the petroleum industry brought down the wax market.
Indeed, it has been replaced by petroleum by-products. The use of natural products has skyrocketed recently. And Candelilla wax is making a strong comeback in the cosmetics market.
Home cosmetics achievable with candelilla wax
Several recipes are feasible with Candelilla wax. Here are a few that you can make at home.
Lipstick recipe
The lipstick or lip balm is necessary to protect and hydrate the lips. It is often required to prevent drying out caused by winter.
The list of ingredients:
- Candelilla wax: 5 g
- Mango butter: 4 g
- Vanilla macerate: 10 g
- Glycerin: 1 g
- Vitamin E
Preparation and application:
- Melt the wax and the mango butter in a double boiler.
- Stir to speed up the process.
- Add the vanilla macerate, glycerin, and vitamin E, stirring each time.
- Pour the preparation into the sticks (use a container with a spout or a funnel).
- Put in the freezer to harden.
- First, let it dry for 24 hours before using the stick.
Benefits of the stick:
The stick nourishes, protects, and beautifies your lips. But above all, it prevents drought and small cracks.
Black mascara recipe
Mascara is essential to finalize eye makeup. It thickens your eyelashes and awakens your eyes.
The list of ingredients:
- Candelilla wax: ½ teaspoon
- Coconut oil: 1 teaspoon / g
- Aloe vera gel: 3 teaspoons
- Powdered vegetable charcoal: 1 teaspoon
- Vitamin E: 1 teaspoon
Benefits of mascara:
While giving you doe eyes, mascara is care for your eyelashes. It nourishes, repairs, softens and strengthens your eyelashes, ideal for preventing falls and promoting growth.
Preparation and application:
- Melt the wax with vitamin E in a double boiler.
- Add the coconut oil and mix.
- Add the aloe vera gel and the charcoal powder.
- Mix well to dissolve the charcoal.
- Let cool.
- And you can try it.
Texturizing Hair Pomade Recipe
The list of ingredients:
- Candelilla wax: 15 ml
- Shea or mango butter: 30 ml
- vegetable oil of your choice: 1 tbsp
- Vegetable glycerin: 1 tablespoon
- Cornstarch: 2 teaspoons
- Vitamin E: 5 drops
- Essential oil of your choice: 10 drops
Preparation and application:
- Melt the Candelilla wax in a double boiler.
- Add vegetable oil and shea butter, then melt as well.
- Add the glycerin and remove the preparation from the heat.
- Add the cornstarch and mix until you get a smooth texture.
- Let cool for a few minutes before adding vitamin E and essential oils.
- Put in an airtight container and leave in the freezer for about ten minutes.
- Check and shake along the way to prevent starch from settling to the bottom.
- Remove from the freezer once the ointment is set, stored at room temperature, and protected from light.
- For the application, just put a small amount on your fingertips and add a little if necessary.
- Apply the pomade to dry hair.
Benefits of the ointment
It texturizes hair, defines curls, and tames frizz. The hair is at the same time nourished, hydrated, and protected from aggressions.
Precautions for use and contraindication
Candelilla wax can be used by all members of your family, from the youngest to the oldest.