Candelilla wax is a natural plant wax derived from Euphorbia antisyphilitica Zucc., which is grown in the semi-desert regions. It is a complex mixture composed of wax hydrocarbons, wax, resin esters, lactones, free wax resin alcohols, and free wax resin acids.
This wax is a globally recognized food additive approved by the FDA, used mainly as a glazing agent and binder for chewing gums. As a food additive, candelilla wax has the E number E 902.
Candelilla wax is obtained through extraction from the plants by immersion in a tank containing boiling water acidified with sulfuric acid. Candelilla wax is a hard and brittle wax. It is composed of about 20-29% wax esters, 12-14% alcohols and sterols, 49-50% hydrocarbons, 7-9% free acids, 2-3% moisture and 1% mineral matter.
Candelilla wax
