6 Most Common Plant-Based Waxes

1. 6 Most Common Plant-Based Waxes uberant.com/article/758217-6-most-common-plant-based-waxes Posted by allyorganic on April 21st, 2020 Nowadays, we have a variety of waxes (paraffin, gel, beeswax, etc.) used for different purposes. There are also plant-based wax versions, such as soy, carnauba, or Refined Bayberry Wax. Paraffin was the most popular type until recently, mostly because of its low price. However, researches have shown paraffin is the most dangerous type of wax for our health. Concepts of sustainability and bio-degradability have gained more interest in the past few years, which is when natural, plant-based waxes came to the forefront. 1. Soy wax Made by extraction of soybeans, soy wax is 100% vegetable product, 100% environmentally friendly, and biodegradable. It doesn’t contain carcinogenic or toxic substances. Soy wax is easy to clean and doesn’t leave stains. Candles made of soy wax make the most common alternative to paraffin candles made of petroleum. Soy candles burn clean and way longer than paraffin. 2. Carnauba wax Also known as palm wax, carnauba wax is made of Brazilian carnauba palm trees. Leaves of the plant are harvested, dried, and then beaten. Carnauba wax boasts a nice, shiny finish, which is why it is used for making shoe polishes, car polishes, etc. 3. Jojoba wax Jojoba is a plant grown in Mexico, Israel, Costa Rica, and the US. Jojoba seeds that are proved to have moisturizing and protective properties are used for making jojoba wax. Mostly used in the beauty industry, Jojoba wax is still sometimes mistaken for jojoba oil, although they are used for different purposes. 1/2

2. 4. Candelilla wax Native to the southwest of the US and northern Mexico, Candelilla shrubs are used for the Candelilla wax production. The whole mature plant gets immersed in boiling, acid water, after which the wax separates to the surface. This plant-based wax is usually combined with other types as it hardens the mixture without exposing the product to the extreme temperatures. 5. Rice-bran wax Just like its name suggests, rice-bran wax is extracted from the rice grain. This type of wax boasts a high melting point. Thus, it has its own place in making candles and food coatings. It mixes well with carnauba wax. 6. Bayberry wax The outer layer of the bayberry fruit is coated with bayberry wax. However, as it is impossible to collect greater amounts of wax this way, bayberries are collected and then, boiled in the water. Through the centuries, bayberry wax was one of the most expensive ones. It takes a lot of fruits and a lot of time to gather a decent amount of wax. Bayberry Wax is used in the beauty industry as it holds skin-friendly properties as well as for making candles (usually around Christmas and New Year’s Eve). Summary Plant-based waxes are famous for their moisturizing and binding properties. With a wide range of natural, vegan, and organic waxes (such as refined bayberry wax, soy wax, etc), the world started paying more attention to products that are beneficial for human health and the environment. 2/2