Candelilla Cera
AKA “Candelilla wax, Euphorbia cerifera wax”
Emollient
Ingredient Facts
Candelilla cera
AKA: Candelilla wax, Euphorbia cerifera wax
Emollient · Emollient · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Emollient
Occlusive
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
Candelilla Cera is the extract of the wax obtained from the candelilla, Euphorbia cerifera, Euphorbiaceae
CAS #
8006-44-8
Form
Wax
See origin →
Functions
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A wax extracted from the leaves of the Candelilla shrub (Euphorbia cerifera), native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. Historically used by indigenous peoples and later commercially harvested for candle and polish production before becoming a cosmetic ingredient in the 20th century.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Candelilla Wax, Carnauba Wax, Japan Wax, and Beeswax
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Candelilla Cera
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
A peculiar case of sensitization to Candelilla Cera and sucrose (di)stearate in a toddler.
Darrigade AS, Dendooven E, Mangodt E, Vermander E, Hagendorens M et al.
Contact dermatitis, 2020
Candelilla Wax
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Euphorbia Cerifera Candelilla Wax
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Enhancement of the Gel Hardness of Candelilla Wax through the Addition of Long-chain Ester Wax Behenyl Behenate.
Shimizu T, Tanabe T, Kachi H, Shibata M
Journal of oleo science, 2022
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR