What is Candelilla Wax?

Candelilla Wax is a 100% plant-derived wax obtained from the stems of a plant belonging to the Euphorbia genus, native to Mexico and the Southern USA. It is approximately twice as hard as beeswax, so it is used in lower concentrations in formulations.

An indispensable ingredient in vegan cosmetic formulations, Candelilla Wax is used in numerous products such as lip balm, lipstick, stick deodorant, solid perfume, and hair pomade.

How Does It Differ from Beeswax?

• 100% vegan — no animal ingredients
• Higher melting point than beeswax (68–73°C vs 62–65°C)
• Harder structure — used 50% less in formulations
• Provides a glossy, non-breakable structure
• Can be used in COSMOS-compliant, natural certified products

Recipe 1: Classic Vegan Lip Balm (10 units x 4.5 g)

Ingredients

• Candelilla Wax — 10% (4.5 g)
• Shea Butter — 20% (9 g)
• Cocoa Butter — 15% (6.75 g)
• Coconut Oil — 20% (9 g)
• Jojoba Oil — 20% (9 g)
• Almond Oil — 10% (4.5 g)
• Pure Vitamin E — 1% (0.45 g)
• Vanilla Essential Oil — 1% (0.45 g)
• Propanediol BIOBLANCA — 3% (1.35 g)

Instructions

1. Melt Candelilla Wax, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, and Coconut Oil using a double boiler method (75°C).
2. Remove from heat, and when it cools to 50°C, add Jojoba and Almond Oils.
3. At 45°C, add Vitamin E, Propanediol, and Vanilla oil.
4. Immediately pour into lip balm tubes or jars.
5. Allow to cool at room temperature without moving.

Recipe 2: Glossy & Tinted Lip Balm

Ingredients

• Candelilla Wax — 8% (3.6 g)
• Cocoa Butter — 25% (11.25 g)
• Castor Oil — 30% (13.5 g) — for shine
• Jojoba Oil — 20% (9 g)
• Shea Butter — 10% (4.5 g)
• Pure Vitamin E — 1% (0.45 g)
• Pink Powder Pigment (COVAPEARL PINK) — 1% (0.45 g)
• Vanilla or Rose Essential Oil — 1% (0.45 g)
• Propanediol BIOBLANCA — 4% (1.8 g)

Instructions

1. Melt Candelilla Wax and solid oils using a double boiler method.
2. Pre-disperse the pigment in Castor Oil (crush thoroughly with a spatula).
3. Add the pigment dispersion to the melted mixture and mix thoroughly.
4. At 50°C, add liquid oils, Vitamin E, and essential oil.
5. Pour into tubes or jars.

Formulation Tips

• Keep the Candelilla Wax ratio between 8–12%. If using beeswax, use half of this ratio.
• Increase the Shea Butter ratio for a softer balm.
• Increase the Castor Oil ratio for a glossier balm.
• When adding pigment, always pre-disperse it in oil; otherwise, it will clump.
• Candelilla Wax can be combined with Sugarcane Wax or Rice Wax.

Where Can You Obtain the Raw Materials?

All raw materials used in this recipe are available at the db/PURE store:

• Candelilla Wax
• Shea Butter
• Cocoa Butter
• Castor Oil
• Pink Powder Pigment

Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding vegan cosmetic production!